A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale

Side Story 31: Origin God Summit.

By my duty and responsibility as the presiding Origin Goddess, I hereby announce the opening of this meeting between the five elemental pantheons concerning the recent invasion attempt of our former acquaintances.

Hmph, pretty sure it woulda been six, if ya hadnt sent ya brother off, Plesia.

Crustacia, come on, dont begin with a condemnation.

The daily life of a god was usually a very peaceful and uneventful one, at least compared to when they were still mortal, for a being who has gained the gift of apotheosis was not only immortal but also extremely hard to kill, depending on their faith and stature amongst the mortals. Heaven, or the Divine Realms as most Peolyncians call it, was more or less an utopia ready to suit the needs and wishes of its inhabitants.

For every subordinate god would receive a personal divine realm from their patron Origin God, allowing them to sculpt it however they wanted. Even constructing a neighborhood or an apartment between the gods of a pantheon was possible, allowing gods to merge their realms. In this place, these gods performed their duties while watching over the mortal realm of Peolynca through the eyes of their followers.

However, for over 2000 years, these supportive administrators have seen quite a lot. For those who were long-living or truly immortal in the first place, like Istari and Kargryxmor respectively, watching the people repeating mistakes over again while slowly progressing towards the future was the norm. However, for those belonging to short-living races or those who had only experienced a short lifespan, these could become boring quite quickly.

As such, some gods quite liked being able to personally descend to the mortal realm, experiencing sights happening outside their followers visions. A subordinate god of Marsven could potentially mingle among followers of Aurena, for example. Fortunately, due to the Origin Gods strict laws against directly influencing substantial mortal events, accidents havent happened just yet.

However, just recently, something momentous did happen the Edjurl gods broke through the protective aurora of the Origin Gods and managed to send in a few of their minions.

For that reason, a conference between the six Origin Gods was ordained. A rare occurrence, since the Origin Gods were usually able to handle any business matters between them through admin messages. If they met, it was usually for personal reasons resulting in the chagrin of their angels, beings born from the souls of ardent followers who decided against reincarnation to support their god.

Now, speaking of the six Origin Gods

No, Zephira, this is a topic worth discussin, a short girl with petrified twin tails demanded, overriding the plea of the human-sized fairy woman with four rainbow wings. The only reason Plesia and Danterno had to flee to Peolynca in the first place was cause of that muscle-brained fool! This issue is his to solve too. As such, I am bringing up my dissatisfaction with how she handled this matter. She shoulda recalled Danterno from his punishment and sent him to deal with his own problems!

This was Crustacia, Origin Goddess of Earth, Craftsmanship, Minerals, and Creation. And this was the summit of the Origin Gods.

The fairy woman Zephira, Origin Goddess of Wind frowned at her friends insistence, looking over at the leader of this meeting. Worried that she would become angry, Zephira continued trying to dissuade her Crustacia from continuing, Crustacia, you really sh

It is alright, Zephira, but she was quickly stopped by a woman in a fish scale dress this was Plesia.

Placing her scaled arms on the table, she continued speaking, Crustacia, I understand what you are intending to say, but there wasnt a need to necessitate his return. Marsven and I had it under control.

Its not about that, Plesia. I know personally that you can handle yourself, but what Im talking about is that, even now, you cuddle your little brother far too much. Its about principle.

Crustacia kept her emotions repressed, as the best way to speak with Plesia was by being calm. The Goddess of Water, Order, Honor, and Tradition was very much like her domains. She was reasonable, but a stickler for proper etiquette and found shouting and emotionally controlled talks unfitting to consider as anything but banter.

The punishment for Danterno ignoring the rules and forcibly trying to influence somebody dear Aurena was grooming to become her champion is more important than that invasion, Crustacia. If I simply summoned him whenever an attack appeared, even if we didnt need him, then that goes against the entire point of my punishment, correct? Plesia argued.

After pausing and looking at the disgruntled Crustacia, Plesia continued, leaning forward with a dark smile, As you should know, even if I was the only Origin God left they would not win.

A chill quickly ran down Crustacias spine, as if the cold breeze of the sea suddenly entered this neutral zone. The three other Origin Gods did not speak up to Plesias assertion. They knew her well.

Oh, and dont forget! Plesia broke off her expression and returned to her poker face, ending the pressure exuding from her aura. The Elders wont participate in any of this. It isnt their issue and we settled into Peolynca according to their laws. The only ones we have to deal with are gods weaker than me or

Plesia turned her eyes away from Crustacia, towards the only male Origin God currently seated with them. The man was like a veil of black fog from all the mist exuding from his suit, shrouding his appearance until Plesia called his name.

Marsven.

The black smoke around his head was reabsorbed into him, only leaving that area now clear to identify. Medium-long ebony hair and a well-groomed beard framed a face similar to a middle-aged man, giving off the posh and intimidating aura of the patriarch of an established noble house.

Grey skin covered his body and with his elven ears, the man looked very similar to that of a dark elf. However, those werent the only notable features, as this man also had four sleek horns growing from his temple. When he opened his eyes to acknowledge Plesia, he revealed his heterochromia one had a red iris with black sclera and the other was completely white with a golden iris.

This was the appearance of Marsven, Origin God of Darkness, Progression, Defiance, and Fate. The Shadow Father of all Dark Elves and Grimgarians.

Let us proceed, was all Marsven said to this topic, earning him a loud sigh of frustration from the Goddesses before him. Although it wasnt part of his domains, Marsven was known amongst the Origin Gods and his own subordinates as a slothful person.

We can discuss this later on, Crustacia. First, let us finish this meeting before Marsven accidentally falls asleep again.

Agreed, Plesia.

The five then activated their administrator windows. On them, information and statistics of the invasion were shown.

As we expected, this invasion was really just the Edjurls attempt to test out our defenses, but I guess it does give us an excuse to renew the barrier now. We have gained a considerable amount of followers over the years since the last time their servants attacked us. We should be able to bolster the aurora enough to thwart further small-scale attacks, Plesia presented a quick summary of the situation.

Agreed. The enemies sent against us were imps, daemons, and failed demonic servants. A flick of our fingers would be enough to squash them. Disappointing, since I expected at least a demon fledgling to appear, Crustacia added.

However, while the damage done to our barrier was irrelevant, what should be concerning is the intention and cause for this attack, Zephira pointed out before looking over at Aurena. Those demonkin, the, uhm, princes of sins, right? Foolish little beings, from what Marsven has seen through some of their eyes, they sacrificed the Prince of Lust to perform a [+**.

[+**.

Zephira continued, Marsven, I am pretty sure we had asked you to keep an eye on those demonkin in case they do find a memento or so from their demon ancestors. Most should have been destroyed at the end of the war, but it seems that some survived. Squashing every ant that tries to use them is impossible if we dont outright destroy everything.

There was no need, Marsven answered, to the chagrin of Zephira and Crustacia. This commune was imperfect, as the demonkin tried to recreate it using the small snippets they found. They simply received small whispers, nothing more. I saw no need to do anything.

Argk, can ya please stop actin like that for once, Marsven! Crustacia, exasperated by her comrade, blurted out before recovering her composure. This negligence of yours is affecting our little Aurena, you old fool! What was it again, Aurena? From your 38 blessed, 13 of them were slain? Thats a huge enough number to be worried about! Thats a filthy amount of accumulated faith just sent to the void cuz of your laziness, Almost Demonic Lord of Sloth!

Crustacia then increased the size of her admin window, turning it around for everyone to see.

Ya see this? Number two moi. Number three Aurena! For the first time since the deaths of those demons, I am number two in the power ranking of us six! Also, Aurena reported on yer ass! We know ya left that damn KleaHatma alive! That demon of lust is thankfully now under Aurenas more reliable control, but it could have caused some serious problems if she had been freed by a demonkin! Answer for ya actions, Marsven!

Blessed in the forms of saints and champions werent just a gods representatives, but they were also conduits of power for their individual patrons. In exchange for a unique power that will grow as they fulfill their duties, blessed also acted as cauldrons of faith.

Let us take Hestias [Idol] and [The Light] as an example. Followers, or fans in Hestias case, were gained as people began to feel faith or depend on Hestia for something. Not only does her own power grow as she does so, but all this faith is also funneled into the Gods as a separate source of power.

This energy was less than what an Origin God would directly gain from gathering their followers, their subordinate gods gathering followers, or if a mage cast a spell in their name. However, the blessed had the advantage that they could travel and were more numerous than gods. In addition, while a god required the piousness of their followers, blessed could also gather power by helping those belonging to other religions.

However, similar to the amount of apotheosis an Origin God may give out at a time, the amount of blessed they can create depends on their own competency and power. For older gods like Plesia and Marsven, their amount of blessed they have outnumbers what Aurena could field vastly, for she is the unquestionable youngest amongst all of them.

Fortunately for Aurena, the reach and size of her church equalized this disadvantage. It also helped that her patron race the humans were the most numerous. Crustacias, on the other hand, were the dwarves, a medium population race. While Crustacia could keep up with Aurena since she was the patron goddess of all craftsmen, it couldnt fully compete against the entire human race.

Every saint and champion was able to gather power for Aurena through the same sphere of influence, creating a snowball effect. However, the moment an influential blessed died, this energy would dissipate. So, what would happen if multiple of them died, all in the same window of opportunity.

Those demonkin worked with the Edjurls, they timed their attacks to when we were preoccupied with that invasion, only to then land a devastating attack on Aurenas blessed! Ya can already see the cracks in the mountain. This is not how I wanted to raise myself up the rankings.

Crustacia was livid. Her dissatisfaction with Plesias decision was further exacerbated by another ancient Origin God. She was the Goddess of Earth for a reason, as she was surely blunt as a boulder.

Calm yourself, Crustacia, Plesia ordered, earning her a click of Crustacias tongue as she obeyed. Still, a satisfactory answer would be appreciated, Marsven. As you can see Aurena doesnt seem too focused on this meeting.

H-Huh? Aurenas head snapped up as her wings flapped a bit from being flustered. N-No, Im alright! Truly. I was simply engrossed in the information, that is all. Im alright, please, do not worry.

But her comment only made Crustacia and Zephira worry more. To them, although Aurena was more influential as a Goddess in Peolynca, they cannot help but look at her as a small robin. In their original homeworld, they were her seniors. Even now, Aurena respectively calls them as her elders.

As such, they glared at Marsven. Even with the latter trying to ignore them, they kept it up long enough for Marsven to comply reluctantly.

They are merely mortals, Marsven answered. They will recover quickly, especially since they are humans. The damage done to Peolynca was zero, which is our main goal as gods. Unlike our old world, our new home is ruled equally by the six of us. None are willing to compete and take over. There is no competition, no progression. No need for that power ranking you are so obsessed with, Crustacia.

Crustacia frowned, understanding the implication he was making. It was a personal one, filled with much history when she was still a goddess in their previous world. She couldnt speak up against it.

The deaths of a few blessed is a common occurrence, especially when our followers war with each other. Nothing abnormal. And those demonkin? Pray, tell me, what amount of damage have they truly done? Plesia?

None we cannot repair. As I mentioned before, they made me consider the reconstruction of our old barrier, the water goddess replied, causing the earth goddess to groan in displeasure.

Marsven nodded. The communion is imperfect. They cannot speak with our friends. If they do not complete the actual ritual, they will not become a threat. The Princes of Sins? They might be dangerous for the mortals of Peolynca, but their powers are simply an imitation of an actual archdemon. They cannot even be compared to a normal demon. Even if they complete that tonic of theirs, they will not become an issue for us.

Then what about KleaHatma, huh? That archdemon of lust?! You left her there alive, for what reason? Crustacia tried to fire back, but Marsvens cold aloofness was undeterred.

For change, Crustacia. You should know that best. Yes, KleaHatma could teach them the perfected communion rituals, but that honestly would be good for this world. It is stagnating. The only substantial event I was excited about in the past millennium were the three otherworldly summons that happened. Crustacia and Aurena, you two brought a much-needed development to this world. An influx of unaccountable variances. Sublime.

But those two werent as exciting as the third, Marsven thought before he opened his mouth again.

Our Edjurl friends aided the demonkin with those Earthlings. Will they become a bane to Peolynca, or will they be a much needed change of pace for our world? Will they defy their summoner's demands, or will they comply with it all? The story and paths may change, so will a new fate for Peolynca be written? Or will it continue to stagnate with us ruling over these little mortals?

This cold-hearted bastard, Crustacia thought but didnt say it out loud.

This is why he was one of the strongest gods Zephira sighed in exasperation.

A god acting like a proper god, what a surprise. Hiehie, Plesia simply smiled.

The only one to not have any response to his words was Aurena.

To Marsven, his followers didnt matter much. They were simply beings who ask him for power, which he will grant as leisurely as the sun delivers shadows to the world. To him, his duty as a god had priority.

The meeting then continued with Crustacias demands and questions answered. She was not satisfied with them, but complaining about them openly would bring no further progress. A god as old as Marsven will not change his personality much.

Alright, that should be all. Everything we needed to talk about has been brought up and I have updated all of you on the current situation. With this, the meeting between us five Plesia was about to end the summit, only for Crustacia to stop her.

Please, hold on for a moment, Plesia. There is somethin I wish to discuss.

We shall talk about Danterno in a moment, Crustacia.

No, no, not about him. I have somethin a bit more interesting, or at least, interesting for Marsven.

Oh? Marsven raised a brow. Let us hear it.

Crustacia smiled. As Zephira and Aurena simply went with the flow, Plesia did not try to stop the goddess of earth.

I would like to suggest an improvement on the Job System

The Gods stared at Crustacia in surprise. They did not expect her to suggest a System update of all things.

Continue, Plesia urged her.

I believe this was something we discussed at the beginnin when we created the Divine System. The Job system was intended to equalize the strength between monsters and men, between evolution and stasis. As such, with how the demonkin have begun to prepare a way to evolve themselves, why do we not add a function to aid other mortals to keep up?

Denied. Plesias answer was swift.

But Crustacia knew this would be her response.

I understand, Plesia, you were the one to dissuade us from adding that function, after all. However, look at the current situation of Peolynca. Humans, beastmen, dwarves, and all the other humanoid races have been stagnatin in strength all while monsters continue developin their powers through the Divine System. Some monsters are able to develop intelligence, turnin them into even more ferocious beings that gain access to the one advantage humanoid mortals have over them.

Camaraderie? Information and communication? The ability to teach and adapt? Intelligence? Zephira threw out some buzz words.

I mean, just look at two prime examples, Plesia Grimgarians and transforming monsters. Not only would they be able to work and adapt to dwarven or elven society if they received the chance, but they also have access to both the Evolution and Job system. The reason why we separated these systems amongst monsters and humanoids respectively was to avoid having the two systems mix.

Crustacia then gave Marsven a quick glance. Marsven was not only the ancestor of all dark elves and vampires, but he was also the ancestor father of the grimgarians, due to his third daughter Kronnaz being the first grimgarian. He has always been a status quo changer.

Crustacia continued, Monsters are becoming stronger and stronger, Plesia. They were able to humanize or elvenize even before our arrival, but we underestimated the impact of this problem, believin humanoids would make better use of the Job system. The dragonkin are a prime example of our failure.

Plesia did not rebuke her. She silently agreed.

That is why we must do somethin about it. As such, I believe it is finally time for us to introduce main and sub dual-classing and, most importantly, unique Jobs.

Unique jobs? Zephira asked. I can understand what you mean with the main and sub Job system. Continuously hang onto a single main Job for their job-specific benefits while using the sub Job slot as another job skill source or to train up skills. That would significantly boost the strongest elves and dragonewts, but wouldnt it also empower the demonkin? The System has to be fair for all Peolyncians.

I know that, but that is why we will introduce unique Jobs. My fellow Origin Gods, I believe it is finally time to introduce our version of the demon system into Peolynca!

Oh my~ Marsven let out. The Goddess of Creation sure is an ingenious one. Like when you summoned that Earthling, Chihiro, just to boost your races technological development. Now, you are even suggesting we personally update the Divine System?

The Divine System was an autonomous creation similar to an A.I. Its role was to manage the System-like world Peolynca had due to the Origin Gods. As such, it had an excellent ability to adapt to changes, for example, creating mutation evolutions for Hestia and Saori. The creation of new weapon abilities and custom spells was also another of its functions.

As such, due to its competency, it didnt need much influence from its creator. It could work by its lonesome, but there was something it couldnt do without the Origin Gods consensus develop new systems.

Pretty much, Crustacia shrugged. Now, what are unique Jobs? Easy, it is our version of the demon system, no, let us call them Seraphims! Or whatever other names we can figure out.

Hmm, it would be the natural progression, correct? Plesia considered the idea. Our saints and champions were inspired by the dutiful work of the imps and daemons we controlled back in our world. Allowing them to progress through the hierarchy to eventually become half-gods demons would be natural.

Just like how monsters can become as strong as half-gods through evolution, Zephira noted.

Kargryxmor, he was the most notable. A being who was able to fight and defend Peolynca against the demon invasion with the support of Aurena.

That is why I suggest we start implementin this system. Only the blessed we trust the most, or those who have shown their competency should be allowed to bear a unique skill. Just like their title and unique skill we give to them as blessings, the announcement of a Seraphim would most likely help us gather more faith!

But most importantly Crustacia eyed Aurena, something the latter nor Plesia did not ignore.

Your intentions are easy to read, dear Crustacia. You really are trying to join Aurenas little project, huh? Are you really that desperate to stay close to those two reincarnated Earthlings?

Crustacia expression contorted for a moment. W-Well, as the Goddess of Craftsmanship and Creation, I have to support them, no? The dwarf following them has been overwhelmed with a creative drive. So much so that it kinda resembled when Chihiro came to Peolynca. I am simply offering my blessing!

But there is also the whole Divine Quest Aurena gave that little dragon, Zephira murmured. If we support the other members of little Hestias party, we technically would be giving them our support in solving our problems. Plesia and I have Tasianna, Crustacia has that Grimnir, Aurena can work with Hestia and Ellaine, and Saori will

I am not interested in this, Marsven rejected without giving it any further thought.

W-What? But what about your wife and daughter? Edna and Ilsaphone are quite intrigued by Saori. Shouldnt you be supporting them as their husband and father respectively? the wind goddess replied.

The reincarnator is not a follower of either of them nor is she one of mine. Watched only means we have taken an interest, but, until she prays to one of our shrines, we cannot see through her eyes. I know that she has been rather close with a dark elf that has talked to her about my faith, but she showed no signs of embracing my religion. I do not need to interfere. Fate will decide if she will come to me or not.

For the God of Defiance, it was only natural for Marsven to give this answer. To force his will onto others would go against one of his domains. If fate wills it, then Saori and Marsven will meet at the intersection of this river.

However, I will give my consent to this idea. A System update sounds interesting. What will become of the balance you desperately want to maintain, Plesia? And with those words, Marsven stood up, dissipating into black fog as he left this conference.

Aurena saw Marsven leave and stood up also. This idea has my consent. I shall now ask for my leave. Goodbye, elders.

And with a ray of light, only three Origin Gods remained in this room.

Jeeez, those two So what about ya two? Crustacia turned to Zephira and Plesia.

The majority has already decided. You will support Crustacias proposal, correct, Zephira? Plesia asked.

That is correct. Regardless of Crustacia's intentions, I personally have to do something about my religion, right? This is a great way to improve it.

I see Well, then it is decided then. Crustacia, come, let us speak more about it. We must iron out the details before we can present this for the update, Plesia stood up. By my duty and responsibility as the presiding Origin Goddess, I hereby announce this meeting between us five Origin Gods over. Now, come. You wanted to talk about my brother, right?

Yeah, time to reveal what you are intending with Danterno, Plesia. Crustacia materialized rocks to move her forward, helping the shorter woman reach eye level with Plesia.

You know, you could always ask me for my brothers hand in marriage if you like him that much. I wont stop you, Crustacia.

Fuck you!

Those two

With everything business-related over for now, the relationship between the Origin Gods returned to how they treated themselves in private. Plesia could relax.

And so, a summit between the Origin Gods was over. What will become of Peolynca afterward will be left for the future.

In the divine realm of a certain Origin Goddess, angels were slowly leaving it at the order of their patron Goddess. Like stars, they flashed for a moment before darkening. With all of them gone, this Goddess let out a sigh before summoning a certain person of hers.

Father, you can come in now, Aurenas voice resounded through her realm, reaching the ears of a certain black mist.

As it grew in size, the mist slowly dissipated to reveal the face of a very familiar god

Ahhhhhh, my sweet little lightray, that bore of an event is finally over.

It was Marsven.

You shouldnt be saying this. Mother made sure you would look like a proper Origin God to attend the Hold on! Stop replacing your suit! Aurena shouted, stopping Marsven from morphing his shadowy suit into his usual attire.

Why? The conference is over. It is time for me to finally sleep again. Marsvens mist separated from his body, forming into a black bed for him to lay on. Ahhhhhh, finally! Come, Aurena, lay yourself down, too! You should rest. The stress is getting to you.

It was a huge contrast. The intimidating attitude Marsven presented himself at the meeting was simply a persona for him, the other side of a coin to the Lord of Sloth. To his followers, Marsven was an uncaring God, who only granted them powers but little else. Still, due to how willingly he gave out power, even allowing mages to access his shadow world freely, made him especially popular amongst those who prefer freedom with some support from a god.

However, were they to see him in this state, most would be baffled. However, to Aurena and the other Origin Gods, this was just par for the course. To the dutiful Aurena, having a slothful father was a large burden. But he was her kin, still.

Aurena shook her head, rejecting Marsvens offer, and simply sat down at her table and sipped some tea. The tea she loved so much did not taste good to her. It was dissatisfying to Aurena.

Haaaaa, but even this Marsven understood when he was allowed to act as he wanted to. He rose from his bed and walked over to his daughter. You are too soft, Aurena. A god does not act like this.

I know.

You treat these mortals like pets, pets to be cared for. But, as you have seen numerous times, all of them will die sooner or later. It is only the select few who can stay with you for longer. Those who became subordinate gods or those able to gain immortality. You are troubled because you care for their deaths.

The curse of godhood, was something Aurena usually thought of whenever she saw somebody she was intrigued with die. Aurena, being a young Goddess, found it hard to break her habit of bonding with certain individuals. After all, being the Goddess of Light in Peolynca was truly her first time as a functioning administrator.

I have taught you how to act as a goddess. How to be strong. These emotions you are feeling will continue to torture you, my daughter. Our followers do morph our forms, at the end of the day, but they shouldnt influence our minds and personalities. However, you are too much like a human. They are weak beings; mortals.

I understand, Father. Your words are always in my mind, but I do have to question what is so wrong with supporting the weak? To care for the weak? To worry about how they will develop? What is your opinion of me, Father?

Marsven looked into his daughters eyes, peering down the light inside them. Unwavering, also shining. They were like two inextinguishable suns.

I have underestimated you. I am proud of you, Marsven patted her shoulder. However, this church of yours if you truly care for it, they will need to be properly purged. Your champion should be able to do this, correct?

Yes.

Aurena had warned her followers. She knew what the demonkin were aiming at. She also told them about the pope, but moving against the central hub of an entire world religion was difficult. Divine messages could not be properly transmitted to anybody but Hestia. They had to be interpreted, and that undoubtedly had created confusion amongst her own blessed.

Who is telling the truth? Goddess Aurena, please, answer us!

Paranoia was the result. Why are all blessed speaking of different things? Are they interpreting the Goddesss words correctly? But the pope is the central figure of our church, if the blessed are going against him, then for what reason? Why are all their reasons so different and why are they arguing?

The fragility of a mortals soul was apparent. They could not take in the words of an Origin God or their subordinates properly. Miscommunication could break everything.

This could break her church, fracture it and play right into the demonkins hands. A fractured church was easy to take down, especially one backed by an entire Empire. Which side was the true church? It could cause a civil war. Even the Holy Emperor cannot just stop such an event, for the Folschreck Empire is vast with numerous countries and vassals.

Marsven continued, That is why, rely on your champion more. Of the 25 you have left, rely on the only one you can speak properly with. Abandon the rest. Throw them to the wolves, turn them into bait. Make them the dragons feast, and allow her to rise in the hierarchy.

It was cruel, but those were the words of an experienced god. A god who has seen numerous cycles of life and death. Someone who knew the best course of action would sometimes require cutting off the useless fat away.

Aurena did not speak.

I see you have much to think about. Visit us, Aurena. Edna recently has gotten a new recipe she would like to cook for you.

Hiehie, if its mother, I will make sure to come.

After they said their parting words, Marsven left this divine realm to return to his own.

Im sorry, Father. You dont seem to know much about Hestia. After everything that happened, I dont think she would agree to such a ruthless plan. After all

a god is attracted to those most similar to them.

The savannah. A place far away from any cities or town, filled with monstrous beasts who lived a life of hunters and hunted every day. However, this place wasnt devoid of intelligent life. Civilization was here, only it was far more barbaric than what our dragon idols party was used to.

Fire consumes fire! Fire consumes fire!

May this fire purify their bodies and souls, may they be reincarnated in a body of power!

Oh, God of Fire and Destruction! Oh, God of War! Here we have three sacrifices meant for you to see! May this fire turn their bodies into kindling, as we beseech you for your protection and blessing! Allow us to destroy our enemies! Allow us to consume them in fire, to allow our tribe to flourish! Oh, Lord Danterno, we ask of you for your strength!

Noooooo! Please, nooooeeeiiii! Heeeeeeelp!

They were all beastmen. None of them were humans. Humanoids of various types of monsters were parading around a bonfire while three beastmen cried with everything they had for saving. The cries of two naked katzunes women and one male resounded from the middle, but the cheers of this morbid festival drowned them out.

As a shaman lit up a torch on fire, the creeping shadow of death finally appeared. These three captured knew there was nowhere to go.

But even if they couldnt be heard, they could be seen. In the foliage of a faraway tree, two beastmen were hiding there. One was a crying katzune woman while the other was a red arvisian.

Unlike most arvisian, his arms werent where his wings were, but he was similar to King Drangleic, an arvisian with wings on their backs like a dragon. It was a sign that their beastmen lineage belonged to a powerful avian being. But to whom did it belong?

P-Please, you must save them! P-P-Pleaseeee the woman begged and begged the arvisian, but he did not budge, for he did not understand why she was like this.

I do not understand? Why? Shouldnt this be glorious? In fire, their bodies can be cleansed. As their souls leave their bodies, they will be reincarnated and when they do, they might be born into a place where they will experience less pain and suffering. Fire will consume the trials they face now, the young birdman explained, but the tribal-clothed woman did not accept it. No, she frantically tried to persuade him.

Nooo! How could you say this! They are my family! They helped you! We helped you! Have you no heart? The teachings of Goddess Edna are to protect those you care for, to help them even without question. You are in our debt! We helped you! the woman tried to guilt-trip him. Even if it was unfair, her only option was to force him to pay off his debt.

How dare this little ant! The arvisian man was infuriated by the katzunes demands, jumping off the tree and beginning to walk off. The katzune, noticing her mistake, jumped off and followed him, only to receive a spray of fire from his red and yellow feathered arms.

I am not your pawn. I never required your help in the first place. If you had left me there, nothing would have happened to me, for any beast foolish enough to attack will be turned back into dust. They are weak, too weak to face me. The arvisians response was cold. Go away. Pray to Ilsaphone that they will be reincarnated safely somewhere. Maybe you will meet them again.

N-No, please! They are all that I have left! You saw it! They killed and burned down everything but those three! Please, I dont have anybody else, I dont have anybody else but my sisters and brother! Wouldnt you do the same for your sister?! If she was in danger, wouldnt you do anything to save her?!

Pah, my sister?! The arvisian turned around with a smile, laughing at her ridiculous assumption. My sister? Really? You do not know her, I see. My sister is the strongest being I know, even stronger than anything you can possibly imagine. It would be I who must be saved. I am the one who always causes her trouble.

T-Then what would she do if you were in danger, huh? She would do anything to save you, right? Right?! Please, I need you! I am not strong enough, I need your help. I-I cant imagine a world without those three? Can you? Can you imagine a world without your sister? Can you?!

The arvisian stopped. Those words have hit their marks.

A world without Sister A world without her? It would be lonely. So terribly lonely. Every fire requires a reason to strive to become stronger

Sister, why did you send me here? Why did you strip me of my divine powers? What do you mean I must find myself? I do not understand.

The arvisian turned around once again, this time, his feather burst into brilliant flames. Red, orange, and yellow the colors of fire wrapped around him as he moved past the begging katzune.

I guess I shall repay my debt before leaving.

In the far east of Altrust, a brilliant phoenix raised his wings. Only time will tell what he will achieve over there. What will happen when he meets the brilliant dragon of the west will be a mystery for another day.