Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: Mod7
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Chapter 8 - Entering the City
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As I passed through the gates of Aaptukemen, a question arose.
Who had built this massive structure, carved from sandstone? And how?
It was a magnificent edifice, and we entered Aaptukemen beneath its imposing archway.
A desert city,
Surrounded by sand and sandstone, a city of silence…
“…”
Based on Nefer’s description, I had imagined a bustling city, teeming with life,
But the Aaptukemen I saw was practically deserted, a ghost town.
Dryness and silence permeated the air.
Nefer, sensing my bewilderment, offered an explanation.
“During the day, most people stay indoors. As you know, the sun is particularly strong here.”
It was a strange statement, coming from sun worshippers. They seemed more afraid of the sun than reverent.
“Even so, it’s unusually quiet. Why-”
I was about to ask Nefer about the pervasive sense of fear within the city, when three familiar figures approached us, their bodies slithering across the sand.
They were the same species as Nefer.
They moved gracefully, their long tails swaying behind them, and stopped before us, bowing their heads respectfully.
“Nefer.”
“Ebrehim.”
They exchanged names, then a brief, silent prayer, before speaking. I stood beside Nefer, listening intently.
“It’s been a while. So, your arrival means…”
“The time has come.”
But they didn't waste words. A few cryptic phrases were enough to convey their meaning.
“But, Nefer… if we cannot share this male, our clan will…”
“What do you fear?”
Even though their faces were partially hidden behind their veils,
I could sense their anxiety.
“We are children of the sun. We simply follow its will. It is not our place to question its decisions.”
Nefer’s voice was calm and firm, dispelling their anxieties.
She had seemed almost shy and uncertain around me, but now, addressing the other lamia, she exuded an air of authority.
“But still…”
“Do not speak of this again.”
Even this brief exchange revealed an underlying conflict between Nefer and the other lamia.
While Nefer embraced her role as a religious leader, the others seemed less devout, less willing to make sacrifices.
“Enough. Move aside, I’ll speak to her! Nefer, I can’t take this anymore.”
One of the lamia, as tall and strong as Nefer, stepped forward.
“We’ve been patient long enough. What is this? We’ve offered countless tributes, recited countless prayers, but the desert remains dry. Has our situation improved? No.”
Her words struck a chord.
I finally understood the source of the fear and desolation that permeated Aaptukemen.
This was a dying city.
On this hot, dry wasteland,
The women struggled to survive, their days consumed by the search for water and males.
“You spend all your time praying in the temple, Nefer, so you don’t understand our plight. This isn’t about faith. We need to survive.”
In such a harsh environment, tensions were high. Those whose basic needs weren't met were always on edge, their frustration simmering.
“Leave the male here. Nefer, forget about tributes and prophecies. Take care of your family, your clan. Aaptukemen needs a new male.”
“…”
The situation was getting complicated.
Their gazes turned towards me.
“A male has finally arrived, after all these years, and you’re just going to take him away? Is this truly the sun’s will?!”
Unlike Nefer, they didn't see me as an equal, but as a resource, a possession, something to be exploited.
“Elder, please step back.”
Nefer pulled me behind her, and her voice, as she addressed the other lamia, was stern and authoritative.
“Mukna. That is blasphemy.”
Her tone was unlike anything I had heard from her before…
Nefer wouldn't tolerate any disrespect towards the sun, and she drew one of her daggers.
“Nefer…! Stop! Mukna misspoke. Things have been difficult in Aaptukemen lately, and she’s… on edge…!”
The other lamia, sensing Nefer’s unwavering resolve, backed away. While starvation slowly killed, Nefer’s daggers offered a swift, decisive end.
“…Mukna, listen carefully. This man is chosen by the sun. To harm him would be to defy the sun itself. I will personally punish any who dare to challenge its will.”
Even after this firm declaration, Nefer’s cheeks flushed slightly. She had kissed me, after all…
“Elder, let us proceed. There is no need to be afraid.”
I quickly followed her, eager to escape the tense atmosphere.
I didn't know what would happen,
But staying with Nefer seemed like the best option.
I didn’t want to imagine what those lamia, their eyes fixed on me or the other tribes, would do to me if I was captured.
“…Hiss-!”
The lamia who had challenged Nefer, unable to contain her frustration, yelled after us.
“It’s because of you priestesses that everyone is hiding! Nefer, your clan has abandoned its own people, betrayed those who share this desert!”
But Nefer didn’t respond to her outburst. As long as they didn't insult the sun, she seemed willing to tolerate any criticism of her clan or the priestesses.
“A male has finally arrived, after all these years! And you’re offering him as a tribute? Is this right?!”
A voice filled with resentment,
Fueled by despair and desperation.
***
“What is your relationship with that… Mukna?”
“We were childhood friends. But… we have grown distant.”
I walked beside Nefer, our bodies ascending a gentle slope, and she spoke, her voice tinged with sadness.
“Those chosen to become priestesses are sent to the temple for training. While this has brought me closer to the sun, it has also distanced me from my clan.”
Nefer was a pitiful woman.
While I didn't fully understand the intricacies of their society, based on my observations, her life wasn't easy.
I didn't understand their devotion to the sun,
Their unwavering faith,
But the rewards of her priesthood seemed meager, considering her sacrifices.
“…Such matters are likely of little interest to you, Elder. Males, after all, possess different values and perspectives.”
“Well, it’s… it’s natural to be concerned, after witnessing such a… heated exchange.”
Nefer smiled, a gentle, knowing smile, barely visible beneath her veil.
“You are kind. Perhaps that is why the sun has chosen you.”
We reached a higher elevation,
And paused, looking back at Aaptukemen.
A vast city,
Quiet buildings,
Wells slowly drying up,
A clear, cloudless sky,
An endless drought…
“Elder.”
Nefer’s hand rested on my shoulder.
We had reached a building carved into the cliff face,
And there, lined up before us, were women from various tribes, all armed, like Nefer.
I saw tails,
And pointed ears.
Some were covered in fur,
Others had human-like skin.
“Who are they…?”
“Please do not be concerned. This is merely a formality. We will proceed to the temple shortly. There is no need to worry.”
Each woman stood beside a meticulously carved pillar.
I stared at them, curious,
But Nefer pulled me along, quickly moving between the pillars.
No one stopped us.
Instead, someone was waiting for us.
In the distance, I saw something resembling a throne,
And a frail, elderly figure descending from it.
“Oh no! Stay back!”
A pale-skinned male…
But his appearance was different from mine.
His fingers were long and bony,
He had no nose, and his eye sockets were deep and hollow.
“Do not approach, do not approach! I am still strong! The sun watches over me…! Cough- hack-”
I had a bad feeling.
My first encounter with a desert male,
And he was a weeping, pathetic mess.
“I am immortal! Guards! What are you doing?! Remove this outsider- cough- groan-”
This was my first encounter with [His Majesty].
At the very top of Aaptukemen’s hierarchy,
Was a cowardly, pathetic male, devoid of charisma or authority.