Chapter 31: The Omniscient God

Chapter 31: The God of Omniscience

"What do you mean, it's too late?" Dorn asked, puzzled, upon hearing Jimmy’s voice.

Jimmy pointed toward the churning black mist in the distance, his voice strained with tension. "That black mist spreads across the entire town every other day. If we make contact with it, we’ll turn into those mindless living corpses we saw earlier."

Black mist?

Jiang Ren looked around and noticed that the mist, which had been drifting quietly moments ago, was now roiling like boiling water, becoming increasingly violent. He could even faintly sense a weak energy fluctuation within it.

"Are you sure? Why was I fine when I entered?" Dorn remained skeptical.

Taylor spoke up then: "I can testify to this. In the week or so I’ve been here, everyone who touched the mist turned into a living corpse, without exception. Only the church can withstand the encroachment of the mist. If we don’t leave now, it will be too late."

Jimmy’s face was a mask of panic. Under the oppressive aura of Jiang Ren’s imposing physique, he didn't dare move, instead looking up at him with a pitiful expression. The others followed suit, their gazes fixed on Jiang Ren, pleading.

Jiang Ren said indifferently, "Then what are you standing around for? Lead the way."

Though he was tempted to test the "quality" of the mist and see if it was related to the dangerous entities of this town, his primary mission now that he had found the client’s family was to protect her and avoid any accidents that might give the client an excuse to withhold the final payment.

The group hurried toward the church.

The surrounding mist suddenly went still. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, it began to spread toward the center of the town with terrifying speed. Building after building was enveloped; street after street was swallowed.

At that moment, they caught sight of the church. It was a two-story structure. Through the slightly ajar double doors, one could see the interior layout and rows of seats, enough to accommodate at least a hundred believers. In such a small, desolate town, the church seemed disproportionately large.

The speed of the mist far outpaced their running. It drew ever closer. Kennedy, who was in the lead, was the first to dash inside, while the others were still twenty meters away. Only Jimmy and Taylor lagged behind. As for Jiang Ren and Dorn, although they were behind the others, they were clearly capable of reaching the doors first; they had stayed back only for Taylor’s sake.

"It’s over, I’m done for," Jimmy wailed inwardly. With his lack of physical training, even exerting every ounce of strength, he was barely two or three paces ahead of the frail Taylor. At the rate the mist was closing in, he would never make it to the door.

"It’s too late. I’ll carry you," Dorn said after glancing at the mist, gritting his teeth as he reached out a hand.

Before he could reach her, he saw someone else scoop Taylor up.

"Keep up!"

Jiang Ren had hoisted Taylor onto his shoulder and, with his other hand, easily grabbed the panting Dorn, charging toward the church doors. Finding herself slung over a shoulder, Taylor’s face turned crimson, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. Jimmy, accustomed to flailing about, was moved to tears as he felt Jiang Ren carry him toward the sanctuary. Seeing this, Dorn immediately sprinted with all his might, yet he consistently remained a step behind Jiang Ren.

*If I just shut the door now...*

Kennedy, having arrived first, braced his knees as he caught his breath. Looking up to see Jiang Ren charging toward him—carrying one person and dragging another—a flash of cruelty crossed his eyes. At the speed the mist was moving, if he blocked the door for just three or five seconds, this "muscle monster" who had torn off half his ear would surely turn into a living corpse.

Kennedy involuntarily stepped toward the door. But he quickly changed his mind and retreated. It wasn't that he had experienced a change of heart, but rather that he knew his own strength was only enough to close one of the doors in such a short time. He could ask the others who had just arrived to close the other, but while they feared him, they might not obey. After all, if anyone could lead them out of this cursed town, it was likely that muscle monster, not him.

No one would abandon a potential hope unless their own survival was at immediate stake. It wasn't that they trusted the muscle monster out of nowhere; it was that the sense of security provided by his massive frame and calm demeanor was something no one else present could match.

Jiang Ren and Dorn burst into the church. Those guarding the doors quickly slammed them shut and threw the bolt.

*Hum!*

A strange sound came from outside. It sounded as if something were slamming into the doors, causing them to tremble violently. It was a terrifying sight, and everyone feared the doors would be smashed open. Fortunately, the vibration lasted only a few seconds before returning to calm.

"Whew..."

"We’re safe!"

Everyone let out a sigh of relief, some collapsing to the floor, others leaning against the pews. Only Jiang Ren walked down the central aisle toward the altar, gazing up at the statue that stood over three meters tall.

The statue had a grey, stone-like texture, as if carved from a single block. It stood on a pedestal with its arms at its sides and palms facing forward. The face was blurred and featureless, save for a single, clear, and massive eye where the eyes should have been.

Jiang Ren looked around and found a dusty, tattered black-leather book under a seat. The cover was ruined, revealing only the faint impression of an eye. He flipped it open, only to find the pages filled with an archaic script that had been obsolete for centuries; he couldn't understand a word.

"Jiang, are you trying to figure out what the book says?" Taylor’s gentle voice rose from nearby.

Jiang Ren looked at the young woman and handed her the book. "Can you read this?"

"If nothing goes wrong, I will be starting my studies in Paleography at Mihal University next month. Although I haven't officially enrolled, I often read relevant materials." Taylor took the book, tucked some stray hair behind her ear, and offered him a sweet smile.

Ignoring the smile, Jiang Ren said, "Good. Miss Taylor, you know our situation is precarious. If, as you say, we turn into living corpses upon contact with the mist, it will be difficult for me to get you out safely. This book might provide some help."

"Leave it to me."

Taylor opened the book and began to study the text intently. Several minutes later, she rubbed her eyes and said, "Many of the characters are worn away, but the remaining ones can be pieced together. For instance, this church worships a deity known as the God of Omniscience."

"The God of Omniscience?"

Taylor explained, "The book records that the God of Omniscience can see the origin of all things and the past and future; everything is under His control..."

"..."

"Time is running out."

Dorn glanced at Jiang Ren, who was still talking to Taylor, and looked up at the stained-glass ceiling of the church. Colorful triangular pieces of glass formed various abstract patterns. Among them, covering almost the entire ceiling, was a pentagram with a massive, malevolent eye at its center.