Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Zareth let out a pleased hum as he bit into a Sabellian Peach while making his way to the eastern section of TalQamar. The past month had been fairly productive, so he had decided to treat himself by buying the expensive fruit again.

You seem to be in a good mood, sir, said Rizok, his gaze sweeping through the crowd for any threats. While Zareth didnt know what caused it, High Command had sent down orders for everyone to be vigilant for any signs of unrest, and Rizok was ever the dutiful soldier. I wouldnt have expected it given how few people youve convinced to join your Cult thus far.

All in good time, Rizok, Zareth said optimistically. His stoic companion had been showing signs of being more comfortable in his presence recently. The soldier would have never said something that could be considered disrespectful when they first met. Its no surprise that people arent exactly rushing to join a new faith that they know nothing about. Things will start to pick up once we actually build a reputation in the city.

The TalQamari were culturally skeptical people, so Zareth had always expected adoption to be slow. He had mostly focused on approaching individuals likely to benefit from Cerebons Boon and those who showed no signs of worshiping any other gods.

That mostly included artisans who could use the extra physical Stats or regeneration for minor wounds they got while working, such as [Blacksmiths] or [Carpenters]. He had also reached out to a few [Miners] who often faced physical hardship in the large silver mine near the city.

And besides, Zareth continued, tossing the peach pit into a trash bin and sidestepping a group of children chasing after a makeshift ball. He was truly grateful that the people of this world understood that filth had a tendency to cause plagues. Were taking steps now to broaden our reach. Its not all about just recruiting, its more important to develop a favorable image for the future. After all, Im already starting with a handicap due to my Class.

Rizok hummed noncommittally. Who is it that youre intending to recruit this time?

Zareth couldnt help but grow a little nervous at the soldiers question. Someone rather famous in the Sunrise Slums. If I manage to recruit her, then I have no doubt that shell help us improve our reputation in the city. Youre lucky to have been assigned to me, Rizok, because it wont be long before the Cult of Cerebon is the most popular faith in TalQamar!

Zareth smiled widely as he waited for Rizok to ask the obvious question, but the lizardkin merely stared at him with a distinctly unimpressed expression. When it became obvious that Rizok wasnt going to ask, Zareth slumped and decided to go ahead and say it himself. Spoilsport. Anyway, shes an ogre by the name of Gurza, and shes the finest [Baker] in TalQamar as far as Im concerned.

He couldnt help but laugh as Rizok raised a scaly brow, clearly caught off guard. A [Baker], sir? You certainly have peculiar tastes. I dont see how such a person could help you improve your Cults reputation.

Thats because you never grew up in the Sunrise Slums, Zareth said, unconcerned about his companions skepticism. You would understand what I mean if you had. In any case, youll see what Im talking about once we get there.

Rizok's expression was one of doubt, but he simply nodded in acceptance and turned his attention back to the crowd of people passing them by.

The crowd began to grow denser as they approached the eastern section of TalQamar officially known as the Sunrise District, but was more commonly referred to as the Sunrise Slums. It wasnt difficult to see why, as the buildings were tightly packed, made from cheap materials, and surrounded by poorly maintained streets. The people were dressed in ragged attire and their faces marked with lines of hardship.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

Zareth could already see several people glancing at him, most likely criminals attempting to see if he would be an easy mark. He kept his expression neutral, and made sure his knife was in an easy to reach location.

It should be no surprise that the part of the city farthest away from the oasis was no paradise, but the difference was a bit jarring. Zareths second childhood had been spent growing up on these streets, and he hadnt hesitated to move away at the first chance he got.

There are many more gang markers here, Rizok noted as they moved deeper into the slums. I began noticing them more after you pointed them out, but there were only one or two in the Sunset District. Here, I can see at least a half dozen markers in every alleyway.

The Sunset District was the official name for the western side of TalQamar which contained most of the Guilds and many of the city's [Merchants].

Organized crime is pretty centralized in TalQamar, said Zareth, his voice quiet as he offered an explanation. Only the most powerful groups have any influence outside of the slums, like the Red Scar Gang or the Silk Serpents. After all, theres not much money to make here. Most of them have a tendency to use the Sunrise Slums as a sort of training ground where criminals can gain Levels and eventually be recruited in a larger organization.

Zareth had seen firsthand how the System could incentivize crime. Becoming a [Thief] or something similar offered the poor a way to earn money that they would never see otherwise. There were ways to change your Class, especially when you were young, but there were significant detriments to doing so. Once people took on a profession in this world, it was very rare for them to move on to something else.

Therefore, someone with a Class related to crime would be very motivated to continue their current behavior. The fact that they could gain Levels and Skills from criminal activity, becoming stronger or more elusive, only added fuel to the fire.

Make sure to keep your eyes open, Zareth warned as they passed a suspicious alley, the shadows seeming to loom a bit deeper than natural. There are people here who would attempt to rob us just for the opportunity to gain a Level. The guards rarely ever came here when the Merchant Lord was in charge.

It still remained to be seen if General Nasrith would be much different, though Zareth doubted it. High Command would only turn their attention to the Sunrise Slums if they had a reason to do so.

Rizok nodded calmly as he continued to vigilantly watch their surroundings. Thankfully, it wasnt long before they began to approach their destination. Tucked in the corner of a narrow, winding alley was a rundown building with a large chimney that was only distinguishable from the rest of the slums by the scent of fresh bread that wafted out from the door.

If one looked closely, then they would notice that there were no gang markers near this building or any of the surrounding alleys. Above the slightly crooked door, a sign hung that read, Gurzas Oven. Every pedestrian passing through the street glanced at the store with an expression of respect, and Zareth couldnt see any criminals sizing him up for the first time since hes entered the slums.

This is where you intend to recruit for your Cult? Rizok asked, his tone laden with skepticism. I confess, I was expecting something a little less

Run down? Zareth finished for him while letting out a hearty chuckle. Come, lets go on in. I saw a few street kids dart inside, so this should be a good chance for you to see what this place is about.

Upon entering Gurzas Oven, Zareth and Rizok were greeted by the warm scent of baking bread. Inside, the space was clean and orderly, a stark contrast to the disarray of the streets outside. The store was also significantly larger on the inside than it otherwise should be, likely due to [Interior Enlargement], which was a common Skill among shop owners.

A few street urchins were huddled in a corner, nursing steaming loaves in their grubby hands while tracking the two of them with wary eyes. There were also a few older teens sitting at tables and peacefully enjoying a meal, despite the fact that many of them were wearing colors representing different gangs.

Zareth had seen once what had happened to someone when they tried to knife a rival in Gurzas Oven. Getting unceremoniously thrown out by Gurza was the least of their worries compared to what the rest of the slums had done.

Behind a flour-dusted counter, an imposing eight-foot-tall ogre woman was working on a pile of dough as a human boy in ragged clothing approached her counter. Her skin was tough, and covered in a web of faded scars that bore witness to her many years of hard living. Her face was wrinkled with age and one of her tusks was broken in half.

Despite her intimidating appearance, everyone in the store looked at her with respect rather than fear. Zareth snorted as he saw that the kid was giving her the most pitiful puppy-dog eyes that he could.

Can we get some more? the boy pleaded, offering up a few tarnished coins.

Gurza snorted and spoke with a heavy street accent, not even bothering to look up from her work. Again, Toren? Yer pocket seems to have a hole today. You know the rules. That aint enough for a loaf, an my Skills cant keep up with feedin every brat in these slums.

Please, Ms. Gurza. Were still hungry, the boy pleaded, his eyes widening with tears.

Gurza gave a grunt of exasperation. Yer always hungry, aint ya? I swear, you lot are like a swarm of locusts.

Despite her complaints, the ogre woman made her way over to the large, urn shaped oven behind her and pulled out a loaf of bread. After a moment, her hands began to glow and a duplicate loaf of bread formed, still steaming and fresh.

Zareth heard Rizoks breath hitch at the sight, and he turned to see his companions eyes widen in surprise. That must be a very high Level Skill. Ive only ever heard of someone being able to create physical objects from nothing, and never seen it myself.

Yup, its pretty neat isnt it, Zareth replied, grinning at the lizardkins reaction. Gurza refuses to share her exact Class or Level, but people think that she must be a [Charitable Baker] or something similar. Ive only ever seen her use that Skill when she intends to give away food, so there must be some requirements to it.

Gurza was almost certain to have a very high Level as well, given that she looked like she hadnt aged a day from when he first saw her. Ogres already lived twice as long as humans, and people with higher Levels had longer lifespans than what was normal.

Here you go, you little brat, Gurza said gruffly, tossing the steaming bread to the boy. And dont come here beggin again today, Toren. Yer not the only one who needs to eat.

The boy looked up at her with awe-filled eyes before darting back off to his friends. Gurza shook her head and muttered something about bottomless pits before turning her attention to Zareth.

Well, this is a surprise, Gurza grunted as she returned to working her dough. Usually once you brats stop showing up, its cause you ended up dead or left this place. Never expected to see yer schemin face back in my shop, Zareth. Specially with a [Guardsman] at yer back

Zareth glanced back at the crowd and was pleased by what he saw. Several of them seemed unmoved and continued to wear skeptical expressions, but there were many who seemed far more interested than when he first began.

He turned to one of those who he knew was very interested in receiving the Boon, an [Apprentice Blacksmith] named Harim who he had spoken to a few days ago, and called them to the stage. Are you willing?

He was relieved to see the young man stand and make his way to the stage. Once there, Zareth directed him to a chair that he had prepared for the occasion and activated his [Ritual of Offering] Skill.

Almost immediately, Zareth could feel a familiar weight fall over the room as Cerebon directed a small fraction of his attention to the ritual. He could tell that the attendees felt it as well, as the lanterns on the walls began to flicker and the air grew heavier. The first time that Zareth had felt Cerebons power, he couldnt help but feel simultaneously revolted and enamored. It was as if his skin itself was being pulled and tugged in ways that shouldnt be possible, yet he also felt a wellspring of boundless potential grow within him.

Ignoring the sensation, Zareth focused on the young man in front of him. How would you prefer to be changed?

Zareth had offered the new worshipers the option to receive a piercing, tattoo, or a more significant change through his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation]. Cerebon would offer him greater rewards for more extreme physical changes, but this wasnt something that could be rushed.

Just a piercin for now, Harim replied, swallowing nervously. My girl likes the way they look and Im hopin to surprise her.

Zareth nodded approvingly before continuing the ritual. Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation, we gather here in your name and honor. Here stands an individual who seeks your blessing. He has chosen the path of transformation and evolution, willing to bear your mark and Boon. As your humble servant, I offer him to you.

As soon as he was done speaking, Zareth activated [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] and painlessly created a needle-sized hole in Harims earlobe. Cerebons presence intensified, carrying with it a sense of approval as he placed a small earring shaped like a coiling serpent into the newly created hole.

Zareth smiled as he stepped back and saw Harim flinch at the completion of the ritual, most likely due to the System notification informing him that he received [Cerebons Boon].

Sweet! Harim exclaimed, looking at his new piercing in a small mirror that Zareth provided. That was a lot easier than I thought. Didnt even hurt or anything.

Zareth chuckled. Thats probably because you prayed to Cerebon like I instructed. You wouldnt have received the Boon otherwise.

Still, Harim wasnt wrong. Cerebon was a notably relaxed god when it came to worship, which was one of his best selling points. Further benefits would require more stringent adherence to his teachings, but the minimum requirement for his Boon was fairly lenient.

It was a shame that Zareth lacked the ability to speak to Cerebon directly at such a low Level, because he really wanted to compliment the god on his business strategy.

Well then, Zareth said, clapping his hands together. If there are any others who want to go through with the Initiation Ritual, please step forward.

He wasnt surprised to see that many others worked up the nerve once they saw that it was a quick and painless process. Zareth spent the next hour inducting people into the worship of Cerebon, feeling the growing approval of his god with every successful [Ritual of Offering].

The System interface didnt explicitly show how close a person was to their next level, but Zareth could sense that he was rapidly growing closer to Level 20. Such a feat would have taken him more than a year when he was just working as a sort of plastic surgeon for the rich.

I know that Ive accumulated some progress from the work Ive done for General Nasrith, but this is just ridiculous!

It wasnt only these new worshipers that were accelerating his progress. High Command had continued their experiments and had started sending him new soldiers to augment with more creative ideas.Because of that, Zareth was leveling quicker than ever.

The Grimoire of Cerebon said that he would eventually reach a point of diminishing returns once his Cult grew large enough, but he intended to enjoy the easy Levels while they lasted.

Eventually, the last of the volunteers finished their ritual, a middle-aged lizardkin named Shusk who asked for Zareth to regrow a patch of scales that he lost in a mining accident. Feeling drained but elated, Zareth turned to address the crowd once more.

Thank you everyone, and welcome to the Cult of Cerebon. I look forward to helping you all down your paths of growth and transformation. Services will be conducted twice a month, but remember that worship of Cerebon is not limited to this place. You have all been given scriptures containing Cerebons fundamental teachings, so I recommend that you read them when possible. With that said, I would like to invite everyone to join us in the back for some refreshments.

Social events were the quickest way to develop a community, and the best social events in Zareths opinions were the ones involving food. It had been a bit costly for him to buy food from a decently leveled [Cook], but Zareth had wanted to make a good impression so he dipped into his savings.

Seeing the general enthusiasm from the crowd as they left their seats and moved into the back, he felt like it was worth it. Just as he was about to join them, Zareth spotted Gurza approaching him with an undecipherable expression.

Gurza, did you enjoy Zareth began, but she held up a hand to stop him.

Let's just say, your pitch wasnt half bad. I dont care all that much about your god, but the message was good, Gurza said, her eyes never leaving him. And I can tell you actually want to build somethin real, unlike those silver-tongued liars from the Conclave. Theres definitely a hunger for Levels in yer eyes, but there aint anything wrong with that.

Gurza turned and pointed toward the crowd of people, who were eagerly enjoying the food and chatting with each other. Zareth could hear snippets of conversation from where he stood, about the Boons, the ritual, and Cerebon. He also spotted several others inspecting their new changes in mirrors, their eyes alight with excitement.

These are chaotic times, Zareth. People need hope, and you have the chance to give it to them, Gurza continued, eyes appraising as she turned back to him. Im willin to help you with that, but I swear that if you end up becomin like the Conclave, carin for nobody but yourself, then Ill leave you behind and warn folk away from Cerebon faster than you can imagine. Plus, I expect you to help me feed those brats in the slums. There are too many of them for me to keep up with nowadays. Deal?

Zareth hid a wince as he nodded. Although it was easy to receive [Cerebons Boon], that meant that there were few consequences to someone leaving. If Gurza decided to rally against his Cult, she could do significant damage. The residents of the Sunrise Slums would turn against him, and he would probably start having problems with the gangs.

Still, it was worth it.

I understand and I agree, Zareth said, meeting her gaze with a firm nod. Youre not wrong that I care a lot about Levels, but that doesnt mean I cant help people at the same time.

Gurza studied him for a moment before finally nodding. Good. Then lets hurry up with that ridiculous ritual. Ill spread the word in my own way, but remember that Ill be watching. Dont make me regret this, brat.

I won't, Zareth said eagerly, once again activating his [Ritual of Offering].

Cerebons presence this time carried with it a hint of anticipation as Gurza sat in one of the pews and told him to give her a piercing. As he used his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation], Zareth felt a sense of resistance that he only ever felt from people with very high Vitality Stats, and he knew that his Skill would have had no effect on her if she was unwilling.

Once it was done and the Ritual was completed, Zareth felt an unexpected surge of power that nearly made him lose his footing.

Cultist has reached Level 20! Multiple Skill Points Gained!

Gurza stood and prepared to take her leave. Ill be here for the next service. Come see me when you get the chance, so we can talk about how you can actually help people. By the way, you should keep your eyes open for signs of danger. Ive been hearin a lot of strange whispers from folks who arent too happy with the Conclave being gone.

Zareth tried to ask for clarification, but Gurza didnt give him anything more specific.

As the elderly ogre left, Zareth couldnt help but look at her in a new light. Higher leveled individuals offered more benefits than lower leveled ones, and he could tell that Gurza was significantly higher leveled than he predicted. He hadnt expected to Level up for at least another month, but she got him to that point all by herself.

It was an amazing surprise, especially since it was a Capstone Level, meaning that Zareth now had three whole Skill Points to use.

A productive evening, sir? Rizok asked, appearing by his side as soon as Gurza was gone.

Extremely