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!”

“It’s alright. With you here, no one would dare

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

the individual didn’t belong to Morgana, the likelihood of malicious

base of the mountain. If the individual was aware of their association, they would think twice about making any

was their ability to calculate her and Jagoan’s whereabouts. It was nothing short of remarkable, given that they had decided on

the stranger had orchestrated everything and was merely

in mind, Maria eagerly longed to

he forcibly accompanied her, it might deter the abbot from appearing, and he would

from here. The countdown begins the moment you disappear from my sight. I’ll wait for you for twenty minutes. If you don’t return by then, I’ll come find

Jagoan relent, Maria nodded quickly and assured,

hands in respect towards Jagoan

Maria and with equal respect, spoke, “Dear madam, please follow

nodded, cast a reassuring smile at Jagoan and whispered in his

as the

receded from view, with the young nun leading the way

this stranger had no ill intentions, their uncanny ability to predict his and Maria’s movements sent a shiver down his spine.

had

small area, with only a handful of bhikkhunis in residence, including novice monks under the age of twenty. In total, the inhabitants numbered just over

entering, Maria found no pilgrims offering incense and