CHAPTER THREE

Every pantheon had a magic that veiled all mortals from the realm of the gods. It was popularly known as Mist, but it could be referred to as Duat or Glamour. For the Chinese, they called it Wu.

Chen Li Sha was familiar with it but it was the first time she experienced it to be situated in such a buzzing place. Most entrances that were shrouded by Mist were in unsuspecting places that were far from the peering eyes. 

After all, it was not always guaranteed that using it would not create friction to the surroundings, so for them to be this bold? She could not help but be in awe of the fact that this was the entrance of the main head-fvcking-quarters.

Nevertheless, her eyes bared some disappointment upon seeing the façade. Aside from that little trick when they entered the portal, she didn't get what Carlos was so proud of pointing at the structure.

Just like the tile-pointed roofs from the arch earlier. The building has the same structure with similar color schemes. The only difference now was that it came with doors and windows, having more embellishments and engravings that emanated splendor.

If anyone asked the members of the Chinese branch, all of them would agree that this was very in line with Er Lang Shen's tacky taste. If not for Carlos standing in front of them, they would think they were back in their home country.

With a deeper frown, Chen Li Sha could not help but speak her mind as she dusted off the dirt from her behind. "Why is it almost the same as our headquarters in China?"

"Is that what you see?" Carlos said, his smile growing wider.

"Uhuh. I thought the main headquarters would be umm... more?"

"Just call it ugly and be over with this dupe of our temple," Liu Hui said, arms crossed. 

"Yeah. Why the hell is it like a Chinese temple? Ashamed of your culture?" Guo Feng added, his right brow shot up.

"You actually said some sense."

"Of course not!"

Carlos' response coincided with Chen Li Sha's. The former wanted to explain as if to defend a great honor but not fast enough for Guo Feng's reply. 

"When did I not?"

Chen Li Sha crossed her arms. "Every damn time—"

"Guys." Another warning came from Zhu Mu Yang. 

"You'll just be talking to a wall, Yang-ge." Liu Hui sideglanced the other two like he was too mature for his age when truth be told, he was the youngest.

Chen Li Sha and Guo Feng's gaze met. Their arms go over Liu Hui's shoulder.

"What do you want?" Despite the aloofness, his voice trembled a little. "Get off me."

Their hold did not budge. Similar grins reflected on both their faces.

"I guess you lack some fun, Xiao Hui?" Guo Feng said, poking his finger to Liu Hui's cheek.

"That's right. Do you remember the last time we had a blast?" Chen Li Sha faced Carlos. "Are there any theme parks here?"

"Guys." This time, Zhu Mu Yang's admonition came with a glare before turning to the poor guy who was just watching them. "What are you about to say, Carlos?"

"Ah, that. It's not that we're ashamed of our culture but can't you see? The building transforms into whatever pantheon you belong to. The main HQ is built with Duat itself so that not even you demigods or chosen mortals like me could not unveil its real appearance. Nothing less when this is magic personalized by the Hinirang!"

Upon the mention of the title, the three of them completely forgot their little scuffle. Even Zhu Mu Yang's ears perked up.

"Oh, speaking of him. Is he here?" Chen Li Sha's black irises sparkled, anticipating the answer.

If there were seven wonders in the world, all of Mythos has only one wonder everyone was dying to discover: 'What is the real identity of the Hinirang?'

Everyone knew he was the god of entertainment and thievery. Aside from that, everything was obscure. 

Some said he was one of the rare gods who were an offspring of two pantheons. Others guessed that he was as old as the primordial gods. There was even a rumor that he was the creator himself. But all of that was just speculation.

Until now, it was a complete mystery. No one knew his origin. Even his face was a canvas splashed with nothing but ink. The people who had met him told countless stories about his appearance. But, it was as if a permanent shadow had been cast on his face that not a single person could remember his features.

"I honestly don't know. No one really could guess the Hinirang's schedule. However, he did set an appointment for some of the demigods who were sent here and that includes you. Have you read the files we sent for the mission?"

Only Zhu Mu Yang answered with a verbal yes while the rest of them simply nodded.

Carlos clapped his hand. "Perfect."

"Though, we would like to have more specifics. It seems an easy job to ask for recruitment. I doubt the main branch would be so weak not to handle the situation," Zhu Mu Yang continued with creased brows.

That was the question that they had been discussing throughout the flight but they could not get some logical conclusions. 'The main branch couldn't be so powerless, right?'

"You'll know soon. I'll assume the Hinirang will explain it to you. Let us go inside first."

Carlos directed them to the entrance. The wooden red doors were imposing from afar yet much more when they were right in front of it.

If she was disappointed from the beginning, it multiplied upon entering. It was a regular modern interior found in a typical corporate building — painted white and gray walls with matching marbled tiles. A touch of gold shone from several pieces of furniture splayed around and that was it.

At least, in their branch, the exterior matched the inside. It showcased their traditions with all history displayed in every nook and corner while this was plain boring, for lack of a better word.

The lobby was designed like a quadrangle atrium that opens up until the last floor. The sunrays flooded the area, making the space brighter and welcoming despite the cold design.

On each side was a panoramic elevator but no one seemed to be moving. If not for the lighting, this would appear like an abandoned building ghosted by everybody. Even their branch, which lacked members compared to other pantheons, had a more bustling environment.

"Where is everybody?" Chen Li Sha's curioisty won again.

Carlos sighed as he pushed the elevator button. "Almost everyone had been deployed for a mission. We already have a shortage of people and we had no choice but to recruit from other branches."

"Is it that serious?" Zhu Mu Yang said, his tone laced with concern.

Carlos nodded. "We still don't know the root cause. It's as if all the monsters had decided to lurk here in Maharlika."

"Maharlika?" Guo Feng and Chen Li Sha's voices overlapped.

"Oh, that's how we refer to the Philippines here."

"Huh? Why?"

"Historical grudge." Carlos chuckled at his answer.

"Petty move," Liu Hui muttered under his breath.

The elevator pinged at that moment. Sliding open, they were ushered into another spacious lobby. Compared to the ground floor, this area was decorated with timber accents. Sofas were provided on the corners with several glass sculptures that directed the view to the only entryway aside from the elevator behind them. There was even a burgundy carpet laid on the wooden floor leading to that door. 

"Welcome to the Hinirang's office," Carlos said, opening the double doors. "Please come in."

"Aren't you going to knock?" Zhu Mu Yang said.

"It's alright, the Hinirang already knows. The door won't even open if he didn't want to." Carlos motioned his arms toward the room.

There was only darkness but with his urging, the four of them went in, leaving Carlos behind.

As soon as they stepped inside, the doors closed with a bang and the light disappeared. Chen Li Sha had her hand on her leg, drawing her pistol. Beside her, she could hear the sound of drawing weapons as well. Only their breathing resounded in the room as darkness completely enveloped their vision.

Not all demigods were gifted with the ability to see at night. Unfortunately, the four of them belonged to that group who didn't have that skill.

"Welcome, welcome." An azure hazy glow swayed in front of them.

In the dark, only his smile appeared. There were no questions as soon as he arrived — it was the Hinirang. 

U n S c e n e s

the Hinirang: *smiles*

Chen Li Sha, Guo Feng, Liu Hui: ATTACK!!!

(babysitter) Zhu Mu Yang: Guys.

Translation:
Xiao ‧ small/little

Pronunciation:
Xiao ‧ si-yaw

Note:
A little short but ending with this cliffhanger is a must for me ;)

This is how the arch (portal) looks like with the obelisk.

Images are not mine.

See you next week.