Stronger Every Time I Die

Chapter 563 Not What They Expected

This… was nothing like what Arthur had imagined from names like Heaven Island or Heaven's Cult. To him, both names carried an air of mystery—something powerful, enigmatic, and dangerous. But what he felt now on Heaven Island was the complete opposite: relaxed, peaceful, almost serene. Arthur and Ashley fell in love with the place at first sight. It was like stepping into a slower, more mindful rhythm of life. No one hurried through crowded streets, no cars raced by, and there was not a trace of anxiety or agitation in the air. People here smiled. Couples working in the fields would look up and share a glance, a smile. Inside the wooden houses, the bright laughter of children rang like silver bells as they ran circles around the elders. Underneath towering trees, more children played and roughhoused in the shade. This place was full of life and warmth—smoke rising from chimneys, vibrant colors everywhere, the scent of meals being cooked and the chatter of families—it all felt so… human. Arthur and Ashley, who had braced themselves for danger at every turn, found it jarring. They had come here expecting Heaven Island to be a place of secrets and peril, even preparing for the worst—maybe even a one-way trip. If they hadn't been forced into this, they never would have come. But now, what they saw turned all those expectations upside down. It was nothing like the treacherous, danger-filled place they’d imagined. Solivair walked ahead of them, a glint of longing in his eyes as he gazed upon the familiar scenery. He saw the disbelief on Arthur and Ashley’s faces but said nothing. Once, a long time ago, when he first stepped foot on Heaven Island, he’d worn that same expression. Back then, Kelly had still been with him. He remembered how they’d clung tightly to each other as they passed through the mist—just like Arthur and Ashley.They hadn’t dared to let go, not for a second, holding on until the ship broke through the fog. In those days, his Kelly was still at his side. Their sweetness and closeness had been just like Arthur and Ashley’s now. As they journeyed together, Solivair had noticed their affection. Every time he looked at them, he couldn’t help but think of Kelly. She had been gone for a long, long time—so long that if not for the one photo she’d left behind, he might’ve forgotten her face entirely. Many of the memories they shared had already faded with time. But seeing Arthur and Ashley now brought some of those memories back. And because of that, Solivair had treated them more kindly. At the very least, he hadn’t made things difficult for them on the ship. Solivair led them down the path and straight to a building that, from a distance, appeared to be an inn. But as they drew closer, Arthur sensed that something was different. The building looked more like a temporary detention center than a guesthouse. Several stern-faced individuals stood outside, their attire precise and strict. Each one carried a gun—real guns, ones Arthur recognized immediately. After escorting them to the entrance, Solivair left. The staff at the inn took over and began conducting a thorough search of Arthur and Ashley. They were silent and serious, performing their duties without a single unnecessary word. Arthur tried to make small talk. “Hey, is this place set up just for newcomers?” The woman inspecting him looked up briefly and gave a rare nod. But no sooner had she done so than a man behind her barked out sharply, “Watch your mouth!” Startled, she flinched, quickly lowering her head and returning to her task without another word. Arthur said nothing more. He silently took it all in. Once they entered the building, he and Ashley were separated.Arthur was worried about her, but they were surrounded by armed guards. There was no way they could fight back, not here. After exchanging a few reluctant words of reassurance, they were each led to their respective rooms. Before the door closed, one of the guards—dressed like military personnel—turned and said politely, “Please remain in your room unless instructed otherwise. There will be a banquet later. You’ll be notified when it’s time.” Though respectful, his tone left no room for argument. He finished speaking, then closed the door behind him. Arthur nodded to acknowledge him, then moved to press his ear against the door. There were no footsteps. The man was standing guard right outside. This was no different from being imprisoned. The only difference was that the room was lavishly furnished—far more comfortable than any prison. But that didn’t change what it was.

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