All Chapters of The Ascension: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

...Fernando 'Ando' Diaz, name of the old man who's now assuming the post of a cheaply gained grandpa for both Hana Valencia and Ley Baler.Two days ago, Leyte explained to him why they, Hana and Ley, had to go to the city. It was not hard to understand. If faith energy was now their lifeline, it meant they had to ensure a steady stream of it.That steady stream would be hard to get from the island, for those residing in the village were already a pious believer of another deity. Add in the fact that this deity was a benefactor and somebody infinite times higher than them in ranks.'Only a place filled with sins, hopelessness, pressure and all sorts of negative feelings would do. The other options would take a longer period of time and greater effort.''There, we would find people wanting to be saved or appeased. Only when they're feeling hopeless and desperate would they want a savior or miracle-maker to take them out of the darkness.

…Nathan spent a few minutes hesitating whether to go out of the bedroom. The time was 3 am. Normally, by now, he would be woken up by his 'housemates' using different creative methods. Being engrossed in his thoughts caused him to not notice that unlike before, there were no malicious spirits greeting him with their blood-curdling appearances. ‘Is it another type of ghost? But supposedly, none of them can touch me or harm me…’'Don't tell me...' Various guesses popped up one by one. As one particular idea crossed his mind, the man just found it hard to not feel afraid. How could he not be? When the thought entailed that there were ghostly beings from the book that could kill him. Several hours ago, when he refused to answer Lucy's question, there was a reason he also could not say that giving away the book to another person would be the right thing to do. This was actually the reason. 

... Ley stayed outside for the past three days. Out of lingering attachment, he stayed in his old neighborhood. Each time, it was quite the mental agony. It was hard to not go inside the mansion of his parents to declare to them that he had already returned.‘I heard my parents always pray for me. In my death anniversary three weeks ago, a few of my relatives and friends also prayed. Is that not counted as contributing faith energy to me?’

...Because Ley generously said he could stay until he decided whether to accept the terms or not, Nathan did not stand on ceremony and really went back home to migrate some of his personal items into the bungalow. He did this immediately on the following day.In reality, he already decided to bet on the ‘Anito’. The proofs were enough, just the dwelling place itself sufficed. But due to pride and extreme cautiousness, the author said he would be observing first before making a decision. Ley accepted, and only reminded Nathan not to take long, at most only three days.Before the two headed in separate directions, the guest curiously inquired about one last clause to him.“Sir, just two things. May I ask why I need to swear allegiance and devotion to you? And also, what’s with ‘offering sacrifices every month’?” The word uncomfortable was written all over Nathan’s face.‘Sacrifice’ was a huge word, and he didn’t know what had to be sacrificed. Money? Like giving tithes? Or blood or anim

...At the mall, Ley let the guard inspect him which did not take long since he had nothing on him besides his clothes, phone and wallet. After the inspection, he proceeded inside and walked to where the ATM machines could be found, withdrawing enough cash for his transportation cost in the next few days. Then from one of the shops on the left side, he got himself a serving of a fried noodles and a can of beer. The payment he settled through his card.He was about to leave after eating when he thought of the middle-aged man. A minute later, two bottles of mineral water were in his hand when he exited the mall and jog towards the bridge. “Hello, Mister!” Ley called out and when the person turned his head, he laughingly threw one of the bottles which the latter nervously caught. “Hey, that’s dangerous!” angrily scolded the middle-aged man. “The bottle could have exploded under the tires of a passing car!” When the other looked up to see the stupid and impulsive person, recognition fl