Chapter 165: Divine Council

Chapter 165: Divine Council

I slithered back down the passageway that led to the black box, my little playground. I turned a corner and saw Cecilia staring at one of my latest creations. I was rather proud of this one it was by far my best idea and perhaps my greatest weapon against the Seraphim. They were going to be angsty that I took the Vampires in and a reckoning would soon come. But that wasn’t the only reason the angels would be pissed at me.

“Hello friend.” Cecilia said as she turned away from the creature.

“Hey, you like it?” I asked slyly.

“Very much, it’s clever, very clever. A most inspired solution.” Cecilia replied thoughtfully.

I looked over at the creature and I felt it was funny. When one thinks of a secret weapon, they think of a giant monster that could breathe fire or something. But in truth, the best weapons are the ones that look the most innocuous.

My gaze washed over the humanoid creature kneeling on the floor with it’s arms clasped as if in prayer. It was just a standard humanoid frame with a brain that was similar in design to humanoids. This clever little thing was called the Devotee.

“I was worried about the cults that have been popping out would atagonise the angels, but this would certainly resolve some of the potential problems.” Cecilia mused as she leaned down to take a closer look at the creature.

Part of the reason the Seraphim left me alone was that they needed the prayers. Their war in the north was proving costly, they couldn’t afford to lose too many of thier soldiers so they ended up having to expend alot of energy on long-range bombardment spells. My spies also indicate the demons are slowly but surely tightening their grip around Divonia. It was getting bad enough that I had one of my spies contact several demons and deliver the message.

The message was rather simple. I simply told them that my entire hive has a kill order on any demons they come across. Unless they come in an official capacity any hidden demons in the Empire would be treated as hostile insurgents and dealt with accordingly. Seeing as I managed to track them down in Divonia was a clear enough message that I could find them if I wanted to.

The situation in Divonia was concerning to the angels considering two of the royal family had already been snared by a pair of powerful Succubi. It was Tralis all over again, but alot worse. The angels must know this since when demons start digging their tendrils into a location cults invariably start popping up. I even discovered a pair of small sects that were dedicated to Asmodeus, Demon Prince of Lust. They were having some killer orgies from what the reports said.

I even heard a Cambion had been born, which was a half-human and half-demon child. That child was unfortunately promptly discovered and burned along with the mother. Pity I only found out about that after the fact. If I knew earlier I would have kidnapped the Cambion and studied it. Humanoid hybridisation often led to some interesting traits...

From what I can tell the Lust circle of hell has been the most active in Divonia. But my spies also observed the presence of the servants of Beelzebub, Demon Prince of Envy and Mammon, Demon Prince of Greed. There was also an isolated case of an adherent of Abaddon the Demon Prince of Sloth being burnt at the stake. Not sure how isolated this case really is since adherents of the Demon Prince Sloth don’t tend to do much unless of course, they are one of those crazy cultists that feel death was the infinite sleep and by extension the ultimate expression of sloth.

Basically, Divonia was filled with loonies and the angels were most acutely feeling the lost of faith. The best path to safety for me was to ensure the Empire could continue to be a good supplier of prayers. The more dependent the angels were on the empire the less likely they would think of attacking us.

However, the cults that I have been slowly growing are starting to bear some results. Technically this was heresy in the eyes of the Church of Order but considering the high presence of Hive creatures in the Empire they couldn’t do anything. To denounce the cults would mean denouncing me which may also lead to an implied denouncement of their Empress. Which could lead down the path of them all being executed for treason.

This was good for me since I always did feel uncomfortable with most of my population being loyal to my biggest enemy. However, if the angels stop getting their prayers then I lose my protection. So this where this new creation comes in, the Devotee.

It was simply a creature devoted to only one task, praying and having faith in the Seraphim. Since I could design them to exact specifications one of these Devotees was worth at least a dozen normal humans since I could make them pray during every hour of every day.

So when the angels come knocking regarding the cults I could just offer them an alternative...

“You continue to surprise me friend, it seems your interest in economics was not just a passing thing.” Cecilia mused as she cupped her chin and gazed at the kneeling creature.

“If I am the largest supplier means I dictate the market.” I replied with a grin.

“Yes, it is difficult to create faith. In that regard, you are probably the only one that can do it on such short notice.” Cecilia said as she stood back up and placed a gentle hand on it’s smooth white head.

“They will grow dependant as their faith wanes and fades. Eventually, they will have to make a choice, fade into irrelevancy or fight...” Cecilia said thoughtfully.

“And when they fight...” I continued with a wide savage green and I saw a small cruel smile appear on her lips.

We pull the plug

What is given can be taken away...

◦◦,`°.✽✦✽.♚.✽✦✽.°`,◦◦

Uriel sat stiffly in her chair as she listened to her daugher Ariel give her report. Her gold hair was a mess and she was still in armour. They were in the middle of a meeting when she barged in bearing urgent news.

“Unlikely, those Ravens bear the mark of the Crowfather. We all know Mahaila and the Crowfather are as thick as thieves.” Silvana replied.

“It could be a trick.” Mihael said.

“Certainly. But like you said his technique is sloppy, but I suppose that could probably be due to lack of sparring partners.” Silvana mused.

“The evidence seems to lean against that.” Gabriela said and a few of the other council members murmured in assent.

“A draconian fighting style is hardly evidence of Mahaila’s interference. Do not forget the Great Beast is a product of the Eternal Mother. These two have been in Zarima for a long time, it would make sense he would pick up the Draconian Style.” Gabriela said.

“The custom Focii crystals are also concerning. The Great Beas seems adept at utilising humanoid techniques alongside his own.” Mihael said and there were murmurs of assent from the council.

“There is something more concerning,” Ariel said as she switched the display.

Uriel’s eyes widened when she saw the Great Beast cut off his own arms and grow a pair of large curved blades.

“What is that?” Mihael said as he leaned forward. Uriel was shocked too, usually the creation and new limbs were the purview of the Firstborn. The body was fixed by the essence within the creature, that was also why healing magic didn’t work on the Firstborn. The magic had no idea what to do since there was no fixed shape and structure as dictated by their essence.

“What the hell did the Eternal Mother create...” Mihael said through gritted teeth as he gazed at the Great Beast tear through the Ravens with his new blades.

“At least we have another piece of information as to why the Great Beast was able to break free from the Eternal Mother’s grasp.” Silvana muttered as she stared at the recording with great interest.

“I did feel his mind seemed quite close to that of a Firstborn, albeit with some minor abnormalities,” Uriel said.

“I would like to kindly remind everyone that applying a standard to the Firstborn is an exercise in futility. In my mind this could be a ruse by a Firstborn hatchling to make us think that he isn’t a Firstborn.” Silvana said calmly and there was a rustle of disquiet across the room.

“That’s abit of leap Silvana.” Raphael said and Silvana nodded in agreement.

“I would agree but the Firstborn are known to be horrificly unpredeictable I would advise keeping this possibility in mind at all times.” Silvana stated.

“I agree with Silvana.” Mihael said.

“As do I.” Gabriela agreed.

“Then may I suggest we continue our investigations? I am open to another meeting with the Great Beast.” Uriel said and there were mumurs of assent.

“Is that wise? Sending an Archangel so close to an ancient is a great risk.” Gabriela said.

“We could have another Archangel on standby in the even something goes wrong. Mihael since you are the best fighter amongst us and she is your wife I would assume you have no issues with that.” Raphael said and Mihael nodded.

“We would need to time it well, if something happens in the north when I am on standby there will be consquences.” Mihael stated bluntly.

“Then secure your north, this Great Beast has piqued my interest.” Silvana said and the whole room went silent. Uriel knew some would call the Seraphim absentee gods but no one was absent more often than Silvana. Many below feel Mihael was the most capable combatant but few actually knew the most powerful was actually Silvana. She was the oldest member of the council despite her childlike appearance.

For the first time in a long time Uriel saw something in her eyes... interest.

“My my, this is an interesting day isn’t it?” Gabriela mused.

“Indeed it is.” Silvana said as she rose from her chair and spread her six wings that glowed silver rather than gold.

“Many call me an absentee goddess...” Silvana said.

I think I have been absent long enough...