A week ago, upon arriving near the border of Cha Sharia, Jihyo stumbled upon an ancient temple. Tendrils, wild plants and roots had taken shape around it as it stayed on the ground, unmoving, and never surrendering to time. She had met two paths in the forest. One would lead her right away to the border and others would be an unknown, deserted place. It was fate that she had chosen a path where her guts told her to go. She would never imagined of ever behold a sight of a snake-lady rumored in the legend; with hairs of snakes, a body of human and the lower part of a big snake. She set her heart up to plunder the creature into ruin but when the snake-lady or the Gorgon saw her manifestation of dark power, she immediately knelt before her and uttered, “Your Highness.”

“Are you talking to me?”

“Yes, Your Highness. This humble servant is greeting you, the Emissary of God of Underworld.”

“Who are you?” Jihyo asked with a suspicious tone.

“I am Gorgon Amila, the servant of this area.”

“Area? What area? This is just a forest.”

“Your Highness, this is the temple area of Great Duke of Hell, Astaroth.”

Jihyo nodded. She understood. From the way Amila had said, it is impossible for humans or demi-human to venture this area. It was hidden by some kind of ancient magic that she almost cowered, feeling the animosity of the area.

She replied, “I understand.” She looked at the Gorgon who with a soft gesture of her hand, curtsied and then signaled her to follow. Amila mo