The darkness was like an endless and bottomless abyss, deep and terrifying.
Bernal now had this feeling. He felt that he was sinking continuously in this abyss.
His body seemed to be out of control as he constantly did free-fall exercises and kept sinking. He did not know when he could reach the end.
As time passed, his body fell faster and faster…
Gradually, Bernal felt warm. When he regained his senses, he felt as if his body was burning.
So hot…
It was really hot!
Bernal was conscious. At least, that was what he thought.
It felt different from the contract he had imagined. Was it not done yet?
If this continued, he felt like he was going to be burnt to ashes.
It was such a painful and torturous process, yet Bernal’s reaction seemed unusually calm.
“You are indeed an interesting person, Bernal.”
When the light finally shone again, what appeared in Bernal’s vision was not the beautiful yet ugly, normal yet evil god.
Instead, she was an ordinary, beautiful woman.
“Rogeria?”
At this moment, Bernal was in Rogeria’s arms. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.
Upon hearing Bernal’s call, Rogeria replied with a smile.
“I’m here.”
Bernal frowned, his tender face revealing a tinge of dissatisfaction as if he was unhappy.
Berner’s gaze focused on Rogeria, seemingly searching for something.
Unfortunately, no matter how he looked at it, it was only a pair of ordinary, beautiful eyes.
“This won’t do. If you look too long, even Bernal will die.”
Rogeria seemed to know what Bernal was attempting. She put on a serious face and tapped on his forehead.
With a tinge of disappointment, Bernal wrapped his arms around Rogeria’s neck and rested his head on her shoulder.
“That was quite the suffering just now. I almost thought that I was going to be all burnt up.”
Recalling the entire process of the contract, Bernal still felt that burning sensation.
“Was that really a part of the contract?”
Rogeria carried Bernal outside.
“Yes, not everyone is qualified to sign a contract with a deity. Even if the deity agrees, the contract itself is a test for the contractor.”
“Okay.”
Qualification? That was rather easy to understand.
Bernal closed his eyes as he lay his head on Rogeria’s shoulder.
Rogeria strolled in the air, bringing Bernal along towards the cave entrance.
Seemingly bored, Rogeria asked, “Bernal, aren’t you surprised at all?”
“What do you mean?”
“About how I know your name?”
Regarding this, Bernal casually replied, “Aren’t you a god? Such things should be ordinary to you.”
“Is that so? But your reaction is really calm.”
“Most people will be overjoyed when they encounter such a situation.”
“Is that so? I don’t think ordinary people can complete the contract process.”
The two chatted as they walked.
Through the conversation, Bernal gradually learned how to interact with Rogeria.
The atmosphere between the two became more harmonious.
In the monster forest, Moss’ knights split into different directions.
It was a dangerous act, but no one complained because they had made that decision on their own.
By increasing the search area further, it could increase the probability of finding Bernal.
Even if it was only a small possibility, they did not want to give up.
To not let down Moss, who trusted them, they would not give up even if they had to risk their lives.
For that, Moss could not stop them even if he wanted to.
“Still no sign of him?”
A middle-aged knight looked at the darkening sky.
The sun was no longer visible.
“The sun is almost setting.”
After some thought, the Knight-Captain told his subordinates.
“There’s no choice. You all can return first. Tell our lord that I’m staying here to continue searching for Young Master.”
With that said, his subordinates hurriedly replied, “I’m not leaving either. I want to search for Young Master too.”
“Me too.”
“If I don’t find Young Master, I’ll be too ashamed to go back and see our Margrave.”
Looking at the young faces, Victor berated, “What are all of you talking about? You’re all so young. Don’t be stubborn. Leave this to me.”
These people had many years ahead of them, and there was no need to stay here and take the risk.
But like Old Victor, these people had already made up their minds and were very determined.
When they made this decision, they were already prepared to sacrifice themselves and face death.
“You people…” Old Victor was at a loss for words as he looked at his subordinates.
Just as everyone thought that Old Victor would agree, he suddenly shouted angrily.
“You better know when to stop. Don’t think that sacrifice is a glorious thing. We are the knights of Margrave Moss, the protectors of the border, and the first line of defense to the west of the kingdom.
“If we are to all die here, then these missions will be placed on the Earl alone.
“Honor and honor, these are worthless in front of the margrave!”