The catacombs' main entrance was tucked away in Place du Purgatoire, close to the Intisian observatory. The structure enclosing the entrance was supported by grand pillars, crowned by a dome adorned with intricate stone carvings, reminiscent of a miniature memorial hall or the base of an immense mausoleum.
As Adam and Adrian approached, they noted a crowd of 20 to 30 people already assembled near the stairs leading down. Their attire varied, but most were dressed formally, both men and women alike.
A man in his thirties, sporting a blue vest, yellow pants, and a thick beard, stood before the crowd. His brown curls framed upturned eyes, and he held an unlit iron-black carbide lamp.
Addressing the gathered group, he announced loudly,
"I'm Kendall, one of the catacombs' administrators. I'll be guiding you through the ossuary today.
"Does everyone have a white candle? If not, please let me know immediately."
I don't have a white candle. Adam said timidly along with the other foreigners who did not have one as well.
in a few moments one was passed to him.
he turned to Adrian to ask whether he had gotten one only to see Adrian smiling while waving two white candles he held in his hand.
he had already prepared two candles in advance?
Adam thought he then furiously retrieved one of the two candles from Adrian, he kept one in his bag and held the one Kendall provided in his unoccupied hand.
Adam refrained from talking to Adrian and instead focused on what Kendall was explaining.
This is a Tourist site? Adrian actually took me to a tourist site. I thought he was ordered by the church to take me to places I have to daily observe the situation across locations.
Adam's eyes swept over the stone staircase behind Kendall.
It plunged down into impenetrable darkness, its end hidden from view.
Beside Kendall stood a massive wooden door, half of it emblazoned with the Sun Sacred Emblem in gold, while the other half was adorned with an intricate triangle filled with symbols of steam, levers, gears, and more.
huh so this is handled by the two major churches in Trier. Adam had already seen the sacred emblem for both the church of steam and the church of the eternal blazing sun.
Upon receiving confirmation, Kendall ignited his carbide lamp and led the group into the depths below. The tourists trailed behind him, some bearing lanterns.
Adam and Adrian followed along with the crowd.
Following the astatic group of tourists, they descended the staircase at a steady pace.
Thanks to his Beyonder-enhanced hearing, Adam easily heard Kendall's informative spiel at the front.
"After 138 steps, you'll find yourselves 26 meters below Trier's streets, surrounded by the remains of nearly 50 generations of Trieriens.
"That's a conservative estimate. In truth, the history of some of these ossuaries can be traced back to the previous epoch...
"Forty-seven years ago, there was no more space for the dead in Cimetière des Innocents or Cimetière des Prêtres. White bones lay scattered, and the stench drove nearby residents to protest daily, demanding the relocation of the cemetery...
"Ultimately, City Hall opted to go underground. They repurposed graves from the Fourth Epoch and adjacent underground quarries, creating a vast tomb...
"Today, you'll be visiting but a mere fraction of it..."
Kendall's voice echoed through the silent, never-ending staircase, imbuing the atmosphere with an eerie sense of foreboding.
Adam carefully listen to what was being said as he kept walking making sure not to miss any information.
as he walked he sometmes felt a strange sensation like something was hiding in the shadows quietly watching. such a feeling add to the unease and creepy atmosphere of the catacomes.
As They continued downward, a path lined with stone pillars and walls came into view.
This passage, unlike other subterranean areas, was well-maintained and frequently repaired. It was smooth, wide, and unnervingly sinister. An icy breeze occasionally swept through the corridor.
Gas lamps were strategically placed along the path, casting a dim, yellowish light that allowed shadows to mingle with the illumination, stretching into the darkness.
Kendall, clad in his blue vest, warned the visitors once more,
"Stay close and don't wander off!
"There are countless underground areas we know little about. If you get lost, it'll be nearly impossible to find you.
"Do not stray from the path once inside the tomb. There are passages that lead to deeper, more sinister chambers. The Fourth Epoch's malevolent spirits lurk within that darkness. Praise the Sun and the Light. By adhering to the routes endorsed by the padres, we can avoid all perils."
Some visitors outstretched their arms in praise of the Sun, while others traced a triangle over their chests.
Adam looked as the others made such action, he did join them as it was based on instinct and he did not want to pledge allegiance to something he did not willingly accept.
although the church of the the eternal blazing such was great he also wanted to see how the church of steam is given that his family has some connections to them.
After trailing Kendall and the others for nearly 200 meters, Adam along with the other tourist caught sight of the subterranean tomb.
Before him lay a natural boulder cave, modified over time. Its walls were adorned with intricate reliefs of skulls, skeletal arms, sunflowers, and steam symbols.
Above the entrance, two Intisian inscriptions commanded:
"Halt!
"The Death Empire lies ahead!"
Kendall, the catacomb administrator, turned to address the visitors once more,
"Extinguish your lanterns and light the white candles. Everyone must do this!
"If you'd rather not enter the catacomb, feel free to explore this area, but don't stray too far. It's all too easy to lose your bearings, and that would be a problem.
"Should you find yourself separated from the group inside the catacomb, don't panic. Locate a road sign. If there isn't one, look above and follow the black line drawn on the tomb's ceiling. It will guide you back to the main entrance..."
Soon, the lanterns were snuffed out, replaced by the flickering glow of orange candlelight.
The visitors hoisted their white candles and trailed Kendall into the catacombs. Adam observed from where he was, watching as the yellowish flames merged into a stream that meandered into the darkness.
He looked towards Adrian who was exploring a section of the area but he did not go too far in order not to loose sight of him.
well he is just doing his job for today that is, tomorrow I have to find a way to make contact with the church of steam.
Adam pondered as to why they had not come to meet him giving the assumption that he is a member of the Kairon family. he had learned that there were multiple families like the Augustus family of the Loen kingdom, amongst others these families were known to the public or can easily be researched , but when it came to the Kairon, there was barely any information about them.
why is that?
Adam thought as he glanced around the catacombs as the visitors explored its winding passages.
Some were foreigners who gazed at the ancient tombs with undisguised awe, their attention fixed on the weathered stone and faded inscriptions. They whispered among themselves, occasionally pointing at something that caught their interest.
Others carried books and notebooks, scribbling down observations with such concentration that they seemed less like tourists and more like researchers conducting an investigation.
There were also foreigners who appeared surprisingly familiar with the catacombs. They moved through the passages with little hesitation, occasionally stopping to explain the history of a particular tomb to their companions.
Adam casually overheard fragments of their conversations.
"...the tomb of the Tamara family is at the Third level..."
"...The two levels above the catacombs were encircled by white bones, with corpses lining both sides of the path..."
"...their remains were moved here after..."
He couldn't help but wonder how many generations of Trier's history were buried beneath his feet.
Not everyone had come to sightsee, however.
Some visitors had arranged to meet others here. Small groups stood beside the stone walls, speaking in low voices while exchanging information. A few seemed to be discussing the history of the catacombs, while others appeared to have little interest in the tombs at all.
while the rest were young teenagers that were mainly there to likely cause trouble.
Adam quietly observed them.
He had expected more vigilance from the Church, or at least some sense of importance surrounding a place like this.
Instead, the catacombs seemed almost ordinary.
Tourists came to admire them. Researchers came to study them. Foreigners came to learn their history. Friends and acquaintances met here to talk.
Adam was walking around casually observing the catacombs in silence when a young man about the same age as him wearing a linen shirt with brown trouser and black shoes, he had brownish hair and blue eyes with some outstanding features.
he gave off an air of sophistication and class. although with the incomplete suit he looked like a waiter or some type of worker
he carried an oddly shaped black bag on his back as he smiled as he approached Adam.
what an interesting attire you're wearing, and how might i address you?
isn't it common courtesy to introduce oneself before inquiring of others? Adam replied, returning the man's smile.
My name is Samuel Calder the young man replied.
Adam gave a nod of acknowledgment to Sam
I'm Adam. you can call me Adam.
"You don't look like you're from around here. Are you a foreigner?"
Adam glanced at the young fellow that was keen on talking to him, eager to socialize with the individual he replied calmly
"Yeah. I arrived in Trier two days ago."
"Two days?" The man looked mildly surprised. did you come to see the sites of trier the Capital of joy in all its splendor and glory?
actually I am here because I have no where else to go.
"Don't you have any one here in Trier?"
"No." Adam shook his head. "I'm actually trying to get by however i can."
The young man's expression softened slightly.
The young man then looked around the catacombs and said with a smile
this is actually my second time visiting the catacombs,
you must have really like the tour back then?.
Adam did not find it particularly weird that the young man had an interest in a place containing dried up bones of humans.
when I first arrived here a year ago, I did not have much on me barely managing to take care of myself. I came to trier in search of a high paying job but most of them were already taken.
you mean there was not any available jobs at that time?
yes most of the jobs available were cleaning, being someone's apprentice or a waiter at some restaurant and i did not want that.
Adam nodded in understanding, he would not want that either.
But it got better after i joined a charity foundation things started to take a turn for the better
, but do not worry it gets better after all trier is rich in history and was developed personally by Emperor Roselle.
that's true when I came here I was captivated by the history of this place, I even spent some money to buy some history books.
Adam did not mention the part that he does not have any memory of who he was before two days ago.
Adam turned and smiled.
I thought I'd walk around and see if I could find a suitable job.
the young man said with enthusiasm, you can try your luck at Rue des Blouses Blanches. its between Le Marche du gentleman and the steam locomotive station.
Many motel, hostel, and restaurant managers like to chat at the café there. They use the opportunity to hire dishwashers, floor cleaners, washroom attendants, and apprentice attendants.
all these jobs does not really pay much I don't want to be struggling daily for just a couple vel d'ors.
Adam replied with a resonated tone.
maybe I should just register at a Théâtre de l'Ancienne Cage à Pigeons I heard its one of the most popular theatre in the entire market district and that it pays well.
it only allows people with talent what job are you going for if you join there.
a singer I have a pretty good voice. Adam wasn't lying his singing was on par with that of the choir of the church of the eternal blazing sun , if he didn't join the choir at the church, he could just be a singer.
you really have such a talent in singing?
yes I am Adam said with sincerity.
i am actually a musician you see as he gestured to what was behind his back and said that's my violin bag. with that said Samuel paused for a few seconds before finally saying.
well I think I can find a way to solve your accommodation.
how so? Adam asked with interest.
The young man grew silent for a moment before his eyes brightened.
"Well, there is a charity organization that might be worth your time. They have a particular interest in young people with potential."
"Oh?" Adam raised an eyebrow. "What's the name of the organization?"
The man reached into his coat and pulled out a small piece of paper. After scribbling something on it, he handed it to Adam.
"Here. This is where they're located. If you're free, you can go and have a look for yourself."
Adam unfolded the paper and studied the address.
"What's the organization called?"
its called the dream seekers .
Adam mulled it over for a moment before folding the paper and putting it away.
"I'll take a look when I have the time."
"Good. You might find what you're looking for."
''Alright Adam can't wait to see you again''. Samuel said as he gave him a brief nod before turning away to another section of the catacomb
you too Adam said as Samuel.
Adam's gaze lingered on him for a while
Samuel lingered for a while as he would occationally approach another young man nearby and began the same sort of conversation.
Adam's eyes narrowed slightly.
That was interesting, the young man had noticed the state I was in by my choice of clothe and decided to introduce his charity foundation to him. do I really look like a vagrant?
Adam saw him pull out the same piece of paper and handed it to the young man he was talking to.
that was quick . Adam thought as he realized something
Samuel must have directly got to the point when addressing that young man and took his time with me solely based on appearances.
seriously first thing tomorrow I am either going to get new clothes or I am fitting this one.
Apparently, he wasn't the only person the man had come here to find.
This catacomb might just be one of the most popular tourist attraction sites in trier and there are bound to be individual who needed some assistance, but why not publicly announce that its a charity and decide to meet individual one on one? could it be due to a unique way of selecting particular individuals.
or am I just overthinking like what Adrian said before?
Adam decided not to think about it any longer so he pocketed the address and continued his tour of the catacombs of trier.
For a while Adam was casually walking along with the other visitors listening to the information they provided on the history of the catacombs when Adrian casually approached him.
he grabbed Adam by the hand and slowly dragged him towards another section of the catacombs.
Adam was immediately confused and was about to protest when he heard Adrian say
come on I want to take you somewhere, you can acquire more information regarding the catacombs another time.
Adam refrained from entering it was as though he could feel something ominous in there. Adrian Grasping his carbide lamp, They circled the tomb's entrance, intent on locating someone.
A few minutes later, Adam and Adrian reached a small bonfire.
Beside a pillar, damp moss clung to the stone wall above.
A man was seated on a rock behind the fire, garbed in a hooded black robe. His high-bridged nose and dark brown eyes were framed by a flaxen beard.
Adrian approached and said,
"Hey Osta how's everything going?
The hooded man raised his gaze to meet Adrian and replied in a deliberately subdued, magnetic voice,
oh Adrian you know how it's going i am in trouble man"
Flames and shadows danced across Osta Trul's face, obscuring his age. He appeared to be somewhere between just below 30 and 40.
Adrian spoke earnestly,
yeah i know about your situation and i said that i would help.
wait so this is Osta the friend the old man was talking about and the person Adrian had wanted to take me out to meet. Adam thought quietly in his head.
Osta Trul responded to Adrian's remark in a low, magnetic tone,
yes I know but I also have to come up with most of the loan money I can't place all of it on you.
amidst Osta speech Adrian had not realized that he had not yet introduced someone.
oh Osta I want to introduce you this is the person I talked about his name is Adam.
nice to meet you Adam said calmly to Osta
Osta glanced at Adrian with a look that seemed to say why did you bring him here.
I actually just wanted to check up on you hoping that you did not just suddenly vanish.
Osta nodded as he understood what Adrian meant by vanish. Adam had no knowledge of the matter asked what do you mean by suddenly vanished.
Osta explained in a low, magnetic tone.
upon entering the catacombs, visitors are instructed to extinguish their lanterns and instead light white candle. it's akin to a ritual, those who descend with lit white candles invoke the protection of a hidden entity.
A hidden entity? Adam pondered over the words before had been sensing a hidden presence that seemed to be all around this place. Adam did not want to ask whether such creatures were present here.
so that's why the white candles were important. adam mumbled.
Osta do you know of a way to retrieve lost memories? Adrian asked.
when adam processed adrian words he was very surprised adrian was also checking for a means to restore my memories, is such a thing possible, then why is it at this palce could it be that such a method requires a mystical means.
what are the church's thought about this. as the day continue to pass Adrian seems to be doing things that didn't match with what he had learned about members from the church.
osta had momentarily put aside his own problem and asked
"Have you ever heard of the Samaritan Women's Spring?"
"No." Both Adam and Adrian shook their heads.
Osta glanced at the burning bonfire and explained simply,
"In one of the ossuaries within the catacombs, there's a murky spring known as the Samaritan Women's Spring, or the Fountain of Oblivion. Drink from it, and all your pain will be erased from memory.
"Of course, it's a fabrication. The spring is merely a puddle left by a construction error during the catacombs' creation. The administrators spun it into legend."
Adam's eyes sparked with hope, Osta Trul carried on,
"However, I can reveal that deep within this subterranean realm lies a genuine Samaritan Women's Spring, hidden in a tomb believed to be a relic of the Fourth Epoch.
"Many corpses there chant: 'Drink the blissful waters of forgetfulness and be purged of primordial pain.'"
but from what I know it can only make others to forget, I don't know whether it can also allow people to remember.
Osta spoke as thought he was saying this the second time today.
"I can help you recover it, but the principle of equivalent exchange must be honored. It will cost you 100 verl d'or."
100 verl d'or? that was exactly the same amount the deacon gave me. was that the money's main purpose or is that just a coincidence or some form of luck. wait Isn't your asking price a bit too low? How can anyone believe that procuring a legendary item as perilous as this could be genuine without demanding a few thousand verl d'or?
Adam had been listening closely, but the absurdly undervalued service left him amused.
How could such priceless spring water be worth no more than an apprentice attendant's two months' wages?
He had read about the legend of the Samaritan Women's Spring in Psychic. Psychic also asserted that the Samaritan Women's Spring was a legend fabricated by the catacomb administrators, but they were convinced the tale had its origins. The Fountain of Oblivion might genuinely exist somewhere on the Northern Continent.
as Adam wasn't sure of its mystical credibility hearing it from a friend of Adrian who was also likely a beyonder
Adam's eyes widened as he exclaimed,
"Really?"
but i dont think that would be the best thing right now, you can consult with a psychiatrist whether your memories were repressed due to some traumatic event .
"Alright, thanks!" Adam responded.
Osta nodded approvingly.
"No problem."
i think it would be better to seek the attention of a psychiatrist when we get back i'll talk to the deacon about it.
Adam nodded
now with that aside lets get back to you Osta, Adrian remarked adpoting a friend solving his friend's predicament.
Osta sighed then quietly said. he is the leader of the Savoie Mob in the Market district. what can i possibly do aside from paying the loan.
wait you're saying after all this while you haven't paid anything at all Adam interjected with a question.
agitated Osta responded of course i did, initially i borrowed 3,000 vel d'or from a loan shark to buy the necessary ingredients to become a beyonder.
then the loan shark sold the debt to Baron Brignais, Osta said the name bitterly.
i paid back the intial amount but he told me there was still 2,000 in interest.
if you drag on for another two or three months, you wont owe 2,000 but 4,000. Adam watched Osta's expression he could geninely feel his stress and anxiety.
seriously why is it that every where i go i always encounter individual struggling, what is actually going on with the mobs in the market district.
At this moment Adam decided to place close attention to the mobs in trier if he can.
Osta Trul if anything happens let me know alright .
osta nodded.
alright let's go it's getting late. Adrian mumbled as he already began to walk to the entrance of the cave.
Adam extended his hand to Osta and said ''thanks for your advice''.
it really is no problem Osta replied as he stretched his own hand toward Adam's.
The moment their hands touched both of their heart stiffened as if a coil had been constricted around it.
suddenly Adam's eyes heated up as illusory blood bled from them.