Time Travel? Rebirth? I Will Win This Time!

The Sacred Land, majestic in its own right, seemed, to Mike Bai, no different from any other city. Yet, the power of faith drew people from all corners of the continent, journeying great distances to come on pilgrimage.

Whether it was Christians bearing crosses or bearded men wrapped in headscarves, Mike Bai observed that most of them appeared ragged, yet their steps were resolute.

"What exactly is faith? And what is this Sacred Land?" Mike Bai mused, shaking his head. These were questions for scholars to ponder; as for him, he would focus on finding a way to live a good life.

As Mike Bai and his companions entered the city, they saw the striking contrast of Eastern and Western architecture. The sharp spires of Christian crosses rose beside the minarets of Arabic prayer towers—two traditions, seemingly incompatible, yet standing side by side in an awe-inspiring display of co-existence.

Looking at the distant figures performing their evening prayers, Mike Bai turned to Sir Evred and asked, "Can they also pray here in this holy city?"

"Though Grand Master Odod disagrees, His Majesty the King has decreed that infidels may still come to the city to worship and pray," Sir Evred replied nonchalantly. "As long as they pay the required taxes."

Guided by Evred, Mike Bai arrived at an inn. Evred, needing to report the progress of their escort mission, bid farewell, but not before giving one last reminder.

"The ceremony for Baron Otto's initiation into the Order will be held in a week. Please ensure he attends on time, three days in advance, after attending to his worldly matters," Evred said, giving a curt nod.

"Thank you for the reminder," Mike Bai replied, handing Evred a bulging pouch. "Please accept this 100 Gold Nomismas as a donation for the work of the Lord."

"Your generosity towards the Lord's cause is greatly appreciated. I'm sure Grand Master Odod will commend you for this," Evred said with a smile, accepting the pouch, though Mike Bai subtly slid ten extra coins into his hand.

"I also have one more request. We've just arrived in the Sacred City, and we're looking for a large estate outside the city. Nothing extravagant, just something spacious, no need for any produce," Mike Bai said with a smile.

Evred's eyes twinkled as he felt the subtle "gesture." "Of course, leave it to me. I'll find the best deal possible. And if you encounter any issues in the future, don't hesitate to come to me."

After the farewell, Evred made his way to the Knight's headquarters, where, after passing through several guards, he finally reached Grand Master Odod.

The Grand Master stood before a large map, one hand absently stroking his chin. When Evred's footsteps approached, he spoke without turning around.

"Evred, you're finally back! How was the journey?"

"We were ambushed by infidels, but fortunately, there were no major casualties." Evred spoke, though his face bore none of the merchant's shrewdness—only a wily smile.

"I've long recommended wiping out these infidels completely, but that coward Adrian insists on peaceful coexistence with them!" The Grand Master slammed his fist on the table, his anger palpable as he turned to face Evred. "These are dangerous times, and we must act swiftly!"

After a long pause, as if realizing that Evred was not an enemy, the Grand Master's demeanor softened.

"Is there anything else?"

"On the way, I met a Baron Otto Adler, who is soon to join us as a brother in the faith," Evred reported, a gleam of interest in his eyes.

"Otto Adler, you say? I remember Jean Legoff the Knight Commander mentioning this name in a letter." The Grand Master's eyes narrowed. "What can you tell me about him?"

"He's devout, brave, composed, and skilled. And his nephew donated 100 Gold Nomismas to the Lord's cause!" Evred added, emphasizing the donation.

"More warriors and more gold are always welcome. Go speak with the priest and make sure Otto Adler attends the initiation ceremony next week."

"Yes, Grand Master."

"There is one more task for you. In a few days, you need to…"

Meanwhile, Mike Bai and his companions settled into the inn. Otto entered Mike Bai's room shortly after.

"Mike Bai, I need to visit the Holy Mountain. I may be back late."

"I'm coming with you, Uncle."

Otto had planned to advise Mike Bai to stay behind, but upon seeing his determination, he relented. The two of them made their way through the busy streets, guided by locals until they reached the Holy Mountain, just outside the city.

Otto and Mike Bai found a quiet stone to sit on, and the two of them fell into silence, watching the pilgrims as they made their way up the mountain.

As the sun set, the pilgrims gradually dispersed, leaving only Otto and Mike Bai. Night fell, and Mike Bai, unable to keep his eyes open any longer, leaned against Otto, falling asleep.

In the morning, Mike Bai awoke to find himself wrapped in a blanket, with Otto still sitting motionless, just as he had been the night before.

After a long pause, Otto finally spoke, his voice low. "Mike Bai, do you think the Lord will forgive Eve?"

"He will! If He doesn't, then He's not worthy of being called the Lord," Mike Bai replied firmly.

Otto stood, dusted off Mike Bai's clothes, and gave him a soft pat on the shoulder. "Let's go. It's time to return."

"Mm!"

Back in the city, Otto, now more talkative, had been giving Mike Bai advice on everything under the sun, much to Mike Bai's amusement and frustration.

"Uncle Otto, you're not going anywhere! I live right next door, and we agreed to return together!"

Otto chuckled, then called over Demor, handing Mike Bai a key.

"This is the key to the Adler family's chest. I believe you'll put it to good use."

"I will! And when you return from your leave, don't forget to bring your friends with you for dinner. I'll make plenty of food to entertain you all!"

Otto laughed and patted Mike Bai's head, silently praying, "May the Lord protect Mike Bai... and if He could keep him free from the temptation of wealth, that would be even better."

Just then, Evred knocked on the door.

"Mike Bai, the Order happens to have an estate that matches your requirements. If you're free today, I can take you to see it."

Eager to escape Otto's incessant advice, Mike Bai gladly followed Evred. The estate lay just three kilometers outside the Sacred City. Surrounded by low adobe walls, it spanned over 20 acres. Within, the desert-style buildings, including guest rooms, stables, and warehouses, had all the necessary amenities. Mike Bai even discovered a weaving room and a blacksmith's forge.

"This estate, while poor in soil and lacking any produce, is very close to the Order and the Sacred City. It once belonged to a large-bearded merchant, but he was exiled last year for treason. The Order confiscated the property, and the servants were dismissed. However, the furniture is still usable," Evred explained. "What do you think? You can buy it for just 500 Gold Nomismas."

"Evred, you've dropped your wallet!" Mike Bai called out.

Evred bent down quickly, scooping up the wallet with a grin.

"Ah, I'm so clumsy!" he said, counting the 20 Gold Nomismas inside.

"The price of the estate?" Mike Bai asked.

Evred hesitated for a moment, then sheepishly replied, "I made a mistake—it's 400 Gold Nomismas."

"Evred, your wallet dropped again!"

Mike Bai smiled, watching Evred reluctantly pick up another wallet. "I suppose, given the state of the estate, 350 Gold Nomismas would be acceptable."

Evred sighed, "Alright, alright, this is the absolute lowest price."

Mike Bai, satisfied, pocketed the wallet. "Can we sign the contract today?"

"Yes!" Evred replied with a smile.

A week later, Otto and several others participated in the initiation ceremony for the Solomon Knights. Dressed in simple linen robes, each of them knelt on one knee before the altar, surrounded by armored knights.

Grand Master Odod stood before them, holding a sword in one hand, his other hand on the Bible.

"Brothers, swear before the Bible."

"I will wield the sword for the Lord and defend the Sacred Land."

"I will obey orders, even unto death."

"I will live in humility, chastity, and kindness."

"I will uphold my duties with purity and love."

After the vows, priests presented them with white robes bearing red crosses, along with armor and swords.

Grand Master Odod approached each new member, lifting them up with great enthusiasm. "In the name of the Lord, defend His glory!"

The knights shouted in unison, "For the Lord!"

Meanwhile, in the Levant's mountain region, a Knight of the Temple stood before a skull-shaped stone. Despite it being daylight, he raised a torch three times.

Moments later, a man cloaked in black emerged from a cave, signaling the knight to follow.

They walked along winding mountain paths, under countless watchful eyes, until they reached a stone chamber.

Behind a screen in the center of the room, a faint light flickered from a brazier, casting eerie shadows.

"I didn't expect a knight to visit," a sharp, hoarse voice came from behind the screen.

"Can't I visit?" the knight replied.

"Of course, but what is it you want?"

The knight chuckled dryly. "I'm here to inform you that the tribute for this year will increase by 30%."

Silence followed.

"We've had peaceful years. Why the sudden increase?"

"We've been attacked by infidels more frequently recently. Just ten days ago, I nearly met the Lord's call myself."

"And what does this have to do with us?" a gruff voice from behind the knight demanded.

"I couldn't care less about your sect's differences," the knight replied coldly. "Pay up, or offer the head of Saladin."

"Enough!" a voice from behind the screen called out, halting the conversation. "We will prepare the tribute by the agreed-upon date."

"You'd better comply," the knight said, turning to leave.

"Hasan! How long will we endure this insult?" the large man behind him shouted angrily.

"Yibin, I know you value the honor of the organization above all else, but…" Hasan began, but before he could finish, the large man stormed out.

"Ah…" a soft sigh echoed from behind the screen.