inalized their business with the Dwarf, they headed toward a cluster of buildings that served as a guesthouse.
— "Not bad. You got in as a guard; usually, you'd start with cleaning duty."
— "Seriously? I thought this worked differently than a company. Am I working as an apprentice?"
Vincente's lips stretched into a loud laugh. — "You know, crime and legal enterprises aren't that far apart. You'd be surprised how many people do business with us. Maybe one day I'll take you to the Flower Festival."
— "What's that?"
— "Well... let's just say for now that it's a fancy place."
Gantz rented an apartment on the tenth floor. The windows overlooked a stone bridge where the sun descended and reflected off the water. Well-dressed people sat on the grass-lined banks, and neatly trimmed trees seemed to warm Gantz's damaged heart.
— "Over there is the noble part of the city. Houses and buildings made of grey bricks, positioned with surgical precision. The sidewalks and streets too—they look perfect." Vincente rested his arm on Gantz's shoulder. — "Well, now that you have a free pass at the brothel, I'm withdrawing my offer; I was going to use my visit money for this month."
— "Don't you have a partner?" Gantz inquired as he sat at an ancient wooden table. It had that smell of old wood—somehow pleasant—and the creak of the chair made him feel even more comfortable.
— "A partner? Look, in our line of work, there are only three types of women: escorts, assassins, and scammers. On the other side of the bridge, the ladies want someone... you know, with money, handsome, and educated. I'm handsome enough," he said with a grin, "but being from this area, it wouldn't work out."
— "But don't you plan on having children?"
— "Children? I have three! Two boys and a girl. They live in the noble area with a caregiver. Where do you think my money goes? We don't earn that little."
— "And the mother?"
— "Mother? Two are human escorts—the boys' mothers—and the girl is half-orc. I'll never forget the day I made her! Man, I don't regret that night at all." His expression seemed enamored as his distant eyes drifted back to that moment.
— "And so what if they are escorts?" Gantz asked, eyebrow raised.
— "My friend, on this street, there is rarely a woman who wants to keep a child. Everyone knows: you get one pregnant? You're going to have to raise it!"
— "That's a bit..."
— "I know, it's not very pleasant. Besides, the Orcs don't accept half-breeds, so you know how it is. But there are worse situations that turn my stomach; some end up in the church orphanage when they aren't accepted by either parent. Actually, most of them do."
— "Leaving this depressing subject aside, can you point me to a nearby church?"
— "Sure. You have to cross the bridge; it must be about three kilometers from here. There are no churches in this area."
— "Why not?"
— "Here, everyone prefers to spend money on women, drugs, and drinks rather than giving tithes. And without tithes, why would a church spend money here?"
— "But why are you going there? After everything, do you still have faith?"
— "I have to believe in something." Gantz shrugged.
Vincente left after a bit more conversation. The amber light of the star shone through the window, illuminating his single bed against the wall and the small nightstand. Memories surfaced—memories that filled his eyes with tears. He wiped them with his wrist, stood up, went to the bathroom, and washed his face before heading out. The building's hallway and staircases felt like a tunnel to him; he didn't even notice the presence of people until he reached the street.
Gantz followed the indicated path, passing small stalls where elderly men and women sold food. There were colored lanterns above their stalls, which reminded him of when he came here with his father. A few dogs wandered the sides, waiting for food, and children in cute, colorful clothes ran through the street.
The streetlights were lit; a star-studded night covered the beautiful city. Gantz crossed the rounded bridge made of large, carefully selected grey stones. The yellow lamplight illuminated the path, and the reflections in the water brought him good feelings. He couldn't help but stop to watch couples playing by the riverbank while laughing, friends drinking and fishing, and grandfathers taking their grandchildren to play.
He continued his way until he reached a stunning construction of blue crystal—entire walls made of crystal. Is this a church? Gantz thought. It's more like a cathedral.
Large towers were built in the four cardinal directions and one in the middle, where a massive blue crystal shone, illuminating the surroundings and creating an underwater atmosphere, as if people were submerged. The doors were adorned with various species of marine animals, such as dolphins, orcas, and whales.
Stepping inside, the hall was enormous and slightly dark; despite being made of crystal, no external light entered. The pews were dark blue and lined with black upholstery. Gantz sat in the very last seat while looking at a representation of various sea creatures—a massive wall featuring an infinity of them.
— "I'd like to know what He looks like," said a priest who approached from behind. — "It's a bit funny to pray to a wall with His work and not His face."
— "Isn't that a sin, Father? Shouldn't one not imagine God's image because His likeness isn't meant for mortals to see?" Gantz asked, looking back.
— "We are human, after all! Curiosity is a talent given by Him as well. Wouldn't you like to see Him? To know His name?"
— "I won't deny it, but His will is His will and it must be followed."
— "Yes! My young man, you are very wise."
The priest sat beside him while admiring the contours of the mural. Although it was dark, a blue light outlined the shapes. — "But what brings you here?"
— "I am looking for a priest by the name of Olete de Cravos Santiago."
— "Why do you seek such a person? I don't recommend getting involved with his kind."
— "You shouldn't say that, Father." Gantz looked at the priest's face for the first time—young, no more than thirty-five, brown hair, a square face, and a firm chin. There were dark circles under his eyes, but they were curved in a smile that conveyed empathy.
— "No, I shouldn't. But that individual disgusts me quite a bit. He is part of a wing of the Church that I am not proud of."
— "Which one?" Gantz asked, adjusting himself in his seat to face the priest.
— "It is no secret that the Church has an Inquisition wing, and Olete is part of it."
— "Isn't the Inquisition for the good of man?
— "In theory, yes. But within them are many sick people who pretend to be doing good to harm others without being punished. Olete is one of them. As I said, do not get involved."
Gantz hid his frustration as best he could.
— "But I must find him!" Gantz said, trying to sound like someone in distress.
— "People like Olete only go to the Cathedral in the city center, on a small island built between two veins of the Emerald River that passes through the city. You won't be able to speak with him; they won't let you in. Are you looking for him because of the Holy Energy in your body?"
Gantz stood up quickly, acting as if he were about to flee.