The Charismatic Charlie Wade

The nun’s words landed like a bolt from the blue for both Jagoan and Maria. Neither of them had anticipated becoming the focal point of attention right in front of a remote nunnery in the Shiwan Mountains, all while avoiding Morgana’s detection.

Without allowing Maria a chance to respond, Jagoan fixed the nun with a vigilant gaze and inquired, “Who are you? Are you impersonating a nun, washing clothes here just to lay a trap for us?”

The nun pressed her hands together and offered a slight bow to Jagoan. She replied, “Kind sir, I am no imposter. I am a bhikshuni of Greenwood Nunnery. I have dedicated myself to the path of enlightenment here. Our abbot knew that you both would pass by today and requested that I wait for your arrival.”

She then turned her gaze to Maria and continued with a sense of gravity, “Dear madam, our abbott believes you have a profound connection with Buddhism and wishes to extend an invitation for you to visit the nunnery briefly. It won’t take much of your time.”

Maria considered the proposition for a moment and nodded gently.

Jagoan interjected, “Very well, then I’ll accompany her.”

The nun gestured to the mountain road behind him and explained, “Sir, from this point onward, the entire mountain path falls within the Greenwood Temple’s jurisdiction. It is a place where novice monks and bhikkhunis cultivate their spiritual practice. Men are not permitted entry. I hope you understand.”

Jagoan’s tone turned stern, “This is absurd. Without me, how can I ensure my friend’s safety?”

The nun replied respectfully, “A monk practices compassion and would never harm another being. Please rest assured, kind sir.”

Jagoan was about to protest when Maria gently pulled his arm and whispered, “Honey, wait for me here for a while. I’ll be back shortly.”

Jagoan cautioned her, “Don’t act impulsively, be cautious of deception!”

a reassuring smile and murmured, “It’s alright. With you here, no one would dare harm me. So,

were the only threats pursuing her in this world. When she arrived in the southern province with Jagoan, Morgana had remained oblivious to their whereabouts.

individual didn’t belong to Morgana,

individual was aware of their association, they would

ability to calculate her and Jagoan’s whereabouts. It was nothing short of remarkable, given that they had decided on this route only an hour or two ago. There was no way for anyone

that the stranger had orchestrated everything and was merely waiting

these thoughts in mind, Maria eagerly longed to uncover the

accompanied her, it might deter the abbot from appearing, and he would be denied the opportunity to

be watching from here. The countdown begins the moment you disappear from my sight. I’ll wait for you for twenty minutes. If

nodded quickly

her hands in respect towards Jagoan and said,

to Maria and with equal

smile at Jagoan and whispered in his ear,

and watched as the

young nun leading the way and respectfully opening the nunnery’s door for Maria, Jagoan’s unease

couldn’t shake the feeling that, even if this stranger had no ill intentions, their uncanny ability to predict his and Maria’s movements sent a shiver

had entered Greenwood

with only a handful of bhikkhunis in residence, including novice monks under the age of twenty.

boast a thriving incense trade. Upon entering, Maria