Blackstone Code

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The two priests—one older, one younger—wore similar attire. Their robes resembled ancient clerical garments: flowing cloaks with loose shoulders, long skirt-like garments cinched at the waist, adorned with intricate patterns and decorations. Most notably, they wore hoods that concealed their faces.

Barefoot, they walked across the polished floor of the hotel suite, leaving dusty footprints with every step. Yet, they seemed unfazed by this, exuding an air of detachment—or perhaps something more profound.

"Mr. Lynch, do you believe in God?" the elder priest asked, his voice steady but his eyes clouded yet strangely potent. "Do you believe in our god?"

Both priests fixed their gaze on Lynch, much like how Mishahaya had used the police chief to probe Lynch's stance earlier. They sought to understand Lynch's perspective on Nagalier's religion and its divine figures—a crucial test in a society where faith was paramount.

For decades, outsiders arriving in Nagalier fell into two categories: atheists who rejected all gods outright, violating the core tenets of the local religion and branding themselves as heretics; or believers who adhered solely to their own gods, dismissing native beliefs as false idols—an even graver offense.

Thus, testing someone's faith wasn't merely polite inquiry—it was essential. In a theocratic state like Nagalier, questioning the sanctity of the divine was unthinkable.

Without hesitation, Lynch nodded firmly. "I believe."

"Mr. Lynch, though you say you believe, I suspect..." He paused, his expression growing stern. "You haven't studied our scriptures, nor do you know anything about the great god we worship. Can you explain why you claim such belief?"

His voice hardened further. "The divine is omnipotent. You may deceive me, but you cannot deceive Him!"

Faith, for some individuals, was not just important—it was everything. These men lived and breathed their convictions, tolerating no deviation. Even Lynch's immediate affirmation raised suspicions. Was he truly devout, or merely lying to appease them?

Faith, after all, could not be half-hearted or deceitful without blaspheming the divine. The priests would rather Lynch declare himself an atheist than feign belief and insult both them and their god.

While the elder priest maintained his gravity, Lynch remained relaxed, lounging on the couch with one leg crossed over the other. He countered with a question of his own. "How can you assume I'm deceiving you? How do you know I don't genuinely believe? Are you basing your judgment on mere conjecture?"

Before the elder priest could respond, Lynch pressed on. "I am a theist, and I believe in the existence of gods. Initially, I didn't intend to elaborate, but your remarks might mislead others, so I must correct your misunderstanding.

"Anyone capable of independent thought understands this: every religion is a vast, complex system. Many scholars spend entire lifetimes studying a single faith without fully comprehending it. If there were no gods, where did these systems originate? Did they spontaneously appear out of nothingness? Could humans fabricate such elaborate doctrines? And if so, why would anyone believe fabricated lies?"

Lynch's voice carried an almost hypnotic quality, drawing his listeners in. "If someone concocted such grand falsehoods, people would see through them. Those living in the same era would recognize the fabrication since no one before had spoken of such things. Lies wouldn't endure beyond the liar's death because humanity passes down truth—not deception.

"People preserve what they know to be real. The fact that religious teachings persist proves their authenticity—or at least their perceived authenticity. Moreover, if you broadened your perspective to examine other pantheons, you'd find commonalities among seemingly disparate traditions. Certain stories, doctrines, and themes transcend cultural boundaries.

"I am neither an atheist nor a follower of any specific creed, but I believe in the existence of gods. Long ago, when travel between distant lands was unimaginable, how did people separated by vast distances record identical accounts? Perhaps differences in language, customs, and interpretation led to variations, but that doesn't negate my belief in a higher power."

Lynch paused, tilting his head slightly as he regarded the priests with calm assurance. "Do you still think I'm deceiving you?"

The elder priest placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply. "Forgive me, Mr. Lynch. It was my mistake."

With magnanimous grace, Lynch waved dismissively. "I forgive you. We were strangers, and caution is natural. Now the misunderstanding is resolved."

The elder priest straightened, nodding. "Yes..." He glanced at the younger priest, who retrieved a small bundle wrapped in red velvet from his sleeve. Unfolding it revealed a pristine white plaque, approximately three inches long and two inches wide, carved from what appeared to be animal bone. Golden threads etched mysterious patterns into its surface, giving it an aura of regality.

"This is a blessed talisman personally consecrated by the High Priest," the elder priest explained, handing the plaque to Lynch. "Additionally, next weekend, there will be a significant event. The High Priest hopes you'll attend."

This invitation was extended only after confirming Lynch met their criteria—a formal gesture reserved exclusively for those aligned with their faith. Had Lynch been an atheist or adherent of another belief system, today's visit would have been purely ceremonial, avoiding potential unrest caused by inviting outsiders to sacred events.

The plaque, crafted from the horn of a horned animal, symbolized religious prestige in Nagalier. The High Priest bestowed it upon select individuals as a mark of recognition.

Among these recipients were ascetics—devotees who demonstrated unwavering piety through self-mortification. Gaunt and disheveled, they possessed extraordinary strength born of absolute conviction. During historical conflicts between religious and secular authorities, these ascetics rallied from across Nagalier to stabilize theocratic rule whenever it wavered.

In gratitude, the indigenous religion elevated their social standing, granting them divine plaques that commanded respect. Their children gained access to education and superior social benefits.

Becoming an ascetic, however, was no simple feat. Candidates required profound mastery of scripture and underwent rigorous initiation rites. They severed ties with family and worldly attachments, devoting themselves entirely to the divine and its earthly representative—the High Priest. Some pursued intellectual rigor ("mental cultivation"), while others focused on physical discipline ("physical cultivation").

Holders of the divine plaque became quasi-religious nobility, revered by the faithful populace.

After thanking the priests profusely, Lynch bid them farewell. Once the door closed behind them, he picked up the plaque from the coffee table, examining it idly.

Truthfully, Lynch did hold beliefs—but not in gods. His true faith lay in wealth, power, and military might. However, to integrate seamlessly into this society, he needed to don the guise of piety. Fortunately, these priests proved easy to manipulate.

By late afternoon, twilight painted the sky as Lynch and Arthur attended a banquet hosted in Lynch's honor. Officially organized by Mayor Mishahaya, the event was, in reality, orchestrated by the Provincial Governor under Mishahaya's name.

At 5:30 PM, a convoy of luxury vehicles arrived outside the hotel. Such opulence seemed incongruous in this impoverished land, yet Lynch understood perfectly well: wealth and power always found ways to flaunt themselves.

Sitting in the car, Lynch watched as the police on bicycles or on foot lashed out at the crowd outside the window, driving them away to clear a wide path for the convoy. He gazed at their eyes—eyes filled with hatred or anger—and felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.Please vote for this novel at https://www.novelupdates.com/series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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