Zareth let out a pleased hum as he bit into a Sabellian Peach while making his way to the eastern section of Tal’Qamar. The past month had been fairly productive, so he had decided to treat himself by buying the expensive fruit again.
“You seem to be in a good mood, sir,” said Rizok, his gaze sweeping through the crowd for any threats. While Zareth didn’t know what caused it, High Command had sent down orders for everyone to be vigilant for any signs of unrest, and Rizok was ever the dutiful soldier. “I wouldn’t have expected it given how few people you’ve convinced to join your Cult thus far.”
“All in good time, Rizok,” Zareth said optimistically. His stoic companion had been showing signs of being more comfortable in his presence recently. The soldier would have never said something that could be considered disrespectful when they first met. “It’s no surprise that people aren’t exactly rushing to join a new faith that they know nothing about. Things will start to pick up once we actually build a reputation in the city.”
The Tal’Qamari were culturally skeptical people, so Zareth had always expected adoption to be slow. He had mostly focused on approaching individuals likely to benefit from Cerebon’s Boon and those who showed no signs of worshiping any other gods.
That mostly included artisans who could use the extra physical Stats or regeneration for minor wounds they got while working, such as [Blacksmiths] or [Carpenters]. He had also reached out to a few [Miners] who often faced physical hardship in the large silver mine near the city.
“And besides,” Zareth continued, tossing the peach pit into a trash bin and sidestepping a group of children chasing after a makeshift ball. He was truly grateful that the people of this world understood that filth had a tendency to cause plagues. “We’re taking steps now to broaden our reach. It’s not all about just recruiting, it’s more important to develop a favorable image for the future. After all, I’m already starting with a handicap due to my Class.”
Rizok hummed noncommittally. “Who is it that you’re intending to recruit this time?”
Zareth couldn’t help but grow a little nervous at the soldier’s question. “Someone rather famous in the Sunrise Slums. If I manage to recruit her, then I have no doubt that she’ll help us improve our reputation in the city. You’re lucky to have been assigned to me, Rizok, because it won’t be long before the Cult of Cerebon is the most popular faith in Tal’Qamar!”
Zareth smiled widely as he waited for Rizok to ask the obvious question, but the lizardkin merely stared at him with a distinctly unimpressed expression. When it became obvious that Rizok wasn’t going to ask, Zareth slumped and decided to go ahead and say it himself. “Spoilsport. Anyway, she’s an ogre by the name of Gurza, and she’s the finest [Baker] in Tal’Qamar as far as I’m concerned.”
He couldn’t help but laugh as Rizok raised a scaly brow, clearly caught off guard. “A… [Baker], sir? You certainly have peculiar tastes. I don’t see how such a person could help you improve your Cult’s reputation.”
“That’s because you never grew up in the Sunrise Slums,” Zareth said, unconcerned about his companion’s skepticism. “You would understand what I mean if you had. In any case, you’ll see what I’m talking about once we get there.”
Rizok's expression was one of doubt, but he simply nodded in acceptance and turned his attention back to the crowd of people passing them by.
The crowd began to grow denser as they approached the eastern section of Tal’Qamar officially known as the Sunrise District, but was more commonly referred to as the Sunrise Slums. It wasn’t difficult to see why, as the buildings were tightly packed, made from cheap materials, and surrounded by poorly maintained streets. The people were dressed in ragged attire and their faces marked with lines of hardship.
Zareth could already see several people glancing at him, most likely criminals attempting to see if he would be an easy mark. He kept his expression neutral, and made sure his knife was in an easy to reach location.
It should be no surprise that the part of the city farthest away from the oasis was no paradise, but the difference was a bit jarring. Zareth’s second childhood had been spent growing up on these streets, and he hadn’t hesitated to move away at the first chance he got.
“There are many more gang markers here,” Rizok noted as they moved deeper into the slums. “I began noticing them more after you pointed them out, but there were only one or two in the Sunset District. Here, I can see at least a half dozen markers in every alleyway.”
The Sunset District was the official name for the western side of Tal’Qamar which contained most of the Guilds and many of the city's [Merchants].
“Organized crime is pretty centralized in Tal’Qamar,” said Zareth, his voice quiet as he offered an explanation. “Only the most powerful groups have any influence outside of the slums, like the Red Scar Gang or the Silk Serpents. After all, there’s not much money to make here. Most of them have a tendency to use the Sunrise Slums as a sort of training ground where criminals can gain Levels and eventually be recruited in a larger organization.”
Zareth had seen firsthand how the System could incentivize crime. Becoming a [Thief] or something similar offered the poor a way to earn money that they would never see otherwise. There were ways to change your Class, especially when you were young, but there were significant detriments to doing so. Once people took on a profession in this world, it was very rare for them to move on to something else.
Therefore, someone with a Class related to crime would be very motivated to continue their current behavior. The fact that they could gain Levels and Skills from criminal activity, becoming stronger or more elusive, only added fuel to the fire.
“Make sure to keep your eyes open,” Zareth warned as they passed a suspicious alley, the shadows seeming to loom a bit deeper than natural. “There are people here who would attempt to rob us just for the opportunity to gain a Level. The guards rarely ever came here when the Merchant Lord was in charge.”
It still remained to be seen if General Nasrith would be much different, though Zareth doubted it. High Command would only turn their attention to the Sunrise Slums if they had a reason to do so.
Rizok nodded calmly as he continued to vigilantly watch their surroundings. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before they began to approach their destination. Tucked in the corner of a narrow, winding alley was a rundown building with a large chimney that was only distinguishable from the rest of the slums by the scent of fresh bread that wafted out from the door.
If one looked closely, then they would notice that there were no gang markers near this building or any of the surrounding alleys. Above the slightly crooked door, a sign hung that read, “Gurza’s Oven.” Every pedestrian passing through the street glanced at the store with an expression of respect, and Zareth couldn’t see any criminals sizing him up for the first time since he’s entered the slums.
“This is where you intend to recruit for your Cult?” Rizok asked, his tone laden with skepticism. “I confess, I was expecting something a little less…”
“Run down?” Zareth finished for him while letting out a hearty chuckle. “Come, let’s go on in. I saw a few street kids dart inside, so this should be a good chance for you to see what this place is about.”
Upon entering Gurza’s Oven, Zareth and Rizok were greeted by the warm scent of baking bread. Inside, the space was clean and orderly, a stark contrast to the disarray of the streets outside. The store was also significantly larger on the inside than it otherwise should be, likely due to [Interior Enlargement], which was a common Skill among shop owners.
A few street urchins were huddled in a corner, nursing steaming loaves in their grubby hands while tracking the two of them with wary eyes. There were also a few older teens sitting at tables and peacefully enjoying a meal, despite the fact that many of them were wearing colors representing different gangs.
Zareth had seen once what had happened to someone when they tried to knife a rival in Gurza’s Oven. Getting unceremoniously thrown out by Gurza was the least of their worries compared to what the rest of the slums had done.
Behind a flour-dusted counter, an imposing eight-foot-tall ogre woman was working on a pile of dough as a human boy in ragged clothing approached her counter. Her skin was tough, and covered in a web of faded scars that bore witness to her many years of hard living. Her face was wrinkled with age and one of her tusks was broken in half.
Despite her intimidating appearance, everyone in the store looked at her with respect rather than fear. Zareth snorted as he saw that the kid was giving her the most pitiful puppy-dog eyes that he could.
“Can we get some more?” the boy pleaded, offering up a few tarnished coins.
Gurza snorted and spoke with a heavy street accent, not even bothering to look up from her work. “Again, Toren? Yer pocket seems to have a hole today. You know the rules. That ain’t enough for a loaf, an’ my Skills can’t keep up with feedin’ every brat in these slums.”
“Please, Ms. Gurza. We’re still hungry,” the boy pleaded, his eyes widening with tears.
Gurza gave a grunt of exasperation. “Yer always hungry, ain’t ya? I swear, you lot are like a swarm of locusts.”
Despite her complaints, the ogre woman made her way over to the large, urn shaped oven behind her and pulled out a loaf of bread. After a moment, her hands began to glow and a duplicate loaf of bread formed, still steaming and fresh.
Zareth heard Rizok’s breath hitch at the sight, and he turned to see his companion’s eyes widen in surprise. “That… must be a very high Level Skill. I’ve only ever heard of someone being able to create physical objects from nothing, and never seen it myself.”
“Yup, it’s pretty neat isn’t it,” Zareth replied, grinning at the lizardkin’s reaction. “Gurza refuses to share her exact Class or Level, but people think that she must be a [Charitable Baker] or something similar. I’ve only ever seen her use that Skill when she intends to give away food, so there must be some requirements to it.”
Gurza was almost certain to have a very high Level as well, given that she looked like she hadn’t aged a day from when he first saw her. Ogres already lived twice as long as humans, and people with higher Levels had longer lifespans than what was normal.
“Here you go, you little brat,” Gurza said gruffly, tossing the steaming bread to the boy. “And don’t come here beggin’ again today, Toren. Yer not the only one who needs to eat.”
The boy looked up at her with awe-filled eyes before darting back off to his friends. Gurza shook her head and muttered something about bottomless pits before turning her attention to Zareth.
“Well, this is a surprise,” Gurza grunted as she returned to working her dough. “Usually once you brats stop showing up, it’s cause you ended up dead or left this place. Never expected to see yer schemin’ face back in my shop, Zareth. ‘Specially with a [Guardsman] at yer back”
Zareth met her gruff demeanor with a good-natured smile as he approached and placed a few coins on the counter. “I’m glad to see you too, Gurza. It’s been too long since I’ve tasted your bread, and I’ve brought someone who’s eager to try it as well. He’s not a [Guardsman], just a member of the military. There’s also something I’d like to talk to you about, if you’ve got the time.”
Gurza rolled her eyes at his flattery. “Same ole Zareth. You always know how to sweet talk someone before you rope them into whatever scheme you’ve got goin’ on. Sit yerself down, and I’ll bring over some bread once this batch is done.”
Zareth chuckled and gestured for Rizok to follow him to one of the unoccupied tables. As a result of his reincarnation, Zareth had been a precocious kid and was always trying to find new ways to leverage his knowledge for money, so it wasn’t a surprise that Gurza was wary. Despite her decidedly unwarm welcome, Zareth could see in the old ogre’s eyes that she was glad to see him.
The two of them took their seats and waited for Gurza to come see them. Within that time, a pair of heavily scarred lizardkin began arguing and brandishing knives at each other, only to fall silent when Gurza slammed her fist on the counter and glared at them. A few more kids also came to beg for food, which brought back memories for Zareth as there was a time when Gurza’s Oven was the only reason he didn’t go hungry for several days.
Eventually, Gurza finished the rest of her work and approached their table with two fresh loaves of bread in hand before taking a seat herself. “Alright then, what is it that you want?”
Zareth looked up at the tall ogre and gave her his best affronted expression as he took a bite of his bread. “Can’t I just come here to enjoy your delicious bread and enjoy the pleasure of your company? You make me sound like one of those scamming [Merchants], Gurza.”
Gurza scowled, flashing her one sharp tusk. “You would’ve fit right in with those money grubbers if you had the chance, brat. Now cut the shit. Tell me what you’ve come here for.”
Zareth could tell that Gurza wouldn’t tolerate him talking in circles, so he decided to get straight to the point. “I’m sure you’ve heard that the Conclave is gone, yeah? Guess who got picked by the new guys in charge to help take over for them?”
For the first time since they walked into the shop, Zareth could spot a hint of surprise in Gurza’s expression. “Really? Good on you, kid. I heard that you ditched those kids who were runnin’ around and callin’ themselves a gang. I was skeptical when I heard you decided to turn into some [Cultist], but it looks like it worked out for you. Don’t see what this has to do with me, though.”
Zareth felt his smile dim at the mention of his former friends, but he pushed the feeling aside and continued with his pitch. “You see, I was wondering if you’d be willing to become a member of my Cult. Now before you say anything, I should let you know that [Cerebon’s Boon] gives a boost to physical Stats, and you don’t need to do anything crazy to get it.”
Gurza raised an unimpressed brow at his words. “You want me to worship yer god? I haven’t worshiped anythin’ since I was a young girl. Besides, do I look like I need any physical Stats?”
Zareth glanced at the elderly ogre’s impressive muscles and couldn’t help but agree. Given how easily she handled any trouble makers in her store, there were rumors that Gurza used to be an Adventurer before she became a baker.
“To be completely honest, it’s not just about you,” Zareth admitted, deciding to be straightforward. “There are a lot of people who don’t trust us. I was hoping that I could use my Cult as an opportunity to help people a lot more than the Conclave ever did. When I made that decision, there was nobody who I could think of that could help me do that more than you.”
Zareth had a lot of time to think about it over the years, and he had realized that the most successful faiths were the ones that developed a sense of community and actually helped people. That was a common factor both in this world and on Earth. His goal was to actually develop a group that appealed to a lot of people, and the best way to do that was through charity.
“Y’know, this ain’t the first time I’ve heard somethin’ like that,” Gurza said after a moment, much to Zareth’s surprise. “Those folk from the Temple of Yaqin tried to convince people to worship their god by givin’ the street rats a bit of free food. Made all sorts of promises about how their god would bless them. Didn’t last long though. The gangs started stealing from them and people weren’t convertin’ as quick as they hoped. Once they realized that they were losin’ more money than they gained in tithes, they packed up and left.”
Yaqin, Goddess of the Hearth, was another of the old Conclave’s gods. He couldn’t remember them ever giving away food in the Sunrise Slums, so it must have been something that they had done before he was born. It didn’t surprise him that they had given up, as the Conclave always seemed like the kind of organization to overvalue material goods.
“I understand that you’re skeptical, but just give me a chance,” Zareth said beseechingly. “I’m having a service later today where I talk about Cerebon and formally welcome our first members. Just come and see. If you don’t like it, then I won’t bother you again.”
Gurza was silent for several long moments as she stared at Zareth with a discerning gaze. After a few moments, she let out a deep sigh. “If it was anyone else telling me this, I’d tell ‘em to eat shit and get lost. But you’ve always been too smart for yer own good. I suppose with everythin’ going on that I should at least take a look at yer Cult. Can’t be any worse than Silvaris.”
Farida always had a habit of proselytizing her god Silvaris to the humans in the Sunrise Slums; she and Gurza had always disliked each other for some reason.
“Really?!” Zareth asked excitedly. He hadn’t expected it to be so easy. “I’m glad to hear that, Gurza. You won’t regret it. Our service is in about 4 hours, at dusk. ”
“Yeah, yeah. Go ahead and get out of here,” Gurza said dismissively as she stood. “I’ve got a lot of work to do, so you go back and prepare for your service. I’ll be there.”
Zareth didn’t need to be told twice. He and Rizok quickly finished the rest of their bread and left Gurza’s Oven behind.
“Do you think she will join?” Rizok asked as they navigated the narrow streets.
“I certainly hope so. Gurza’s support would mean a lot, not just because of her personal influence, but also because she represents the kind of person I want in the Cult,” Zareth explained truthfully. “People are likely to leave as easily as they joined if the Cult is full of folk who just want a useful Boon. Having someone who genuinely cares about their community like Gurza is just what we need.”
“I see,” Rizok said, his scaly brow furrowed in thought. “I suppose we’ll see how this turns out then.”
I suppose we will…
Zareth had already inducted a few soldiers sent by General Nasrith into his Cult, but today would be his first actual religious service. He really hoped that everything went well. Instead of returning home, Zareth made his way straight to the building that High Command had set aside for him.
It was a simple but large building made from stone and filled with several large pews that had been taken from the Conclave’s various churches and temples. It wasn’t a particularly impressive place, but Zareth was content with it for now until he proved himself useful enough to High Command to earn a spot in the Spire Gardens. Zareth made his way to one of the back rooms and began reviewing the Grimoire of Cerebon in preparation for his first sermon.
He was so absorbed in his reading that he lost track of time, and it was only when Rizok lightly tapped his shoulder that he snapped back to reality.
“Sir, it’s almost time. A few of your prospective converts have already begun to arrive and are enjoying the food that you prepared for them.”
Zareth glanced to the nearby window and saw that the sun was beginning to set. Dusk was Cerebon’s favorite time for rituals according to the grimoire, so it was now or never. After quickly thanking Rizok, Zareth began to make his way out to the main hall.
The room was far from full, with slightly more than two dozen people within whom Zareth managed to convince over the past month. It was fewer than the number of people who had promised to show up, but that was to be expected. Nearly all of them were either humans or lizardkin, as the ogres and nagas had already had faiths that were growing more popular in their communities. The only exception to this was Gurza, who was sitting in the far back and watching him silently.
Zareth gulped nervously as he stepped out onto the stage and every eye turned to him. After a moment, Zareth put on his most confident smile and made his way to the wooden pulpit that stood at the center of the stage.
“Welcome,” he began, his voice steady and echoing as a hush fell over the room. “I’m glad to see you all here today. Some of you are here simply to go through the Initiation Ritual so that you can receive [Cerebon’s Boon], while others are here to learn more about Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation. Regardless of why you are here, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my beliefs and invite you into this faith.”
He paused and looked out at the crowd. Their faces were mostly curious, and he could see Gurza in the back watching with an unreadable expression.
“As you know, Cerebon rules over the domains of Flesh and Transformation,” Zareth continued after a moment. “Like most modern deities, he was born during the advent of the System and the fall of the previous era. He belongs to no pantheon, and only wishes that his adherents continue to live a life of continuous change and growth, whether through the System or otherwise.”
Zareth could see several people amongst the crowd slump in relief. [Cultist] had a tendency to offer Skills useful to people hiding from religious persecution, which sounded nice in practice but often meant that it was used by people doing very bad things. The most famous example of this was the Cult of the Unfettered One, a terrorist religious organization whose god staunchly opposed the System.
By actively proclaiming that Cerebon supported the System, he had no doubt put many minds at ease.
“Cerebon also cherishes the boundless potential inherent within the malleable fabric of the flesh. He teaches that true strength, physical and spiritual, can be achieved by embracing the ever-changing nature of life and the self. That your bodies are valuable vessels for your own growth and evolution. So long as you worship Cerebon, he will guide you onto a path of growth.”
One of the things that Zareth liked most about Cerebon was that he encouraged his worshipers to grow not just in Levels and power, but also in wisdom. For someone like Zareth, who had felt a deep powerlessness growing up on the streets of the Sunrise Slums, it had appealed to him greatly.
Zareth was more of a transactional worshiper than a zealot, but he wouldn’t be a very good [Cultist] if he didn’t like the things that his god was offering.
“In Cerebon’s eyes, every change that your body goes through is a testament to your experiences and growth. This continual transformation is not merely a physical process, but a spiritual journey that shapes who you are. The journey of life is an ever-changing process, and to deny change is to deny life itself. To receive [Cerebon’s Boon], one must willingly undergo changes to their body. These changes symbolize your acceptance of Cerebon’s teachings and your commitment to self-evolution.”
Zareth paused and took a deep breath as he neared the end of his speech. “In this world, there are those who live passively, allowing the currents of life to carry them adrift. And then, there are those who dare to take control, to mold their destiny with their own hands. Cerebon’s followers belong to the latter. We do not fear change. We embrace it. We shape it. We are the sculptors of our own selves. For those of you who find this appealing, I offer to perform on you the Initiate Ritual, and grant you [Cerebon’s Boon].”
Zareth glanced back at the crowd and was pleased by what he saw. Several of them seemed unmoved and continued to wear skeptical expressions, but there were many who seemed far more interested than when he first began.
He turned to one of those who he knew was very interested in receiving the Boon, an [Apprentice Blacksmith] named Harim who he had spoken to a few days ago, and called them to the stage. “Are you willing?”
He was relieved to see the young man stand and make his way to the stage. Once there, Zareth directed him to a chair that he had prepared for the occasion and activated his [Ritual of Offering] Skill.
Almost immediately, Zareth could feel a familiar weight fall over the room as Cerebon directed a small fraction of his attention to the ritual. He could tell that the attendees felt it as well, as the lanterns on the walls began to flicker and the air grew heavier. The first time that Zareth had felt Cerebon’s power, he couldn’t help but feel simultaneously revolted and enamored. It was as if his skin itself was being pulled and tugged in ways that shouldn’t be possible, yet he also felt a wellspring of boundless potential grow within him.
Ignoring the sensation, Zareth focused on the young man in front of him. “How would you prefer to be changed?”
Zareth had offered the new worshipers the option to receive a piercing, tattoo, or a more significant change through his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation]. Cerebon would offer him greater rewards for more extreme physical changes, but this wasn’t something that could be rushed.
“Just a piercin’ for now,” Harim replied, swallowing nervously. “My girl likes the way they look and I’m hopin’ to surprise her.”
Zareth nodded approvingly before continuing the ritual. “Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation, we gather here in your name and honor. Here stands an individual who seeks your blessing. He has chosen the path of transformation and evolution, willing to bear your mark and Boon. As your humble servant, I offer him to you.”
As soon as he was done speaking, Zareth activated [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] and painlessly created a needle-sized hole in Harim’s earlobe. Cerebon’s presence intensified, carrying with it a sense of approval as he placed a small earring shaped like a coiling serpent into the newly created hole.
Zareth smiled as he stepped back and saw Harim flinch at the completion of the ritual, most likely due to the System notification informing him that he received [Cerebon’s Boon].
“Sweet!” Harim exclaimed, looking at his new piercing in a small mirror that Zareth provided. “That was a lot easier than I thought. Didn’t even hurt or anything.”
Zareth chuckled. “That’s probably because you prayed to Cerebon like I instructed. You wouldn’t have received the Boon otherwise.”
Still, Harim wasn’t wrong. Cerebon was a notably relaxed god when it came to worship, which was one of his best selling points. Further benefits would require more stringent adherence to his teachings, but the minimum requirement for his Boon was fairly lenient.
It was a shame that Zareth lacked the ability to speak to Cerebon directly at such a low Level, because he really wanted to compliment the god on his business strategy.
“Well then,” Zareth said, clapping his hands together. “If there are any others who want to go through with the Initiation Ritual, please step forward.”
He wasn’t surprised to see that many others worked up the nerve once they saw that it was a quick and painless process. Zareth spent the next hour inducting people into the worship of Cerebon, feeling the growing approval of his god with every successful [Ritual of Offering].
The System interface didn’t explicitly show how close a person was to their next level, but Zareth could sense that he was rapidly growing closer to Level 20. Such a feat would have taken him more than a year when he was just working as a sort of plastic surgeon for the rich.
I know that I’ve accumulated some progress from the work I’ve done for General Nasrith, but this is just ridiculous!
It wasn’t only these new worshipers that were accelerating his progress. High Command had continued their experiments and had started sending him new soldiers to augment with more… creative ideas.Because of that, Zareth was leveling quicker than ever.
The Grimoire of Cerebon said that he would eventually reach a point of diminishing returns once his Cult grew large enough, but he intended to enjoy the easy Levels while they lasted.
Eventually, the last of the volunteers finished their ritual, a middle-aged lizardkin named Shusk who asked for Zareth to regrow a patch of scales that he lost in a mining accident. Feeling drained but elated, Zareth turned to address the crowd once more.
“Thank you everyone, and welcome to the Cult of Cerebon. I look forward to helping you all down your paths of growth and transformation. Services will be conducted twice a month, but remember that worship of Cerebon is not limited to this place. You have all been given scriptures containing Cerebon’s fundamental teachings, so I recommend that you read them when possible. With that said, I would like to invite everyone to join us in the back for some refreshments.”
Social events were the quickest way to develop a community, and the best social events in Zareth’s opinions were the ones involving food. It had been a bit costly for him to buy food from a decently leveled [Cook], but Zareth had wanted to make a good impression so he dipped into his savings.
Seeing the general enthusiasm from the crowd as they left their seats and moved into the back, he felt like it was worth it. Just as he was about to join them, Zareth spotted Gurza approaching him with an undecipherable expression.
“Gurza, did you enjoy—” Zareth began, but she held up a hand to stop him.
“Let's just say, your pitch wasn’t half bad. I don’t care all that much about your god, but the message was good,” Gurza said, her eyes never leaving him. “And I can tell you actually want to build somethin’ real, unlike those silver-tongued liars from the Conclave. There’s definitely a hunger for Levels in yer eyes, but there ain’t anything wrong with that.”
Gurza turned and pointed toward the crowd of people, who were eagerly enjoying the food and chatting with each other. Zareth could hear snippets of conversation from where he stood, about the Boons, the ritual, and Cerebon. He also spotted several others inspecting their new changes in mirrors, their eyes alight with excitement.
“These are chaotic times, Zareth. People need hope, and you have the chance to give it to them,” Gurza continued, eyes appraising as she turned back to him. “I’m willin’ to help you with that, but I swear that if you end up becomin’ like the Conclave, carin’ for nobody but yourself, then I’ll leave you behind and warn folk away from Cerebon faster than you can imagine. Plus, I expect you to help me feed those brats in the slums. There are too many of them for me to keep up with nowadays. Deal?”
Zareth hid a wince as he nodded. Although it was easy to receive [Cerebon’s Boon], that meant that there were few consequences to someone leaving. If Gurza decided to rally against his Cult, she could do significant damage. The residents of the Sunrise Slums would turn against him, and he would probably start having problems with the gangs.
Still, it was worth it.
“I understand and I agree,” Zareth said, meeting her gaze with a firm nod. “You’re not wrong that I care a lot about Levels, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help people at the same time.”
Gurza studied him for a moment before finally nodding. “Good. Then let’s hurry up with that ridiculous ritual. I’ll spread the word in my own way, but remember that I’ll be watching. Don’t make me regret this, brat.”
“I won't,” Zareth said eagerly, once again activating his [Ritual of Offering].
Cerebon’s presence this time carried with it a hint of anticipation as Gurza sat in one of the pews and told him to give her a piercing. As he used his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation], Zareth felt a sense of resistance that he only ever felt from people with very high Vitality Stats, and he knew that his Skill would have had no effect on her if she was unwilling.
Once it was done and the Ritual was completed, Zareth felt an unexpected surge of power that nearly made him lose his footing.
Cultist has reached Level 20! Multiple Skill Points Gained!
Gurza stood and prepared to take her leave. “I’ll be here for the next service. Come see me when you get the chance, so we can talk about how you can actually help people. By the way, you should keep your eyes open for signs of danger. I’ve been hearin’ a lot of strange whispers from folks who aren’t too happy with the Conclave being gone.”
Zareth tried to ask for clarification, but Gurza didn’t give him anything more specific.
As the elderly ogre left, Zareth couldn’t help but look at her in a new light. Higher leveled individuals offered more benefits than lower leveled ones, and he could tell that Gurza was significantly higher leveled than he predicted. He hadn’t expected to Level up for at least another month, but she got him to that point all by herself.
It was an amazing surprise, especially since it was a Capstone Level, meaning that Zareth now had three whole Skill Points to use.
“A productive evening, sir?” Rizok asked, appearing by his side as soon as Gurza was gone.
Extremely…
Zareth let out a pleased hum as he bit into a Sabellian Peach while making his way to the eastern section of Tal’Qamar. The past month had been fairly productive, so he had decided to treat himself by buying the expensive fruit again.
“You seem to be in a good mood, sir,” said Rizok, his gaze sweeping through the crowd for any threats. While Zareth didn’t know what caused it, High Command had sent down orders for everyone to be vigilant for any signs of unrest, and Rizok was ever the dutiful soldier. “I wouldn’t have expected it given how few people you’ve convinced to join your Cult thus far.”
“All in good time, Rizok,” Zareth said optimistically. His stoic companion had been showing signs of being more comfortable in his presence recently. The soldier would have never said something that could be considered disrespectful when they first met. “It’s no surprise that people aren’t exactly rushing to join a new faith that they know nothing about. Things will start to pick up once we actually build a reputation in the city.”
The Tal’Qamari were culturally skeptical people, so Zareth had always expected adoption to be slow. He had mostly focused on approaching individuals likely to benefit from Cerebon’s Boon and those who showed no signs of worshiping any other gods.
That mostly included artisans who could use the extra physical Stats or regeneration for minor wounds they got while working, such as [Blacksmiths] or [Carpenters]. He had also reached out to a few [Miners] who often faced physical hardship in the large silver mine near the city.
“And besides,” Zareth continued, tossing the peach pit into a trash bin and sidestepping a group of children chasing after a makeshift ball. He was truly grateful that the people of this world understood that filth had a tendency to cause plagues. “We’re taking steps now to broaden our reach. It’s not all about just recruiting, it’s more important to develop a favorable image for the future. After all, I’m already starting with a handicap due to my Class.”
Rizok hummed noncommittally. “Who is it that you’re intending to recruit this time?”
Zareth couldn’t help but grow a little nervous at the soldier’s question. “Someone rather famous in the Sunrise Slums. If I manage to recruit her, then I have no doubt that she’ll help us improve our reputation in the city. You’re lucky to have been assigned to me, Rizok, because it won’t be long before the Cult of Cerebon is the most popular faith in Tal’Qamar!”
Zareth smiled widely as he waited for Rizok to ask the obvious question, but the lizardkin merely stared at him with a distinctly unimpressed expression. When it became obvious that Rizok wasn’t going to ask, Zareth slumped and decided to go ahead and say it himself. “Spoilsport. Anyway, she’s an ogre by the name of Gurza, and she’s the finest [Baker] in Tal’Qamar as far as I’m concerned.”
He couldn’t help but laugh as Rizok raised a scaly brow, clearly caught off guard. “A… [Baker], sir? You certainly have peculiar tastes. I don’t see how such a person could help you improve your Cult’s reputation.”
“That’s because you never grew up in the Sunrise Slums,” Zareth said, unconcerned about his companion’s skepticism. “You would understand what I mean if you had. In any case, you’ll see what I’m talking about once we get there.”
Rizok's expression was one of doubt, but he simply nodded in acceptance and turned his attention back to the crowd of people passing them by.
The crowd began to grow denser as they approached the eastern section of Tal’Qamar officially known as the Sunrise District, but was more commonly referred to as the Sunrise Slums. It wasn’t difficult to see why, as the buildings were tightly packed, made from cheap materials, and surrounded by poorly maintained streets. The people were dressed in ragged attire and their faces marked with lines of hardship.
Zareth could already see several people glancing at him, most likely criminals attempting to see if he would be an easy mark. He kept his expression neutral, and made sure his knife was in an easy to reach location.
It should be no surprise that the part of the city farthest away from the oasis was no paradise, but the difference was a bit jarring. Zareth’s second childhood had been spent growing up on these streets, and he hadn’t hesitated to move away at the first chance he got.
“There are many more gang markers here,” Rizok noted as they moved deeper into the slums. “I began noticing them more after you pointed them out, but there were only one or two in the Sunset District. Here, I can see at least a half dozen markers in every alleyway.”
The Sunset District was the official name for the western side of Tal’Qamar which contained most of the Guilds and many of the city's [Merchants].
“Organized crime is pretty centralized in Tal’Qamar,” said Zareth, his voice quiet as he offered an explanation. “Only the most powerful groups have any influence outside of the slums, like the Red Scar Gang or the Silk Serpents. After all, there’s not much money to make here. Most of them have a tendency to use the Sunrise Slums as a sort of training ground where criminals can gain Levels and eventually be recruited in a larger organization.”
Zareth had seen firsthand how the System could incentivize crime. Becoming a [Thief] or something similar offered the poor a way to earn money that they would never see otherwise. There were ways to change your Class, especially when you were young, but there were significant detriments to doing so. Once people took on a profession in this world, it was very rare for them to move on to something else.
Therefore, someone with a Class related to crime would be very motivated to continue their current behavior. The fact that they could gain Levels and Skills from criminal activity, becoming stronger or more elusive, only added fuel to the fire.
“Make sure to keep your eyes open,” Zareth warned as they passed a suspicious alley, the shadows seeming to loom a bit deeper than natural. “There are people here who would attempt to rob us just for the opportunity to gain a Level. The guards rarely ever came here when the Merchant Lord was in charge.”
It still remained to be seen if General Nasrith would be much different, though Zareth doubted it. High Command would only turn their attention to the Sunrise Slums if they had a reason to do so.
Rizok nodded calmly as he continued to vigilantly watch their surroundings. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before they began to approach their destination. Tucked in the corner of a narrow, winding alley was a rundown building with a large chimney that was only distinguishable from the rest of the slums by the scent of fresh bread that wafted out from the door.
If one looked closely, then they would notice that there were no gang markers near this building or any of the surrounding alleys. Above the slightly crooked door, a sign hung that read, “Gurza’s Oven.” Every pedestrian passing through the street glanced at the store with an expression of respect, and Zareth couldn’t see any criminals sizing him up for the first time since he’s entered the slums.
“This is where you intend to recruit for your Cult?” Rizok asked, his tone laden with skepticism. “I confess, I was expecting something a little less…”
“Run down?” Zareth finished for him while letting out a hearty chuckle. “Come, let’s go on in. I saw a few street kids dart inside, so this should be a good chance for you to see what this place is about.”
Upon entering Gurza’s Oven, Zareth and Rizok were greeted by the warm scent of baking bread. Inside, the space was clean and orderly, a stark contrast to the disarray of the streets outside. The store was also significantly larger on the inside than it otherwise should be, likely due to [Interior Enlargement], which was a common Skill among shop owners.
A few street urchins were huddled in a corner, nursing steaming loaves in their grubby hands while tracking the two of them with wary eyes. There were also a few older teens sitting at tables and peacefully enjoying a meal, despite the fact that many of them were wearing colors representing different gangs.
Zareth had seen once what had happened to someone when they tried to knife a rival in Gurza’s Oven. Getting unceremoniously thrown out by Gurza was the least of their worries compared to what the rest of the slums had done.
Behind a flour-dusted counter, an imposing eight-foot-tall ogre woman was working on a pile of dough as a human boy in ragged clothing approached her counter. Her skin was tough, and covered in a web of faded scars that bore witness to her many years of hard living. Her face was wrinkled with age and one of her tusks was broken in half.
Despite her intimidating appearance, everyone in the store looked at her with respect rather than fear. Zareth snorted as he saw that the kid was giving her the most pitiful puppy-dog eyes that he could.
“Can we get some more?” the boy pleaded, offering up a few tarnished coins.
Gurza snorted and spoke with a heavy street accent, not even bothering to look up from her work. “Again, Toren? Yer pocket seems to have a hole today. You know the rules. That ain’t enough for a loaf, an’ my Skills can’t keep up with feedin’ every brat in these slums.”
“Please, Ms. Gurza. We’re still hungry,” the boy pleaded, his eyes widening with tears.
Gurza gave a grunt of exasperation. “Yer always hungry, ain’t ya? I swear, you lot are like a swarm of locusts.”
Despite her complaints, the ogre woman made her way over to the large, urn shaped oven behind her and pulled out a loaf of bread. After a moment, her hands began to glow and a duplicate loaf of bread formed, still steaming and fresh.
Zareth heard Rizok’s breath hitch at the sight, and he turned to see his companion’s eyes widen in surprise. “That… must be a very high Level Skill. I’ve only ever heard of someone being able to create physical objects from nothing, and never seen it myself.”
“Yup, it’s pretty neat isn’t it,” Zareth replied, grinning at the lizardkin’s reaction. “Gurza refuses to share her exact Class or Level, but people think that she must be a [Charitable Baker] or something similar. I’ve only ever seen her use that Skill when she intends to give away food, so there must be some requirements to it.”
Gurza was almost certain to have a very high Level as well, given that she looked like she hadn’t aged a day from when he first saw her. Ogres already lived twice as long as humans, and people with higher Levels had longer lifespans than what was normal.
“Here you go, you little brat,” Gurza said gruffly, tossing the steaming bread to the boy. “And don’t come here beggin’ again today, Toren. Yer not the only one who needs to eat.”
The boy looked up at her with awe-filled eyes before darting back off to his friends. Gurza shook her head and muttered something about bottomless pits before turning her attention to Zareth.
“Well, this is a surprise,” Gurza grunted as she returned to working her dough. “Usually once you brats stop showing up, it’s cause you ended up dead or left this place. Never expected to see yer schemin’ face back in my shop, Zareth. ‘Specially with a [Guardsman] at yer back”
Zareth met her gruff demeanor with a good-natured smile as he approached and placed a few coins on the counter. “I’m glad to see you too, Gurza. It’s been too long since I’ve tasted your bread, and I’ve brought someone who’s eager to try it as well. He’s not a [Guardsman], just a member of the military. There’s also something I’d like to talk to you about, if you’ve got the time.”
Gurza rolled her eyes at his flattery. “Same ole Zareth. You always know how to sweet talk someone before you rope them into whatever scheme you’ve got goin’ on. Sit yerself down, and I’ll bring over some bread once this batch is done.”
Zareth chuckled and gestured for Rizok to follow him to one of the unoccupied tables. As a result of his reincarnation, Zareth had been a precocious kid and was always trying to find new ways to leverage his knowledge for money, so it wasn’t a surprise that Gurza was wary. Despite her decidedly unwarm welcome, Zareth could see in the old ogre’s eyes that she was glad to see him.
The two of them took their seats and waited for Gurza to come see them. Within that time, a pair of heavily scarred lizardkin began arguing and brandishing knives at each other, only to fall silent when Gurza slammed her fist on the counter and glared at them. A few more kids also came to beg for food, which brought back memories for Zareth as there was a time when Gurza’s Oven was the only reason he didn’t go hungry for several days.
Eventually, Gurza finished the rest of her work and approached their table with two fresh loaves of bread in hand before taking a seat herself. “Alright then, what is it that you want?”
Zareth looked up at the tall ogre and gave her his best affronted expression as he took a bite of his bread. “Can’t I just come here to enjoy your delicious bread and enjoy the pleasure of your company? You make me sound like one of those scamming [Merchants], Gurza.”
Gurza scowled, flashing her one sharp tusk. “You would’ve fit right in with those money grubbers if you had the chance, brat. Now cut the shit. Tell me what you’ve come here for.”
Zareth could tell that Gurza wouldn’t tolerate him talking in circles, so he decided to get straight to the point. “I’m sure you’ve heard that the Conclave is gone, yeah? Guess who got picked by the new guys in charge to help take over for them?”
For the first time since they walked into the shop, Zareth could spot a hint of surprise in Gurza’s expression. “Really? Good on you, kid. I heard that you ditched those kids who were runnin’ around and callin’ themselves a gang. I was skeptical when I heard you decided to turn into some [Cultist], but it looks like it worked out for you. Don’t see what this has to do with me, though.”
Zareth felt his smile dim at the mention of his former friends, but he pushed the feeling aside and continued with his pitch. “You see, I was wondering if you’d be willing to become a member of my Cult. Now before you say anything, I should let you know that [Cerebon’s Boon] gives a boost to physical Stats, and you don’t need to do anything crazy to get it.”
Gurza raised an unimpressed brow at his words. “You want me to worship yer god? I haven’t worshiped anythin’ since I was a young girl. Besides, do I look like I need any physical Stats?”
Zareth glanced at the elderly ogre’s impressive muscles and couldn’t help but agree. Given how easily she handled any trouble makers in her store, there were rumors that Gurza used to be an Adventurer before she became a baker.
“To be completely honest, it’s not just about you,” Zareth admitted, deciding to be straightforward. “There are a lot of people who don’t trust us. I was hoping that I could use my Cult as an opportunity to help people a lot more than the Conclave ever did. When I made that decision, there was nobody who I could think of that could help me do that more than you.”
Zareth had a lot of time to think about it over the years, and he had realized that the most successful faiths were the ones that developed a sense of community and actually helped people. That was a common factor both in this world and on Earth. His goal was to actually develop a group that appealed to a lot of people, and the best way to do that was through charity.
“Y’know, this ain’t the first time I’ve heard somethin’ like that,” Gurza said after a moment, much to Zareth’s surprise. “Those folk from the Temple of Yaqin tried to convince people to worship their god by givin’ the street rats a bit of free food. Made all sorts of promises about how their god would bless them. Didn’t last long though. The gangs started stealing from them and people weren’t convertin’ as quick as they hoped. Once they realized that they were losin’ more money than they gained in tithes, they packed up and left.”
Yaqin, Goddess of the Hearth, was another of the old Conclave’s gods. He couldn’t remember them ever giving away food in the Sunrise Slums, so it must have been something that they had done before he was born. It didn’t surprise him that they had given up, as the Conclave always seemed like the kind of organization to overvalue material goods.
“I understand that you’re skeptical, but just give me a chance,” Zareth said beseechingly. “I’m having a service later today where I talk about Cerebon and formally welcome our first members. Just come and see. If you don’t like it, then I won’t bother you again.”
Gurza was silent for several long moments as she stared at Zareth with a discerning gaze. After a few moments, she let out a deep sigh. “If it was anyone else telling me this, I’d tell ‘em to eat shit and get lost. But you’ve always been too smart for yer own good. I suppose with everythin’ going on that I should at least take a look at yer Cult. Can’t be any worse than Silvaris.”
Farida always had a habit of proselytizing her god Silvaris to the humans in the Sunrise Slums; she and Gurza had always disliked each other for some reason.
“Really?!” Zareth asked excitedly. He hadn’t expected it to be so easy. “I’m glad to hear that, Gurza. You won’t regret it. Our service is in about 4 hours, at dusk. ”
“Yeah, yeah. Go ahead and get out of here,” Gurza said dismissively as she stood. “I’ve got a lot of work to do, so you go back and prepare for your service. I’ll be there.”
Zareth didn’t need to be told twice. He and Rizok quickly finished the rest of their bread and left Gurza’s Oven behind.
“Do you think she will join?” Rizok asked as they navigated the narrow streets.
“I certainly hope so. Gurza’s support would mean a lot, not just because of her personal influence, but also because she represents the kind of person I want in the Cult,” Zareth explained truthfully. “People are likely to leave as easily as they joined if the Cult is full of folk who just want a useful Boon. Having someone who genuinely cares about their community like Gurza is just what we need.”
“I see,” Rizok said, his scaly brow furrowed in thought. “I suppose we’ll see how this turns out then.”
I suppose we will…
Zareth had already inducted a few soldiers sent by General Nasrith into his Cult, but today would be his first actual religious service. He really hoped that everything went well. Instead of returning home, Zareth made his way straight to the building that High Command had set aside for him.
It was a simple but large building made from stone and filled with several large pews that had been taken from the Conclave’s various churches and temples. It wasn’t a particularly impressive place, but Zareth was content with it for now until he proved himself useful enough to High Command to earn a spot in the Spire Gardens. Zareth made his way to one of the back rooms and began reviewing the Grimoire of Cerebon in preparation for his first sermon.
He was so absorbed in his reading that he lost track of time, and it was only when Rizok lightly tapped his shoulder that he snapped back to reality.
“Sir, it’s almost time. A few of your prospective converts have already begun to arrive and are enjoying the food that you prepared for them.”
Zareth glanced to the nearby window and saw that the sun was beginning to set. Dusk was Cerebon’s favorite time for rituals according to the grimoire, so it was now or never. After quickly thanking Rizok, Zareth began to make his way out to the main hall.
The room was far from full, with slightly more than two dozen people within whom Zareth managed to convince over the past month. It was fewer than the number of people who had promised to show up, but that was to be expected. Nearly all of them were either humans or lizardkin, as the ogres and nagas had already had faiths that were growing more popular in their communities. The only exception to this was Gurza, who was sitting in the far back and watching him silently.
Zareth gulped nervously as he stepped out onto the stage and every eye turned to him. After a moment, Zareth put on his most confident smile and made his way to the wooden pulpit that stood at the center of the stage.
“Welcome,” he began, his voice steady and echoing as a hush fell over the room. “I’m glad to see you all here today. Some of you are here simply to go through the Initiation Ritual so that you can receive [Cerebon’s Boon], while others are here to learn more about Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation. Regardless of why you are here, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my beliefs and invite you into this faith.”
He paused and looked out at the crowd. Their faces were mostly curious, and he could see Gurza in the back watching with an unreadable expression.
“As you know, Cerebon rules over the domains of Flesh and Transformation,” Zareth continued after a moment. “Like most modern deities, he was born during the advent of the System and the fall of the previous era. He belongs to no pantheon, and only wishes that his adherents continue to live a life of continuous change and growth, whether through the System or otherwise.”
Zareth could see several people amongst the crowd slump in relief. [Cultist] had a tendency to offer Skills useful to people hiding from religious persecution, which sounded nice in practice but often meant that it was used by people doing very bad things. The most famous example of this was the Cult of the Unfettered One, a terrorist religious organization whose god staunchly opposed the System.
By actively proclaiming that Cerebon supported the System, he had no doubt put many minds at ease.
“Cerebon also cherishes the boundless potential inherent within the malleable fabric of the flesh. He teaches that true strength, physical and spiritual, can be achieved by embracing the ever-changing nature of life and the self. That your bodies are valuable vessels for your own growth and evolution. So long as you worship Cerebon, he will guide you onto a path of growth.”
One of the things that Zareth liked most about Cerebon was that he encouraged his worshipers to grow not just in Levels and power, but also in wisdom. For someone like Zareth, who had felt a deep powerlessness growing up on the streets of the Sunrise Slums, it had appealed to him greatly.
Zareth was more of a transactional worshiper than a zealot, but he wouldn’t be a very good [Cultist] if he didn’t like the things that his god was offering.
“In Cerebon’s eyes, every change that your body goes through is a testament to your experiences and growth. This continual transformation is not merely a physical process, but a spiritual journey that shapes who you are. The journey of life is an ever-changing process, and to deny change is to deny life itself. To receive [Cerebon’s Boon], one must willingly undergo changes to their body. These changes symbolize your acceptance of Cerebon’s teachings and your commitment to self-evolution.”
Zareth paused and took a deep breath as he neared the end of his speech. “In this world, there are those who live passively, allowing the currents of life to carry them adrift. And then, there are those who dare to take control, to mold their destiny with their own hands. Cerebon’s followers belong to the latter. We do not fear change. We embrace it. We shape it. We are the sculptors of our own selves. For those of you who find this appealing, I offer to perform on you the Initiate Ritual, and grant you [Cerebon’s Boon].”
Zareth glanced back at the crowd and was pleased by what he saw. Several of them seemed unmoved and continued to wear skeptical expressions, but there were many who seemed far more interested than when he first began.
He turned to one of those who he knew was very interested in receiving the Boon, an [Apprentice Blacksmith] named Harim who he had spoken to a few days ago, and called them to the stage. “Are you willing?”
He was relieved to see the young man stand and make his way to the stage. Once there, Zareth directed him to a chair that he had prepared for the occasion and activated his [Ritual of Offering] Skill.
Almost immediately, Zareth could feel a familiar weight fall over the room as Cerebon directed a small fraction of his attention to the ritual. He could tell that the attendees felt it as well, as the lanterns on the walls began to flicker and the air grew heavier. The first time that Zareth had felt Cerebon’s power, he couldn’t help but feel simultaneously revolted and enamored. It was as if his skin itself was being pulled and tugged in ways that shouldn’t be possible, yet he also felt a wellspring of boundless potential grow within him.
Ignoring the sensation, Zareth focused on the young man in front of him. “How would you prefer to be changed?”
Zareth had offered the new worshipers the option to receive a piercing, tattoo, or a more significant change through his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation]. Cerebon would offer him greater rewards for more extreme physical changes, but this wasn’t something that could be rushed.
“Just a piercin’ for now,” Harim replied, swallowing nervously. “My girl likes the way they look and I’m hopin’ to surprise her.”
Zareth nodded approvingly before continuing the ritual. “Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation, we gather here in your name and honor. Here stands an individual who seeks your blessing. He has chosen the path of transformation and evolution, willing to bear your mark and Boon. As your humble servant, I offer him to you.”
As soon as he was done speaking, Zareth activated [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] and painlessly created a needle-sized hole in Harim’s earlobe. Cerebon’s presence intensified, carrying with it a sense of approval as he placed a small earring shaped like a coiling serpent into the newly created hole.
Zareth smiled as he stepped back and saw Harim flinch at the completion of the ritual, most likely due to the System notification informing him that he received [Cerebon’s Boon].
“Sweet!” Harim exclaimed, looking at his new piercing in a small mirror that Zareth provided. “That was a lot easier than I thought. Didn’t even hurt or anything.”
Zareth chuckled. “That’s probably because you prayed to Cerebon like I instructed. You wouldn’t have received the Boon otherwise.”
Still, Harim wasn’t wrong. Cerebon was a notably relaxed god when it came to worship, which was one of his best selling points. Further benefits would require more stringent adherence to his teachings, but the minimum requirement for his Boon was fairly lenient.
It was a shame that Zareth lacked the ability to speak to Cerebon directly at such a low Level, because he really wanted to compliment the god on his business strategy.
“Well then,” Zareth said, clapping his hands together. “If there are any others who want to go through with the Initiation Ritual, please step forward.”
He wasn’t surprised to see that many others worked up the nerve once they saw that it was a quick and painless process. Zareth spent the next hour inducting people into the worship of Cerebon, feeling the growing approval of his god with every successful [Ritual of Offering].
The System interface didn’t explicitly show how close a person was to their next level, but Zareth could sense that he was rapidly growing closer to Level 20. Such a feat would have taken him more than a year when he was just working as a sort of plastic surgeon for the rich.
I know that I’ve accumulated some progress from the work I’ve done for General Nasrith, but this is just ridiculous!
It wasn’t only these new worshipers that were accelerating his progress. High Command had continued their experiments and had started sending him new soldiers to augment with more… creative ideas.Because of that, Zareth was leveling quicker than ever.
The Grimoire of Cerebon said that he would eventually reach a point of diminishing returns once his Cult grew large enough, but he intended to enjoy the easy Levels while they lasted.
Eventually, the last of the volunteers finished their ritual, a middle-aged lizardkin named Shusk who asked for Zareth to regrow a patch of scales that he lost in a mining accident. Feeling drained but elated, Zareth turned to address the crowd once more.
“Thank you everyone, and welcome to the Cult of Cerebon. I look forward to helping you all down your paths of growth and transformation. Services will be conducted twice a month, but remember that worship of Cerebon is not limited to this place. You have all been given scriptures containing Cerebon’s fundamental teachings, so I recommend that you read them when possible. With that said, I would like to invite everyone to join us in the back for some refreshments.”
Social events were the quickest way to develop a community, and the best social events in Zareth’s opinions were the ones involving food. It had been a bit costly for him to buy food from a decently leveled [Cook], but Zareth had wanted to make a good impression so he dipped into his savings.
Seeing the general enthusiasm from the crowd as they left their seats and moved into the back, he felt like it was worth it. Just as he was about to join them, Zareth spotted Gurza approaching him with an undecipherable expression.
“Gurza, did you enjoy—” Zareth began, but she held up a hand to stop him.
“Let's just say, your pitch wasn’t half bad. I don’t care all that much about your god, but the message was good,” Gurza said, her eyes never leaving him. “And I can tell you actually want to build somethin’ real, unlike those silver-tongued liars from the Conclave. There’s definitely a hunger for Levels in yer eyes, but there ain’t anything wrong with that.”
Gurza turned and pointed toward the crowd of people, who were eagerly enjoying the food and chatting with each other. Zareth could hear snippets of conversation from where he stood, about the Boons, the ritual, and Cerebon. He also spotted several others inspecting their new changes in mirrors, their eyes alight with excitement.
“These are chaotic times, Zareth. People need hope, and you have the chance to give it to them,” Gurza continued, eyes appraising as she turned back to him. “I’m willin’ to help you with that, but I swear that if you end up becomin’ like the Conclave, carin’ for nobody but yourself, then I’ll leave you behind and warn folk away from Cerebon faster than you can imagine. Plus, I expect you to help me feed those brats in the slums. There are too many of them for me to keep up with nowadays. Deal?”
Zareth hid a wince as he nodded. Although it was easy to receive [Cerebon’s Boon], that meant that there were few consequences to someone leaving. If Gurza decided to rally against his Cult, she could do significant damage. The residents of the Sunrise Slums would turn against him, and he would probably start having problems with the gangs.
Still, it was worth it.
“I understand and I agree,” Zareth said, meeting her gaze with a firm nod. “You’re not wrong that I care a lot about Levels, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help people at the same time.”
Gurza studied him for a moment before finally nodding. “Good. Then let’s hurry up with that ridiculous ritual. I’ll spread the word in my own way, but remember that I’ll be watching. Don’t make me regret this, brat.”
“I won't,” Zareth said eagerly, once again activating his [Ritual of Offering].
Cerebon’s presence this time carried with it a hint of anticipation as Gurza sat in one of the pews and told him to give her a piercing. As he used his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation], Zareth felt a sense of resistance that he only ever felt from people with very high Vitality Stats, and he knew that his Skill would have had no effect on her if she was unwilling.
Once it was done and the Ritual was completed, Zareth felt an unexpected surge of power that nearly made him lose his footing.
Cultist has reached Level 20! Multiple Skill Points Gained!
Gurza stood and prepared to take her leave. “I’ll be here for the next service. Come see me when you get the chance, so we can talk about how you can actually help people. By the way, you should keep your eyes open for signs of danger. I’ve been hearin’ a lot of strange whispers from folks who aren’t too happy with the Conclave being gone.”
Zareth tried to ask for clarification, but Gurza didn’t give him anything more specific.
As the elderly ogre left, Zareth couldn’t help but look at her in a new light. Higher leveled individuals offered more benefits than lower leveled ones, and he could tell that Gurza was significantly higher leveled than he predicted. He hadn’t expected to Level up for at least another month, but she got him to that point all by herself.
It was an amazing surprise, especially since it was a Capstone Level, meaning that Zareth now had three whole Skill Points to use.
“A productive evening, sir?” Rizok asked, appearing by his side as soon as Gurza was gone.
Extremely…
