Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Within the office of his temple, Zareth winced in sympathy as he examined the maimed visage of his latest client.

The person sitting in front of him was a large human man, one of the soldiers who had been hurt when the Conclave detonated flasks of Dragons Breath in the citys barracks. Casualties werent as high as they might have been if the attack had taken place just the day before, as most of the soldiers had been away, but the few who were left to guard the base had borne the brunt of the disaster.

Dragons Breath was not only an explosive, but was also a weaponized form of alchemical fire that stuck to its victim like napalm. Few survived being exposed to Dragons Breath, and the few who did were often left with devastating injuries. The man in front of Zareth was one such survivor.

The left side of his face was a grotesque tableau of burns, with skin melted and fused in ways that would leave most people horrified. His left eye was nothing more than a seared socket, and Zareth could tell from the burns approaching his other eye that the soldier had barely avoided total blindness. A large portion of his lower jaw was completely missing, the Dragons Breath burning so hot that even his bones were melted and deformed.

It was a miracle that the man had survived at all, and it was likely only possible because he was a military veteran with a high Level who had focused primarily on raising his Vitality. Otherwise, the Dragons Breath would have almost certainly claimed his life.

Well? Can you help him, sir?

Zareth turned to address the soldiers anxious mother, a [Seamstress] by the name of Onara who was one of the earliest people to join his cult. Zareth would have agreed to help the soldier even if he didnt have a connection to the cult through his mother, but there was a chance that it would have taken months to arrange. He already had many things to do, and there was a limit to how many people he could help before suffering from Skill exhaustion. So, he had to be careful when managing his schedule.

It didnt help that his [Devotion Perception] revealed him to be a devout worshiper of Silvaris, and thus more difficult to affect with his Skills. Much like most gods, Silvaris was a tad bit possessive and didnt make it easy for the power of foreign gods to affect his worshipers.

I can, but its not going to be easy, Zareth finally replied, his voice hesitant as he met the gaze of the woman. Itll likely take me multiple days of flesh shaping just to fix your sons jaw. The residual magic left behind by the Dragons Breath and the devotion he feels to his god will make this take longer than I would like.

Truthfully, this wasnt the best way for Zareth to spend his time given that his time could be better spent trying to solve his cults abysmal financial situation. But what kind of cult leader would he be if he failed to properly help his followers in their hour of need, especially one of his most devoted?

Besides, the soldiers wounds were a unique challenge that would be very helpful pushing Zareth to his next level.

Oh, praise Cerebon, Onara said, sighing in relief. Ive seen how you use your god-given abilities to help folks and figured you could do the same for my boy. Aint no way we could scrape together the coin for a real [Healer]! Yhear that boy? Cerebons gonna fix you up, not that indifferent old god that your damned fathers got you hooked on.

Zareth was somewhat surprised by how devoted to Cerebon Onara had become in a short few months, but knew it was likely because the woman was lonely and drawn to the sense of community hed been fostering.The roots of this story extend from novell bìn origin.

The disfigured man glared and attempted to say something back to his mother that was likely quite rude, but his words came out as an unintelligible gurgle due to his damaged jaw. Onara simply patted her sons unscarred cheek in an attempt to soothe his obvious frustration.

Now, now, none of that, Onara said to her son before turning her gaze back to Zareth. Forgive my fool son for not being grateful like he should. His father and those folks over in the tribes have been filling his head with nonsense about us and our god. Thatll teach me for rolling in the sand with a Sand-Chewer just because hes got a pretty smile!

Zareth suppressed his wince at the derogatory term used to describe the majority of humans in TalQamar who still clung to their more traditional heritage.

Its not a problem, Onara. It doesnt bother me, Zareth lied, smiling politely as he used [Deaden Nerves] and began removing the most painful of his patients wounds. The tribes are free to say whatever they like.

Farida had always been antagonistic to Zareth after he refused to become a [Priest] for Silvaris, but it was only recently that her hostility had started to affect him. Both she and her god had significant influence among the human tribes, which was being used to warn people away from Zareth and his cult.

Given that Zareth hadnt been raised among them and was considered an outsider to their culture, Faridas efforts were annoyingly successful. Zareth couldnt allow this to continue for long, or else hed find himself locked out of a significant portion of TalQamar's population when recruiting to his cult.

Zareth had a few ideas on how he could resolve the situation, but it would have to wait. Lady Marilith had made it clear to him after the Declaration Ceremony was interrupted that he had a few other priorities that he needed to take care of first.

Ill just help your son as much as I can for today, said Zareth, intending to get this business done as soon as possible.

When Onara responded, her eyes were wet with tears and her expression was overflowing with gratitude, Oh, bless you, sir. You dont know what this means to me and my boy. I dont know how I could ever repay you.

Zareth smiled at her, a mixture of sympathy and encouragement in his eyes. Your faith in Cerebon is all the repayment that I need Onara. Now, please allow me to concentrate as I do my work. This is quite a bit more difficult than it looks.

Fortunately, Onara seemed to understand his urgency and allowed him to work on the soldier in peace for the next half an hour. By then, the mans jaw had been mostly reconstructed and Zareth was starting to feel the beginnings of Skill exhaustion.

After another round of thanks and extreme gratitude from Onara, Zareth sent the two of them away and slumped in his seat. He knew that he had at least a few minutes before either Tamir or Rizok knocked on the door to remind him of his next appointment, so he could take a moment to relax.

Although he was a bit tired, Zareth couldnt help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Not only because he was able to help that man, but also because he could sense that he was on the precipice of gaining another Level.

Zareth wouldnt be surprised to reach Level 21 by the end of the day if everything went as planned, which would go a long way towards easing his mind. An extra Level wouldnt do much in the short term to protect Zareth from the Conclave or any of his political enemies, but every Level was another step toward power and safety as far as he was concerned.

Besides, Lady Marilith and Zareth had a long conversation after the botched Declaration Ceremony, and hed been pointed to a promising path to power that he hadnt truly appreciated.

How ridiculous is it that some rich lady probably knows more about my own Class than I do? Zareth thought bitterly as he sighed and leaned back in his seat. I guess I should just count myself lucky that she considered me useful enough to share information with.

That path was one that hed take the first steps on later in the evening, but there was something much less exciting that he needed to take care of first. As if on cue, Zareth let out a soft groan as he heard a knock on the door of his office.

Oi, boss, the [Steward] finished looking through the books, Tamir said as he poked his head through the door. He said hes ready to chat with you.

Thank you, Tamir. Please send him in, said Zareth, smiling as he noticed that Tamir had put a bit of meat on his bones since hed first arrived at the temple. By the way, hows your new Class coming along? Have you been practicing like I told you?

Zareth had many plans for his temple, but several of them would only be possible with more [Cultists]. Tamir was the first of these, so Zareth was paying close attention to his progress and had told the kid to heal anyone who came to him with minor injuries.

Yeah, yeah, Ive been practicing, Tamir said, rolling his eyes. Its been hard though. I dont know how to remember all of that anatomy stuff you were going on about. Its so complicated!

Zareth could sympathize. Tamir had it harder than him when it came to learning anatomy given that the kid had trouble reading, but it was necessary. Messing around with somebodys body when you didnt even know what a kidney did was a good way to get someone killed. If Tamir was ever going to move beyond closing superficial wounds, then Zareth would have to continue tutoring him.

Thats to be expected, Tamir. Learning new skills always takes time and effort. Just focus on practicing every day, and youll eventually get better. I promise.

Tamir gave him a dubious look but nodded in agreement. Alright, boss. Ill keep at it.

With that, Tamir exited the room and the [Steward] sent by House Vhelan slithered in through the door. Predictably, the man was a well dressed naga who sniffed disdainfully at the humble furnishings in Zareths office. His scales shone with a polished sheen that Zareth recognized to be the result of alchemical treatments.

Greetings, Steward Hissal, Zareth said as smiled politely at the naga. Im told that youve concluded your audit and wish to speak with me?

Cultist Zareth, Hissal acknowledged with a nod. I have evaluated your financial documents as instructed by my Lady. It is a grim picture, Im afraid.

Zareth sighed, having expected as much. Yes, Im well aware of our precarious situation. This temple has been nearly entirely funded by the military. I cant rely on the budget offered to me by High Command forever. If I ever wish for any degree of independence, then I will need to develop my own source of income.

Zareth made sure to stress his desire for independence. It wasnt in his interest to trade one overlord for another by indebting himself to House Vhelan.

Hissal reached into his satchel and retrieved a scroll that he began reading from as he responded. If that is your goal, then there is much work that needs to be done. Allow me to provide a detailed description of your expenses, Cultist Zareth.

Zareth listened patiently as Hissal ran through all of his expenses, which was surprisingly substantial. High Command was willing to take care of everything that was strictly necessary, but anything extra came directly out of his coin purse. The gold that hed spent to hire the Adventurers, feed the members of his cult whenever they had an event, pay Tamirs salary, buy useful books, and a bunch of other miscellaneous expenses had begun to creep up on him.

It wasnt pleasant to listen to, but Zareth was lucky that he had a potential plan for how to deal with it. Once Hissal was finished with his long winded explanation, Zareth reached behind him and placed a small cage on the desk for the naga to see.

Inside was a small creature about the size of his hand, a scaled serpent with vibrant, iridescent scales flowing along its body. It had two tiny, feathered wings attached to its back and its eyes glowed with a gentle, harmless light. The serpent was guaranteed to draw the eyes of any naga or lizardkin that saw it.

After all, Zareth had designed it with exactly that purpose in mind.

Zareth wasnt particularly surprised by this. Hed already known that magic and the gods had existed before the System, which implied that there was some underlying mechanism that the System was either based on or worked alongside.

I guess this means that I cant trust the Systems descriptions to tell me everything

Rizok watched him curiously as he tried to understand what was going on. What are you sensing, sir? Is there any danger?

No, everything is alright. I think Im just feeling the divine energy left behind by the Conclave, Zareth explained, his eyes flicking open to look around the spires vast hall. Its faint, but its definitely here and not very welcoming. I have a feeling that the Conclaves gods dont like me very much. Ill have to find a way to clear their residual energy and sanctify this place in the name of Cerebon.

Rizok shuffled nervously as he glanced around with newfound caution. Is that something that you actually know how to do, sir?

Nope, but I have an idea on how I can learn, Zareth said as he made his way toward the staircase, paying no mind to Rizoks skepticism. Or rather, I have an idea on who can teach me.

Lady Marilith had mentioned a certain artifact that High Command had discovered in the upper portions of each spire. Although the military had taken everything of value that they could, theyd left behind a few things that would be better off in the hands of the spires' new owners. Zareth ignored the various floors he passed by as he ascended the tower, intent on reaching the apex where Lady Marilith claimed he would find the artifact.

He would have ample time to explore later.

Eventually, Zareth made his way to the very top of the spire, stepping out onto a terrace that provided an awe-inspiring panoramic view of TalQamar. Although the terrace looked open, it was protected by several enchantments that prevented any harmful elements or creatures from entering. The enchantments even seemed to create a comfortable temperature and atmosphere.

However, Zareth couldnt bring himself to care about any of this once he noticed the ornate pedestal in the center of the terrace and the object sitting on top of it. The artifact was dark, polyhedric in shape, and each of its sides were inscribed with mysterious glyphs that glowed with an ethereal light.

Is that what you were looking for, sir? Rizok asked as he studied the artifact. It certainly looks like the object Lady Marilith described.

The thing lit up like a lighthouse in the darkness to my [Devotion Perception], so I think this is it, Zareth said as he approached the pedestal with excitement.

According to Lady Marilith, High Command had discovered artifacts like these on top of every single one of the spires. Any attempts that they made to remove them from the pedestals had failed and it had taken them months to discover their actual functions. Apparently, they were tools that the Conclave used to more easily contact their gods.

There were Skills that allowed people to accomplish the same thing, but they tended to come with restrictive requirements that these artifacts could bypass.

Even more than the spire itself, this artifact was the most valuable thing that High Command had ever given him.

Zareth found his mind wandering to the conversation that hed had with Lady Marilith when she explained why the military and the Great Houses were so interested in promoting the new gods.

After he had agreed to cooperate with House Vhelan, the old woman hadnt hesitated to lay out what exactly Zareth was doing wrong and how he needed to proceed in the future. Lady Marilith had been particularly disgruntled to hear that Zareth hadnt yet established a way to get into contact with his god.

According to her, being able to directly communicate with divine beings was the most important ability that the leader of a religious organization could possess. Zareth not being able to speak to Cerebon was like a [King] without any subjects or a [Sword Master] without a sword, utterly ineffectual. There was a limit to how much deities could affect the Mortal Plane, but they often offered significant rewards to their most favored servants in exchange for completing certain tasks.

In order to demonstrate the potential power of the gods, Lady Marilith had told Zareth the fate of Idraxan the Mad, a powerful [Golemancer] who had once terrorized the Eldamir Empire. Apparently, this man had been so powerful that he was widely considered to be responsible for the fall of the previous dynasty and Eldamirs current state of decline.

Even someone like Zareth, who had grown up as a copperless street rat without an education, had heard stories of Idraxan and his many evil deeds. When he was young, Idraxan reminded him of horror movie villains he had seen in his past life. It was said that Idraxan had particularly enjoyed kidnapping people and turning them into golems before sending them to kill their loved ones.

To this day, [Golemancers] were even more reviled in Eldamir than [Necromancers].

It was due to these stories that Zareth had been so surprised to hear that Idraxan had been defeated by the worshipers of Luliena, Goddess of Compassion. These worshipers had managed to conduct a ritual to channel their goddess power and lay a divine curse upon Idraxan that forced him to feel the pain of all the lives hed ruined. Almost immediately, Idraxan disappeared with the most powerful of his golems.

There were rumors that the man was still alive, as it was well known that hed converted his own body into an unaging construct, but his campaign of conquest had ended.

In a single day, a [Golemancer] speculated to be higher than Level 80 had been laid low by a small group of devout [Priests] and [Clerics] who likely couldnt defeat even the weakest of his golems.

That was the power that religious Classes could manifest on the Mortal Plane with the aid of their gods, and Zareth wanted it with every fiber of his being.

Being able to talk to Cerebon hadnt seemed to matter all that much when he was just a single little [Cultist] who the god rarely ever paid attention to, but things were different now. Zareth was now the leader of a growing temple and Cerebons gaze was now drifting toward TalQamar more than ever.

In fact, Zareth could feel Cerebon looking down on him now, the gods attention carrying a hint of anticipation.

Zareth felt a shiver run down his spine. Hed grown accustomed to the feeling of being observed by the divine being, but the sensation of anticipation was new.

Rizok, Im going to activate the artifact now, Zareth warned. Be sure to catch me if I suddenly fall into a trance or something.

Rizok didnt miss a beat as he responded with a dry tone of voice. Of course, sir. Ill make sure to cushion your fall with my own body if necessary.

With that comforting reassurance, Zareth took a deep breath and reached out to touch the artifact, bracing himself for his first meeting with the god to whom hed tied his fate. Unfortunately, after a few moments of nothing happening, Zareth suddenly realized that he had no idea how to actually activate the artifact.

Just as he was about to awkwardly turn back around to face Rizok, an alien feeling of amusement surrounded him and the artifact suddenly flared to life, glowing with an intensity that lit up the entire terrace.

Startled, Zareth attempted to let go of the artifact, but found his hand held in place as though bound by unseen chains. It wasnt long before he felt a surge of foreign power flowing through his body, nearly painful in its intensity and causing the illusion of writhing flesh to ripple across his body.

For a moment, Zareth thought he could hear Rizok shout out his name before the world suddenly began to melt away and he felt himself sinking into a void. His senses went haywire, screaming against the sudden change in his surroundings. Zareth felt like he was somehow in several places at once, as if he was being pulled apart and reformed again and again. Even when he forced his eyes shut, his vision swam with incomprehensible shapes and colors.

Just as Zareth felt as though he would be swallowed by the chaos, everything abruptly went quiet and he found himself standing in a place far removed from TalQamar.

The ground beneath him pulsed and undulated, like a living creature, while the sky overhead was a swirl of ever changing colors. He was surrounded by the ruins of some ancient city, with architecture wholly foreign to anything hed seen in either life, and the air was charged with an energy so potent it felt nearly tangible.

However, Zareth couldnt bring himself to care about any of this when he finally caught sight of Cerebon.

Zareth had been prepared for anything from a Lovecraftian abomination made of wriggling flesh to a seductive temptress ready to steal his soul, but he still somehow found himself surprised.

Sitting across from Zareth on the ruins of an ancient throne was a figure that could best be described as humanoid, albeit with several key differences.

Cerebon wore the form of a bipedal humanoid, taller than even the largest ogre and with the skull of some kind of horned lizard for a head. His eye sockets glowed like two bright stars and his body was covered with sinewy muscles, each one writhing and pulsing as though living independently from the rest. The god was clothed in a flowing robe that seemed to constantly shift and change colors.

An aura of raw, divine power surrounded Cerebon, pressing against Zareths senses with an almost physical force that made it hard for him to breathe. It was a feeling that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, leaving no doubt in Zareths mind that he was in the presence of a being more powerful than he could imagine.

Cerebon remained silent as Zareth studied him. The god could have almost been mistaken for a statue if not for the constant movement of his muscles.

Pushing down his apprehension, Zareth bowed low with deep respect before the god. Lord Cerebon, it is my great honor to finally stand in your presence. I come humbly to seek your wisdom, guidance, and blessings as I strive to spread your faith.

Zareth remained bowed as Cerebon continued to hold his silence long enough for him to wonder if hed made a mistake. As the silence dragged on and Zareth found himself staring at the writhing floor, he couldnt help but feel a hint of exasperation.

If hes going to have me bow like this for so long, would it have killed him to make the place a little less disconcerting?

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a deep booming chuckle that resounded through the bizarre landscape and echoed through Zareths very soul.

Not all divine realms are made to accommodate mortal sensibilities, said Cerebon, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. Oh, what an interesting worshiper you are, Zareth. It is rare that I meet someone who comes from a world beyond even my sight. We have much to talk about.