“Where is Pocratee?”
“I do not know,” the priest answered and shook his head. “Such knowledge is only known to the royal branches of Akesolya. As a matter of fact, when our people still lived in Hippocratee, those who wished to become healers must take an oath while facing somewhere toward the southeast. They said that Pocratee was in that direction.”
Southeast… Angor tried to recall his journey after getting out of the waterway. And yes, it sounded like where the hidden village lied.
Angor decided to stop asking since Shadow was giving him really curious looks now. Every time he looked away, Shadow would move in front of him as if the man wanted an answer no matter what.
Angor didn’t intend to reveal Akeso’s information to anyone. A wizard-level monster known by the public would probably be split into several parts by profit hunters within days. The serpent showed him the way out of the concealed village as well as presented him with many gifts. He couldn’t just betray Akeso like that.
However, Shadow was smart enough to notice enough details, since Angor also asked him about the serpent’s name before.
“So this serpent thing, is called Akeso?” Shadow asked.
Angor remained silent.
“And you’re pretty curious about Akeso. You’ve seen it? Or… maybe you saw something related to it?”
Angor looked down, which gave Shadow confidence.
“I see, you know where Akeso is.” Shadow grew excited. “It’s still alive? A thousand years… It must be a wizard-level monster now?”
“It’s not your business.”
Shadow chuckled. “So, Akeso and Pocratee…”
“You better stay away from Pocratee,” Angor said when he quickly read what was on Shadow’s mind, “That’s not something you can sniff about.”
Shadow played innocent and rolled his eyes.
“I think I’ll warn you, just for the sake of our covenant—step in there if you wish to die. It doesn’t matter if you make it as a wizard or truth-finder hero.”
Angor knew as a fact that Pocratee was far from safe, considering how the rainbow dragonflies built their nest in the middle of the place. He still didn’t know why, and he wasn’t strong enough to figure it out either.
“I’ve told you enough. Feel free to go on if you want a quick death.”
Shadow was actually surprised to see Angor acting so seriously. He gave up most of his urge to explore the secret in his mind, but the tiny remains of his idea could rise again… if given the chance.
While they talked, the choir selection also proceeded according to schedule.
Several dozens of singers had finished their performance, and they still hadn’t found a proper “key singer” yet.
“Why do this every year? You can’t just use the same singer?” Angor frowned when he watched the singer group getting smaller. According to the old priest, about 3% of their female members possessed the required power. That was quite a lot, considering the population of Krakoks.
But it seemed as if their selection was going to fail at this rate.
“No. The bloodline power can only be used once. After each ceremony, we must choose a new singer.”
“Once? What will happen to the singer when she uses the power?”
“Nothing in particular. In fact, she will gain fame and wealth for joining the Sky Choir.”
A new group of singers had come onto the stage when Angor quickly noticed someone familiar among them.
Papaya from Seedling Village.