2

Finally, after four days, the day of the lecture came around. Jungkook took the bus early in the morning, and he arrived way too early as well. He didn't mind since he had the chance to take a seat at the front line. After an hour or so, the lecture hall started to get lively. People of all ages filled the room, buzzing with excitement which made Jungkook feel better because he's not the only history and mythology nerd here.

When the professor walked into the room, everyone was quiet, only the sound of pens ready to take notes echoed against the walls. The professor started by introducing himself before he began his lecture. The first half of the lecture was about freedom of speech and how students should always seek the truth despite it being controversial, and Jungkook was nodding his head way too hard in agreement.

The second half was the interesting part. He started talking about a few Gods who people claimed dead, such as the Goddess of marriage; family, and childbirth who was rumored to die after giving birth to The Supreme God. He then continued to say that most of the Gods that died had a distinct relation to political or societal issues at the time of their death.

For instance, when childbirth declined drastically, they killed off the Goddess of family and childbirth, blaming her death for that. When the biggest empire on the west fell, they decided that it was because of the death of the God of War.

The professor pointed out that these instances are not much of a coincidence. Would it be that humans like to blame their shortcomings to the evil God of the dead who was weak anyway and couldn't smite them, and attribute their achievements on the Gods that they believed will bless them.

It was a theoretical question, but Jungkook knew that the professor hinted that it wasn't much of a question than a statement and an opinion he believed in.

The last part of the lecture was mainly advice to the audience about the importance of not only memorizing history and mythology by heart, but one must analyze it and draw conclusions that are relevant to the present. He finished his speech by saying that his previous statement is, indeed, the goal of studying history and as history students, it's their duty to do just that.

The professor announced that they will take a break before they start the questions section of the lecture. Jungkook looked at his empty notebook. He was too focused on the lecture, he forgot to write important notes, but it didn't matter cause Jungkook was certain that this lecture may as well live in his memory for the rest of his life.

After fifteen minutes, the professor came back. Many people raised their hands to ask questions. Jungkook had many questions and one wasn't enough. He wrote a few questions and scanned his eyes over them, crossing over questions that didn't seem too interesting. At the end, he was left with one question. After some hesitation, he raised his hand. 

"You. Please stand up for your question." The professor pointed at Jungkook and the assistant walked to him and handed him the microphone.

"If I remember correctly, the first God to be claimed dead was the God of War 600 years ago during the Great War of The West. The winning emperor said that he was murdered by the God of death." Jungkook took a deep breath. "I have two questions if that's possible. If the God of death killed the emperor's rival, why did the emperor turned his people against him, and what proof did anyone have to blame it on said God?"

The room fell silent as if Jungkook said something so offensive. Jungkook knew it was kind of controversial to even talk about the God of death let alone show remorse towards him. The professor stared him, not in the same way the students looked at him, but with growing interest.

"Good questions." The professor smiled in an eerie way. "I don't have the exact answers cause there isn't any documents or books written about this event. So in a way there's no historical evidence to back up any claims against the God of death nor any books documenting the death of any God before the Great War." The professor stopped for a moment, visibly pondering over a thought. "You can meet me back stage after the lecture because I remember you from last year's class."

Jungkook stared in shock because he didn't have this man as a professor at all. He was confused but he won't miss the chance to have a conversation with such a man anyway. The professor answered a few questions before disappearing back stage and Jungkook followed him right away. He clumsily put his notebook and pen inside his backpack and speed-walked to where the professor is.

The professor was sitting behind a white desk, a few little sculptures sat on it, and the walls had paintings of Gods Jungkook has never seen before. The man was looking down at a closed book. Its cover was black with a red spear on the center.

"Hello, sir. Thank you for inviting me here." Jungkook said awkwardly. The professor signaled for him to take a seat.

"It's my pleasure to talk to daring students. Your question was brilliant." The professor smiled kindly. "If you allow me to introduce myself. I'm a professor for Gods Relations and Society. I study the relationship between Gods and how they live and operate." 

Jungkook stared in awe. The professor was smiling at Jungkook's expressions. The former handed Jungkook the black book. Jungkook looked at it questionably.

"It's my book. You can't find it in most libraries and can only buy it online. Not many people know about it, and even the people who know about it spread the rumor that if you read it, you'll be cursed." The professor explained, and Jungkook took the book gratefully.

Jungkook, for the first time, read the title. Dark Religion : Modern Stygianism. 

"Stygianism ?" Jungkook has never heard of this word.

"Stygians is the ancient name for The God of death worshipers."

"What do you mean by modern?" 

"Read the book and you will understand." 

"Why are you giving me this book?" Jungkook was skeptical. Is this some kind of recruitment for a cult following the weakest God? Jungkook had to laugh.

"This is not an invitation to a cult. This book needs to be read by only a few people. You're one of the people who may understand it." The professor still had the same smile.

"Uh..well then, thank you." Jungkook said as he stood up.

To be continued...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***