Cultist of Cerebon - Chapter 40

[Manipulate Ether] - Grants the user the ability to more finely control and shape Ether. +3 Control.

[Ether Resistance] - Increases the user’s ability to withstand the effects of channeling Ether without suffering negative effects. +2 Vitality. +1 Spirit.

[Echoes of the Etherveil] - Allows users to vaguely sense past imprints on the Etherveil.

Zareth took a harder bite than necessary out of Gurza's latest creation, barely noticing the bread’s peculiar coconut flavor as he focused on how to best spend his Skill Point.

These three options weren’t exactly bad, but they were a tad bit… unsatisfying.

He couldn’t deny that any one of these Skills would be useful to him if he was to walk further down the path of magic—which he fully intended to do—but recent events had made clear that none of them would be immediately useful in a way he would like. 

During the planning of yesterday’s operation, Zareth had initially proposed that he take a more active role in capturing the [Assassins]. After all, Zareth had participated in a decent amount of fights at this point, and he was very confident in his own survivability. He had even already faced off against two combatants who were estimated to be around the same level as the [Assassins] they were targeting, and he’d come out on top!

Given that Zareth was likely more than 10 levels below both the earthbending ogre he’d defeated en route to Jabal-Alma and the elderly woman who had stabbed him in the throat, who could blame him from feeling a bit proud of himself? Especially since he didn’t possess a combat-dedicated Class and only had the training given to him by Rizok?

However, Vidhatri had very firmly humbled him after Zareth suggested he could handle one of the [Assassins] himself.

Even if he could have stopped them from simply running away the first time any of them spotted Zareth—which was something he had embarrassingly not considered and wasn’t likely given his relatively low Agility—he had forgotten one important detail.

All of his fights so far had taken place under the protection of Rizok and, more crucially, while benefiting from the effects of the soldier’s auras. 

Zareth hadn’t fully appreciated just how powerful those auras actually were until he’d been forced to watch Rizok fight while not under their effect. The entire fight between Rizok and Kasim Dhari had barely lasted 90 seconds from beginning to end, practically a blur of lethal precision and terrifying power. The majority of the [Ritual of Serenity] had actually been dedicated to Vidhatri healing Rizok’s wounds and the Tessik cleaning up the crime scene, so quick and violent was the operation.

Zareth wouldn’t have even been able to see what was happening if not for [Eye of Cerebon], and he had no doubt that he would’ve been quite helpless to protect himself if he faced someone like Kasim Dhari alone.

Many might have questioned his audacity for feeling discontent about not being able to take on a seasoned killer with two decades of experience and twenty levels above him, but Zareth couldn't deny that he felt a bit frustrated. 

He would be blackmailing a very well-connected naga in just a few hours, and in a few days he would be making himself a mortal enemy of House Khysar. The Great Houses weren’t exactly kind enough to take Zareth’s age and relative lack of experience into account when seeking retribution, other than to see it as a weakness to exploit.

If he wasn’t actually as strong as he thought he was, then his plans were much more dangerous than he had initially realized, and he needed a way to rectify the issue.

Zareth had no doubt that continuing to study the Etherveil and unlocking more powerful Sigils that he could then incorporate into his repertoire would eventually pay dividends, but that was very much a long-term investment. Not only did he need something to help him navigate the threats he would face in the coming months, but these Skills also wouldn’t be particularly useful for his immediate tasks.

Etherveil-based Skills served the dual purpose of increasing Zareth’s personal power and allowing him to make more sophisticated bio-magical enhancements, but most of his activities over the next few months would be heavily focused on politics and leadership. He simply wouldn’t have all that much time to spend in the laboratory finding new ways to incorporate Sigils into his biological augmentations.

Even the System seemed to recognize this, if the recent option to evolve [Leadership] was any indication.

Leadership Evolution(s):

Pious Leadership - This Skill improves the decision-making enhancements bestowed by [Leadership], with a special emphasis on guiding one’s followers to your deity’s principles. Followers are more likely to be offered theological-based Classes and Skills by the System. User will have instinctive knowledge on their deity’s impression on key decisions, allowing them to more align with their divine will. +2 Spirit. +2 Willpower. 

Strategic Leadership - This Skill improves the decision-making enhancements bestowed by [Leadership], with a special emphasis on tactical planning relating to any group they manage. Followers gain a slight coordination improvement to any plan devised by the User, and are more likely to execute those plans effectively. User will be more able to predict enemy actions. +2 Willpower. +2 Control.

Pedagogical Leadership - This Skill improves the decision-making enhancements bestowed by [Leadership], with a special emphasis on teaching and training one’s followers. Allows the User to significantly improve learning and Skill acquisition of their followers through active guidance. Followers are more likely to be offered Classes and Skills that correspond with their talents and ambitions. +2 Spirit. +2 Control.

This was the first time that Zareth had ever seen a single Skill offer three different possible evolutions, which was definitely a sign that whatever intelligence ran the System agreed with his assessment and sympathized with his current predicament. All of these Skills seemed far more immediately useful than any of the others being offered to him given that they each improved the base effects of [Leadership], which was a relief.

Were there any cults that worshiped the System? Would Cerebon get jealous if Zareth started praying to it?

“It’s far more likely that you’re simply near to fulfilling the requirements for your Ruler Class. The Weaver may favor you, but I would thank you not to profane his name in my presence.”

Zareth stiffened as he realized that he’d been muttering thoughts out loud. He had developed the habit because Rizok often assisted him with strategic planning, but he had forgotten that Vidhatri had decided to join him today on this trip to Gurza’s Bakery.

The zealot was, unsurprisingly, glaring at him from across the table for his minor bout of sacrilege, but most of her attention was dedicated to hand feeding chunks of bread to the far too pleased lizardkin by her side. Rizok had mostly recovered from his injuries sustained against Kasim Dhari, but the lingering effects of the poison had left him somewhat lethargic. He was more than willing to exploit this fact to garner extra attention from Vidhatri.

Zareth resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he watched Rizok smirk in his direction while lazily lounging back and enjoying Vidhatri’s attention.

There’s really no need for you to look so smug…

“My Ruler Class? What makes you think that?” Zareth asked, eager to change the topic. “Is the System really that responsive that it would alter the Skills being offered to me even before my Class changes?”

Zareth could tell that his redirection had been successful when all four of Vidhatri’s eyes lit up with excitement. He’d noticed that she seemed to quite enjoy teaching the cult’s members and sharing her knowledge.

“The System is a complex and highly enigmatic entity, with capabilities beyond mortal comprehension. Some [Scholars] even argue that the System is alive and actively pursuing its own agenda, despite widespread skepticism. Nonetheless, it is universally acknowledged that the System adapts to the needs and potentials of its users. Take, for instance, the [Pious Leadership] Skill. Your banner attracts an overwhelming number of faithless leeches and near-heretics. The System's recognition of this fact is a clear indication that it responds to your circumstances, urging you to better guide your followers to Cerebon’s grace.”

Zareth highly doubted that the System particularly cared about how pious his followers were when not even Cerebon himself seemed to concern himself with the matter. The god had explained that the greater numbers of followers that the cult was able to pull in by being lenient offset the benefit he’d receive from a smaller, more devout following. Therefore, Cerebon didn’t much care how Zareth chose to run things. 

But Zareth certainly wasn’t going to say as much to Vidhatri. Fortunately or perhaps unfortunately, he was saved from having to come up with a response when a gruff voice interrupted their conversation.

“Well, that’s one of the stupidest things I’ve heard today, and I spend my time workin’ in the Sunrise Slums so I’m used to hearin’ a whole heap of nonsense,” Gurza said as she placed a basket of freshly baked goods on the table and cast a scowl in Zareth’s direction, completely ignoring the shivarath’s baleful glare. “The lad’s cult is doing fine as it is. No sense in searchin’ for problems where none exist.”

What the hell did I do? I didn’t even say anything!

Vidhatri clearly didn’t appreciate being disregarded, because she narrowed her eyes at Gurza and spoke up before Zareth could muster a response.

“I can see clearly that you may have once been a warrior of some competence, but Zareth does not need the advice of someone who resigned themselves to being a [Baker]. I suggest you stay your tongue before your words cause it to be removed from your skull.”

Gurza responded to the threat with a scoff as she turned her gaze to Vidhatri. “Better a [Baker] than a zealot. You don’t frighten me, girl. Pray to your god that you never learn why.”

“Better a zealot than a faithless fool, drifting aimlessly through life like a leaf in the wind,” Vidhatri shot back with a snarl. “And he is not your god as well, or do you admit to being an opportunistic leech?”

"If Cerebon had an issue with it, he'd let everyone know. I’ve never known gods to be subtle ‘bout their displeasure," Gurza remarked with a casual shrug. Vidhatri looked ready to leap across the table and strangle the ogre, with only the lizardkin practically nestled in her lap stopping her.

A lizardkin who seemed far too amused with the situation as he used his tail to lightly flick a piece of bread into his mouth, clearly enjoying the show.

Damn it, Rizok. I’m going to convince Nasrith to let me handle your salary, just so that I can dock it! Please be a little more helpful!

Zareth had no desire to witness Vidhatri losing her temper, so he quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. “I think we all just need to take a moment to calm do—.”

“And you, don’t you ever take a moment to stop your schemin’ and relax?” Gurza interrupted, her tone scolding as she whirled back to Zareth with a scowl on her face. “Everytime I see you, you’re worryin’ about some political nonsense or frettin’ over your next move. That’s your right while in that fancy spire of yours, but have you been out of the slums so long that you forgot the rules while you’re in here?”

Zareth used his powers to halt the blood rushing to his cheeks, feeling a sudden wave of embarrassment as if he were once again an urchin being lectured by Gurza. Everyone in the Sunrise Slums knew that she had strict rules for anyone who entered her bakery.

Gurza couldn’t stop people from joining the local gangs but she was very forceful about keeping people from bringing their squabbles into her bakery. This meant that she didn’t tolerate fighting, arguing, or anything involving conflict in her shop.

Gurza’s Bakery was supposed to be a neutral place where people could just relax and safely leave their troubles at the door.

“In my defense, we weren’t actually talking about politics or anything that breaks your rules,” Zareth said while flashing Gurza with his most innocent smile. Predictably, she didn’t look impressed. “I was just pondering on how to best spend my Skill Point, is all. I’m sure you can’t blame me for that?”

Gurza glared at him for several more seconds before softening her expression and letting out a sigh. “That’s fine, I suppose. Even if you’re not followin’ the spirit of the rules and allowin’ yourself to relax like you should. You need a hobby, lad. Even Tamir’s gettin’ worried ‘bout you, lad. He’s the one who asked me to make sure you don’t work yourself into an early grave.”

Zareth winced. He’d wondered why Tamir had insisted that he should be the one to retrieve today’s treats from the bakery. He should have known that the kid was growing concerned from all of the unsubtle glances and worried expressions he’d been getting.

Probably didn’t help that Rizok had been dragged into the spire half-dead during the middle of the night. Especially when Zareth swore everyone who saw to secrecy under penalty of angry flesh god and then refused to elaborate.

That kind of thing tended to raise a few eyebrows.

Still, now wasn’t exactly a good moment for Zareth to slack off. “I’ll look into finding time to relax, but it’ll have to wait a week or so. There are… events happening soon that will be important to the cult’s future.”

Gurza studied him for a long moment before nodding, her expression reluctant. “Tell you what. If you agree to come by next week to let me show you the good that’s happened around here recently, and you agree to find a hobby, then I’ll give you an experienced old woman’s advice about those Skill choices of yours. Been too long since you’ve walked these streets. That doesn’t change, you’ll end up like some of the more pretentious snake folks.”

Zareth had heard that there’d been some significant improvements to the situation in the Sunrise Slums. He’d maintained his initial agreement with Gurza, funneling gold to her that could be used to help people in exchange for her directing people to his cult, but he hadn’t had a chance to see the fruits of his labor.

The biggest changes were likely a result of the gangs losing a decent chunk of their hold on the area. Not all, of course, as the Sunrise Slums was their primary source of recruits. Zareth wasn’t exactly ready to go to war with the major gangs while he was busy with everything else. But things had changed here enough that criminals could no longer operate with impunity.

This meant that enterprising [Merchants] could finally set up shops and stalls without constant threat of violence, and fewer [Street Urchins] were choosing to become [Thugs] and [Thieves] as soon as they were old enough to do so. Moreover, the Cult of Cerebon had gotten even more involved in the Sunrise Slums than Zareth had directed them to, with his [Cultists] taking the initiative to get involved with helping the community.

It shouldn’t be a surprise, considering that most of them had grown up in the slums and still had family and friends living there who hadn’t moved into the spire for one reason or another. However, he’d still been somewhat astonished when, on his way to the bakery just a few hours ago, he witnessed one of his [Cultists] healing an elderly lizardkin woman. By now, the Cult of Cerebon could genuinely assert that it had surpassed the Conclave in popularity within the Sunrise Slums, achieving a level of support the Conclave had never seen in their centuries-long presence in Tal'Qamar.

And that was just the beginning. He’d heard rumors of something happening with Mera and some of the… other people from his past, though he hadn’t paid them much attention. He’d gotten pretty good at not thinking about anything that reminded him of that chapter of his life.

Zareth shifted with discomfort under Gurza’s scrutinizing gaze. 

It would be good to set aside some time to appreciate some of the changes happening in Tal’Qamar. A welcome reprieve from worrying about Great Houses, ancient conspiracies, and all of the nonsense that he usually dealt with.

And Gurza was probably correct. He didn’t want to get so caught up with politics that he forgot to live a little.

“I wouldn’t have expected this from you, Gurza,” Zareth said with a teasing smirk. “Growing soft in your old age? Usually you wouldn’t bother trying to make deals when you thought someone was acting like a fool. You’d just smack them in the—”

Zareth regretted that he didn’t have his third-eye open before speaking, because Gurza’s massive palm delivered a solid thwack to his head before he could see it coming. 

“Soft? Hmph. I remember when you were just a scrappy little brat who was too smart for his own good, hidin’ in my kitchen, ‘cause you pissed off the wrong folks,” Gurza said gruffly, scolding him even as something nostalgic flashed across her features while she took a seat at the table. “Wasn’t easy makin’ sure you didn’t end up dead in a ditch. Glad I did, though. You turned out pretty decent in the end.”

Zareth offered Gurza a soft smile. His first few years after reincarnating in this world had been… rough, to say the least. The life of a veterinarian didn’t exactly equip a person with the life skills necessary to live as a [Street Urchin] in a medieval fantasy world.

Even if Gurza hadn’t been able to single-handedly feed every kid in the slums, she’d more often than not been a final place to turn to when other options had run out.

“Ugh. Save it. I can already see that whatever you’re about to say’s going to make me wish I’d just left you to work yourself to the bone,” Gurza said with a disgusted expression, as she took a moment to glare menacingly at a young ogre boy who was trying to sneak into the kitchen. “If you want to thank me, then just make sure you come back next week and that you don’t get in over your head with whatever nonsense you’re planning. You hear me?”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll be sure to follow your instructions,” Zareth said with exaggerated seriousness before his tone returned to being teasing. “Is there anything else that I should keep in mind to avoid your wrath, Mama Gurza? Should I make sure that I go to bed early and drink my mil—”

Zareth laughed as he leaned back in his seat and deftly dodged Gurza's second swat with the aid of his third eye, extending a tendril from his back to steady himself and avoid falling over. 

“Cheeky little bastard,” Gurza muttered irritably, though she didn’t try to hit him again. Instead, she crossed her arm and turned her attention to Rizok. “[Aura Blade]. How about you activate your [Aura of Silence] and give us a little privacy. Unless you want the details of your friend’s Skills to be spread to every gang in Tal’Qamar.”

Zareth’s eyes widened in faint surprise. Not because Gurza thought that their conversation would get back to the gangs.

Even if the Cult of Cerebon was relatively popular in the Sunrise Slums, Zareth had no doubt that half of the customers currently in the bakery had criminal ties, so her concern was warranted. But rather because of her familiarity with Rizok’s Class—and more so his Skills. Enough so that she could directly name them despite her never having had an extended conversation with Rizok.

Zareth glanced toward his friend and saw that he seemed similarly taken aback. Rizok's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded and activated [Aura of Silence]. The ambient noise from the bakery dulled to a soft murmur, creating a bubble of quiet around their table.

“How do you know so much of my Rizok’s Class?” Vidhatri immediately asked, ever the direct one. Her expression was deathly serious, and she looked ready to attack if she didn’t get a satisfactory answer. “It was granted to him for service to the wealthy heathens of House Vehlen and is not a Class I had ever heard of before arriving in this city. There’s no reason for a mere [Baker] to possess such knowledge.”

“When you’ve lived a life as long and interesting as mine, you learn a few things,” Gurza said with a shrug. “I spent a few decades with the military under [Trade Princess] Solthisia. There was an officer from House Seradis with the same Class as your lover boy, so I knew what to look for.”

It was only due to his research into history and the Tessik’s careful record-keeping that Zareth was able to recognize the name Solthisia. If he recalled correctly, she was the ruler of Tal’Qamar around 150 years ago and was most famous for attempting to consolidate House Seradis’ control into a hereditary monarchy. She’d been quite successful for a time until she very suddenly died from an acute case of twenty stab wounds to the back.

A rather common ailment for high-ranking naga of the time. 

Solthisa’s heir attempted to take her place and continue her work, only to fall victim to similar circumstances. This kicked off a period of political anarchy, which the Tessik refer to as the Crisis of Knives. Tal’Qamar’s upper class all began assassinating each other with great enthusiasm, with House Seradis and the Conclave on one side and the rest of the Great Houses on the other.

It had only ended after House Seradis’—and thus the Conclave’s—control over the city was significantly diminished, and they were forced to give up their monarchical ambitions. 

This period of history was something that Zareth had only really studied to help level up [Atavistic Apostle] and to understand a bit of how the Conclave lost control over Tal’Qamar. He hadn’t expected that Gurza had actually lived through it.

“Really? Did you know the Trade Princess personally? Do you know if it’s true that she was secretly a worshiper of Suhail and a puppet for the Conclave?” Zareth asked eagerly, his mind suddenly racing with questions. “How much Vitality do you have? I know ogres can live up to 200 years naturally, but you don’t look particularly old. What was it like to—”

“We can either talk about my past, or I can help you with those Skills of yours. Your choice,” Gurza interrupted, huffing in amusement at his enthusiasm. “I’ll answer your questions if you want since you’ve always had more curiosity than sense, and I know you’ll just keep askin’ until you get answers, but I have a feelin’ you don’t have all day to sit here and listen to an old woman’s tales.”

Zareth wanted to protest, but she wasn’t wrong. Even now, his flesh golem was currently flying invisibly over the Sunstone Heights and covertly watching the manor of House Khysar, waiting for Kassan to exit the building.

As soon as Zareth saw an opportunity to approach Kassan privately, he would need to act swiftly and decisively to capitalize on the moment. That was the reason why Vidhatri and Rizok were both currently accompanying him, so they could provide support at a moment's notice.

Otherwise, he was sure that Vidhatri would still be busy comforting Rizok for his injuries.

“In that case, let’s focus on the Skills,” Zareth said after taking a moment to reign in his rampant curiosity. “I can always come back later to ask about the rest.” 

Gurza observed him briefly before nodding in approval. “Very well. It’s good to see that you don't let the System overly influence your decisions. Though I wonder if that is due to your Willpower Stat or for other reasons…”

Gurza’s voice drifted off as if she was lost in thought, while Zareth simply felt confused.

“What do you mean by ‘influence my decisions’? Are you one of those people who believe that the System is alive?” asked Zareth, his tone somewhat skeptical.

He wasn’t completely opposed to the suggestion, but it didn’t make all that much sense given that he knew the System to be an artificial construct made by the gods. Especially since the gods who created it were part of the faction most invested in preventing any mortals from achieving apotheosis without their consent.

He doubted that a group of beings who had fought a war to maintain their own authority would design the System in a way that allowed it to develop its own initiative if they could prevent it.

“I do not believe. I know. This is one thing in which the zealot and I agree,” Gurza said without the slightest hesitation or doubt. “It is difficult to notice for most people and folks don’t like to talk about it, but it becomes obvious to those of us who manage to achieve a high level.”

Feeling taken aback, Zareth turned a questioning gaze to Rizok for confirmation. He already knew Vidhatri’s opinion on the matter, so Rizok was the only one who he could ask.

Rizok looked momentarily uncomfortable before he offered an uncertain nod. “I wouldn’t describe it as ‘obvious’, but I have noticed a certain… strangeness to the System as I level. It’s difficult to describe, but there are moments when it feels like the System presents me with choices that are a bit too perfect. And something about my Class feels more intrinsic to who I am, like it’s not just a set of abilities but something deeper.”

“You’ll notice more of that after you achieve your second Class Evolution,” said Gurza, her tone unusually solemn. “Especially that last bit. Folks tend to become more and more consumed by their Classes as they reach higher levels. I once had a friend who decided to become a [Strategist]. At a certain point, the poor bastard couldn’t help but see every interaction as a move in a grand game of strategy, planning three steps ahead even in casual conversations. Was one of the reasons why I decided to change my Class. It would’ve ruined me.”

Something about Gurza sounded almost forlorn and nostalgic as she spoke. She certainly seemed to believe what she was saying, even if Zareth wasn’t so sure. While his immediate company might make it seem otherwise, it was only a very small portion of the population who ever achieved a second Class Evolution in their lifetime.

Any [Strategist] who managed to do so was likely to be a rather particular kind of person well-suited to their role. That same went for any high-level person, which could easily explain the behavior that Gurza described.

Still, it would be unwise for Zareth to dismiss it all as superstition.

“But what does that have to do with me? I’m still far away from reaching my second Class Evolution,” Zareth said skeptically, frowning slightly.

“Hmm. True enough,” said Gurza, even as she stared at him with an unreadable expression. Just as Zareth was beginning to feel uncomfortable and was about to ask what exactly she meant by her cryptic remark, she waved her hand dismissively and continued. “But enough of us gettin’ sidetracked. The point is that the girl’s not wrong to say that the System’s probably preparin’ you for a Ruler Class. Which means that your choice here’ll be pivotal.”

If Gurza was trying to distract him from the previous topic, then she couldn’t have chosen a better way to do so.

“Really? How so?” Zareth asked eagerly, leaning forward in his seat. “I’ve tried my best to learn what I could about Ruler Classes, but there’s barely any information out there.”

The vast majority of scholarly books on Valandor came from the Eldamir Empire, and their ruling family was extremely enthusiastic about censoring any information that could be detrimental to them. The details of Ruler Classes were certainly included in the restricted topics. Zareth had tried using his contacts to source some books from Great Mu or from outside of the continent, but the former was far too isolationist while the latter ended up being impossible. 

It turned out that the presence of a xenophobic and aggressive aquatic kingdom just off the coast made extra-continental trade rather difficult. Who could have guessed?

“Well… it’d probably be a good idea if you actually took the time to explain what Skills you have and what goals you’re working towards. Don’t you think?” asked Gurza as she raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know what you think I can do, but readin’ minds ain’t somethin’ I’m known for.”

Zareth smiled sheepishly, realizing that he’d gotten a bit ahead of himself. After reconfirming that [Aura of Silence] was still active, Zareth took a few minutes to detail his current abilities and ambitions. It wasn’t something he’d normally do, but he’d known Gurza for most of his second life and trusted that she wouldn’t share anything she’d learned without his permission.

He didn’t keep anything back, even going as far to detail the options that he’d largely dismissed and hadn’t given much mind, such as [Corrosive Bolt], [Minor Siphon Vitality], and [Deceptive Presence]. Thankfully, Gurza confirmed that he was right to dismiss those Skill options, explaining that many people were often presented with numerous potential Skills from the System that ultimately served no real purpose.

However, she was much less complimentary when he explained his Crowning Skill and how he’d been using it. Or rather, how he hadn’t been.

“You… are aware that Crowning Skills are almost always the most important of any given Class, correct? Yet you claim that this [Atavistic Insight] has only granted you two visions since you acquired it?” Gurza asked incredulously before turning to face Vidhatri and Rizok. “Why haven’t you two done anything to fix this? He’s clearly been neglecting a crucial part of his Skills.”

Rizok stopped staring at Vidhatri long enough to wince and look embarrassed. “You know how Zareth is. He… just tends to know how to do things that he shouldn’t.” He shrugged helplessly before continuing. “I suppose I just assumed he knows what he’s doing unless I’m given reason to believe otherwise.”

“The favor of the Weaver is miraculous in many ways,” Vidhatri said with unshakeable certainty, nodding in agreement.

Zareth hadn’t known they’d thought of him that way, but he supposed it made sense in retrospect. He very much doubted that he would have come as far as he did if not for his first life. To someone unaware of that crucial detail, it must seem incredibly odd for a random former [Street Urchin]---who had no formal education and who should barely be capable of reading—to achieve such prominence.

If not for all of the supernatural nonsense and unexplainable phenomenon that existed in this world, someone would have almost certainly called him out before now.

“Are you saying that [Atavistic Insight] should have granted me more visions by now?” asked Zareth as he reached toward the System to remind himself of the Skill’s details.

[Atavistic Insight] - Grants the Apostle an intuitive proficiency in deciphering lost knowledge, along with visions that guide them to unearth hidden secrets.

“Hmm. Hard to say. I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but I’ve never had a Class centered around learnin’ things like yours,” Gurza said uncertainly, tapping her fingers against the table. “If you can convince all those fancy rich friends of yours to find you one, I’d suggest speaking to a [System Scholar] about it. Seems a bit strange to me. Otherwise, you should try findin’ new ways to make use of it. A Skill like that would be awfully useful for figurin’ out how to make use of the sort of old artifacts that Adventurers have a habit of bringin’ back from their travels. You should talk about it with folks from the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Zareth immediately sat up straight, feeling excited as his mind raced with possibilities. Gurza’s advice was good on both accounts. The first suggestion about consulting a [System Scholar]—a person who specialized in and had Skills dedicated to helping people understand the intricacies of their Classes—was something that he’d already considered.

Unfortunately, such specialists were exceedingly rare and were monopolized by the Great Houses as far as Tal’Qamar was concerned. Zareth already owed a bit too much to House Vhelan for him to feel comfortable and adding another debt to the list was not an appealing prospect.

Cooperating with the Adventurer’s Guild to identify unknown artifacts, however, wasn’t something that he had thought of doing. If it worked out, then it would not only help him level faster and probably be very profitable if he struck a decent deal with the Adventurer’s Guild, but it would also serve as an opportunity to develop valuable relationships.

There was a good reason why the Adventurer’s Guild was able to operate in pretty much any nation across Valandor. Even if they were generally sworn to political neutrality, high end Adventurers were exceedingly powerful and influential figures who made for useful allies.

It would be a good way to utilize his Crowning Skill. If he was honest with himself, Zareth didn’t feel like he had used his rather unique Class to its full potential. Sure, [Atavistic Apostle] was crucial to Cerebon’s future plans, but Zareth wanted to further his own ambitions as well.

“As for your Skill Evolutions. There’s no way to be certain, but I’d be willin’ to put good gold on bettin’ that the System will offer you a unique Class based on which Skill you pick,” Gurza continued, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully. “Each of them’ll likely set you on a different path. Like I told the zealot, I’d recommend against [Pious Leadership]. There are a lot of folks around here wary of deities thanks to the Conclave who like your cult because you and your god are flexible. But it’s your choice in the end. Everyone who reaches a certain level eventually learns that they need to specialize to truly excel. If you want to be anythin’ special, you should start thinkin’ now about what kind of leader you want to be.”

Zareth fell into a thoughtful silence as he considered Gurza’s question.

What kind of leader did he want to be?

Between Jabal-Alma and the yet to be named city constructed by the Hierophant’s Council, he would very soon be responsible for the well-being of a truly large number of people. Sure, Jabal-Alma could be governed by an intermediary and it was doubtful that he would be the sole authority in the unnamed city, but Zareth wasn’t one to take his responsibilities lightly. He’d seen and intimately experienced the life of a person abandoned by those who were supposed to care for them.

He would rather throw himself into a nest of System Spawn than subject someone to the same fate. Zareth was far from a saint, but he didn’t think he could look himself in the mirror if he didn’t do his best when it came to this matter.

But how exactly he went about it was the crucial detail…

Could he see himself as someone who dedicated his life to guiding people to Cerebon? The idea wasn’t as disagreeable as it would have been before he’d actually gotten to know the god and understood his motivations. And his precepts were hardly something he would feel shame about spreading.

But his recent actions had been far more about practical politics and strategic alliances than anything related to divine guidance.

When Zareth asked himself what kind of leader he wanted to be, the truth of the matter was that he truly wasn’t certain. But fortunately, he still had time to consider the matter and didn’t have to do so alone.

Just as he was about to ask Rizok for his opinion, Zareth suddenly froze as something caught his attention.

“Rizok, Vidhatri. We have to move now,” Zareth said with urgency, already rising from his seat. “My flesh golem just spotted Kassan leaving House Khysar’s manor. He appears to be headed in the direction of his personal residence, so it’s now or never.”

Zareth was immediately met with enthusiastic cheers from Vidhatri, eager to punish the enemies of Cerebon, while Rizok, with a lazy yet affirmative nod, stood up, and gripped the hilt of his sword. He offered Gurza an apologetic smile, but she merely waved him off dismissively and began making her way to the kitchen.

Zareth wished he had more time to discuss his Skills with her, but he firmly pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. As he left the bakery, steely determination rose up within him. 

House Khysar and the Circle of Ghisara were undoubtedly behind the assassination attempt on his way to Jabal-Alma. Although he had survived, that event felt like an utter failure as he realized that several soldiers had sacrificed their lives to protect him.

Zareth hadn’t forgotten this for a single moment, even if he’d been forced to swallow his pride as he hadn’t had any real means of retaliating against them.

But that was then, and this was now.

Now, the Cult of Cerebon had friends and allies who were more than willing to offer a helping hand. The consequences of this were not something that Kassan or House Khysar would enjoy.

========================

Eyes closed, legs crossed beneath her, and tail wrapped soothingly around her waist, Kinta hummed softly as she allowed Serenity to engulf her, centering herself in preparation for the task ahead.

Unlike most deities, the Serene One walked perpetually with those who offered her their service, her constant whispers a source of comfort and guidance in a world teeming with chaos. Most people needed restrictive Skills such as [Divine Link] or specialized artifacts to speak with their gods, but the Order of the Serene Path had no such barriers.

Many of their detractors, those unfortunate short-sighted souls, often claimed that this was no great advantage as the Serene One never communicated as clearly or as directly as other deities. There were some self-righteous [Theologians] who questioned if she was even a divine being at all, but Kinta knew in the very depths of her soul that the Serene One was the brightest light in this dark world.

She hadn’t always felt this way, but she was fortunate enough to have been enlightened to the truth. And today, she would have the great honor of doing the same for another lost soul.

Kinta allowed the soothing hymns of her brothers and sisters to wash over her as their voices bounced off the sandstone walls of the small meditation chamber. While it was far inferior to the sprawling monastery that she had been raised and trained in as a new Initiate, the spire gifted to them by the Tal’Qamari government was quite satisfactory. The Divine Essence left behind by the Conclave had long since been converted to the Order’s purposes, and the entire structure was a bastion where new [Acolytes] could learn without the slightest disturbance.

Well, with the notable exception of the [Poison-Master Assassin] whose mental despair was resounding through the spire, but everyone understood that this was merely a temporary bother.

Serenity would be re-established as soon as the [Rite of Absolution] was completed. 

Kinta was deep into her meditation when she felt a mental presence brush against her mind, gently but firmly seeking her attention. She wouldn’t normally accept such an intrusion, but the individual who approached her was not someone who she would ever dare to disrespect.

“What beautiful hymns, Adept Kinta. The [Getsuls] and [Getsulmas] of this temple are learning well. You should be proud.”

Their voice was echoing and hollow, like the gentle whisper of wind through a forest, yet it carried a weight of authority that demanded respect. Kinta opened her eyes and immediately bowed her head in reverence, recognizing the presence of the revered Elder sent from Great Mu to oversee Tal’Qamar’s burgeoning chapter of the Order.

Mycelids were not a race that often left Great Mu, so much so that few outside of Valandor were even aware that they existed. Even within the continent, the many could go their entire lives without seeing one of the rare fungoid people who ruled over their infamously isolationist nation. 

Kinta found that to be a shame, as she’d always found Mycelids to be endlessly fascinating.

The honorable Abbot Lhamo stood before Kinta, a mushroom-like figure with a broad, parasol-shaped cap shading their face. The cap was adorned with bioluminescent fungi that emitted a soft, ethereal glow.

His face was smooth and featureless, except for two deep, dark eyes that conveyed ancient wisdom. Vines and tendrils hung from beneath the cap, decorated with small, glittering beads and natural trinkets that swayed with each movement. He wore robes made of woven fibers and natural elements, blending seamlessly with his lithe form as slender, root-like fingers twined together in front of him.

Abbot Lhamo’s sheer presence exuded a sense of calm and authority that made Kinta feel both reassured and awed, as if she was once again a new Initiate running through the halls of the Order’s main monastery. 

“I am grateful for your words, Venerable One,” said Kinta, hurriedly standing and bowing again to her superior. “But I must confess that few of them hold such Classes. Local culture led to the System offering the majority of them the [Acolyte] Class instead. I am shamed by my failure.”

Abbot Lhamo’s response was sedate and measured. “That is disappointing, but is no failure of yours. It is often the spore that travels the longest, which finds the most fertile soil. Destiny chose you to lead our efforts outside of Great Mu for good reason, Adept Kinta. So long as you hold trust in the Serene One to guide your path, you will find your way, and so will they.” 

“As you say, Venerable One. I thank you for your wisdom,” Kinta said, feeling relief wash over her. She’d been worried when she had been informed that the Order was taking greater interest in Tal’Qamar and would be sending one of their esteemed Elders to oversee the chapter's activities. 

She knew that the Order’s expansion wasn’t a proposition that had been considered with much favor in the beginning. Kinta had merely been traveling the lands outside of Great Mu as a form of spiritual pilgrimage when Tal’Qamar’s previous government was excised from the city, and their successors had offered her Order permission to establish themselves in the city.

Perhaps the locals believed doing so would allow for stronger ties with Great Mu, or they might simply have been that desperate for any gods to replace the ones they’d chased away. Regardless, the Order’s Venerable Elders had deemed it a worthwhile endeavor and accepted Tal’Qamar’s offer, albeit with only moderate interest.

But that had apparently changed with recent developments. The Venerable Elders were seemingly much more invested in Tal’Qamar now than they had been just a few months ago. 

Kinta suspected that their interest would only grow stronger once the most recent reports detailing the past week’s developments reached them. Abbot Lhamo had certainly seemed keen to learn about the events unfolding in Tal’Qamar.

“Good. Now, I apologize for interrupting your meditation, but I’ve been informed that it’s time I carry out the [Rite of Absolution], and I wish you to bear witness,” Abbot Lhamo said calmly, gesturing for her to follow as he slowly made his way to the meditation room’s exit. “I know that you’ve performed the Rite yourself on several criminals during your time in this city, but Khasim Dhari is admittedly quite high-leveled. He possesses several Skills to protect his mind, so I believe that there is value in you watching and learning from my technique.”

“Of course, Venerable One. I would be honored to do so,” Kinta said genuinely as the two of them descended the spire’s winding stairs. They’d placed the prisoner in the convenient underground cells that the Conclave had chosen to build beneath the structure.

As they descended into the basement, the air grew cooler and the dim lighting cast long shadows on the stone walls. The underground cells were a stark contrast to the serene meditation chamber above. Each cell was warded and reinforced to contain even the most powerful prisoners.

They approached the cell where Kasim Dhari was being held. The assassin was shackled to the wall, his eyes gleaming with defiance and hatred as he saw Kinta and Abbot Lhamo approaching. But despite this, the only thing that his mind radiated was utter fear.

Not too surprising given how much effort had been taken to make his mind… malleable for the upcoming Rite.

“You think you can break me, you fungal freaks?” Kasim spat, his voice filled with venom. “I’ve faced worse than you.”

Abbot Lhamo remained serene, his gaze calm and steady as he stepped into the cell. “Your defiance is expected, Kasim Dhari. But the Serene One’s light will cleanse your soul. You will find peace, whether you wish it or not.”

Kasim Dhari began to thrash and struggle against his restraints as Abbot Lhamo approached, but he was helpless to stop the inevitable. Kinta watched as the Abbot placed his fingers against Kasim’s temple and began to pray softly. 

If Kinta were only observing with her more mundane senses, then very little happened over the next few minutes other than Kasim screaming ever more loudly and incoherently. But as someone who could sense the intricate mental manipulations that the Abbot was performing, Kinta became more and more awe-struck with every passing moment.

Like a high-level [Seamstress] creating an intricate tapestry, Abbot Lhamo carefully and delicately used the Serene One’s gifts to adjust and weave the threads of Kasim’s mind. With every passing moment, aggression, selfishness, and sadism were slowly unraveled and replaced with kindness, selflessness, and Serenity.

Kinta would have never been able to accomplish such a task forcefully against an individual like Kasim, who almost certainly possessed a high Willpower Stat and several mental defense Skills. Meanwhile, Abbot Lhamo showed no signs of strain as he performed the task, relying solely on the mind-altering spores wafting from his body, a natural ability of all Mycelids, to weaken Kasim's mind.
It was truly impressive. 

Kinta couldn’t help but wish that she had been fortunate enough to be attended to by such a powerful servant of the Serene One when she herself had undergone the Rite of Absolution. It would have made her early induction into the Order far smoother than it had been.

Eventually, Kasim’s screams and desperate thrashing subsided into a quiet whimper, then silence, and then loud sobbing. 

This was always the most bittersweet moment of the Rite, when the subject was forced to view their old crimes from the context of their newly cleansed minds, despair for their past actions, and begin the path to their redemption. Kasim's sobs echoed through the cell, filled with the weight of his newfound remorse as he begged the Serene One for forgiveness.

And in her boundless compassion, she was ever quick to grant it.

Kinta felt exultation as the Serene One’s grace washed over the once cruel man. 

His eyes, once filled with defiance and hatred, now stared blankly ahead, the light of his former self extinguished. Abbot Lhamo withdrew his fingers from Kasim’s temple, his expression serene and calm.

“It is done,” Abbot Lhamo said softly, his voice carrying the weight of finality as he leaned forward embraced the new Initiate with compassion. “You are now free from your past sins and have embraced the path of Serenity. Welcome, brother. Your life will now serve a greater purpose. One in which you help the people of this world, rather than spread harm.”

“Y-Yes. You’re right. By the gods. What have I done?” Kasim whispered, tears streaming down his face.

“Nothing that you haven’t already been forgiven for, Initiate,” Abbot Lhamo said kindly, his long fingers running through Kasim’s hair in a gesture of comfort. “Though it is not the gods who you should be invoking. It is the Serene One whose grace has cleansed your soul and offered you this new beginning. Focus on the path ahead, and leave the past behind. You will have ample opportunities to find your redemption.”

“Yes. Of course. I can feel her presence inside of me. Her compassion and expectations,” Kasim said with open awe that gradually shifted into determination as he focused on Abbot Lhamo. “I’ll do anything to make up for what I’ve done. Please guide me! I beg you!”

That was an unsurprising sentiment from someone so newly inducted into the Order. Kinta waited for Abbot Lhamo to respond to the man’s plea, only to be surprised when she saw the Mycelid’s featureless visage looking back at her. It took embarrassingly long for Kinta to realize that the Abbot was directing her to handle the next steps.

Under normal circumstances, a new Initiate like Kasim would be assigned to a mentor for guidance and training, ensuring that their transition into the Order was smooth and their newfound perspective firmly established. Someone like Kasim, whose past actions were among the more vile of those chosen to undergo the Rites, would likely not be allowed out of the monastery for nearly a year.

But these weren’t normal circumstances. Kasim had been chosen to undergo the Rite of Absolution for reasons unrelated to cleansing his soul from corruption, so rules would have to be bent.

Kinta did not like the Rite being weaponized in such a way, but she recognized that Tal’Qamar was not Great Mu and that compromises needed to be made if the Order was to fully establish itself in these foreign lands.

At least for now.

“There is something that you can do to atone for some of your past crimes, Initiate Dhari,” Kinta began, her voice firm and filled with conviction. “That is, if you are willing to strike a blow against your previous employers and prove your loyalty to the Serene One.”

Kasim’s response was as predictable as it was gratifying.

======

Author's Note: This isn't what I'd intended to write for this chapter. Was going to have the confrontation with Kassan, but then I'd realized that it's been a while since I've addressed Zareths Skills and gave a chance for the readers to speculate about how he'd spend a Skill Point. Then I didn't have enough space for the Kassan pov, so decided to expand a bit on one of the less fleshed out factions. Hope you enjoyed a look at the Order of the Serene Path.

There's an AI pic of the Abbot in the discord if any of you are interested in seeing the image I based his description on.