Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Zareth was glad that he had chosen to wear his shawl and headscarf when he left his house to go meet his next client. Even after having lived in this world for more than two decades, Zareth still found it difficult at times to adjust to TalQamars scorching desert sun. Life would have been so much more pleasant had he been reborn in a lovely tropical paradise instead.

Zareths eyes darted in vigilance as he walked through the Spicebloom Bazaar on his way to Sunstone Heights. It wasnt uncommon for [Thieves] to stalk the streets leading from the district where the spice merchants sold their goods to the district where TalQamars wealthiest residents lived. After all, anyone who could afford to pay the fees to enter the Sunstone Heights made for a good target for pickpockets despite the higher risks involved.

However, it wasnt only criminals that he had to worry about. In particular, Zareth made sure to keep an eye out for the ornate white robes worn by the clergy from the temple of Suhail. They wouldnt hesitate to harass and extort him if given the chance, but he was relieved to see that they were nowhere in sight.

I guess the sand-worshiping bastards arent going to ruin my day for once, Zareth thought with a smirk.

With his mood lifted, Zareth hummed a tune as he kept an eye out at the various stalls for anything interesting. The city was as bustling as ever, with traders from all over the region passing through the largest oasis cities in the harsh Qahtani Desert. TalQamar alone held access to the narrow valley that led the Eldamir Empire, thus allowing it to control access to any trade passing through the Qahtani Desert.

Spices were the most important trading goods that passed through TalQamar, thus why the bazaar was named what it was, but there were plenty of other goods which Zareth might be interested in.

Along the streets, vibrant stalls lined with colorful awnings provide shade to the merchants and customers. Zareth could smell the aroma of exotic spices, while the sounds of haggling and conversations filled his ear. Various goods from textiles and pottery to expensive enchanted trinkets and jewelry were on display, many of them coming from distant lands that Zareth had only heard about in tales.

As much as he might hate the heat, Zareth knew that there were many places out there much worse than TalQamar. The city was quite prosperous thanks to its location and was also unusually tolerant toward people of different species. That last part was particularly helpful given that humans were by no means the majority in the city.

There were humans native to the Qahtani Desert of course, but the Desharin werent seen in TalQamar all that often. Instead, they tended to live like nomads, with the small settlement on the outskirts of the city being the closest thing they had to an urban dwelling.

Zareth found his attention being drawn to a lizardkin selling some foreign fruits and decided to indulge himself by trying a few. They were a tad expensive given the distance involved, meaning that the merchant needed to use a high-level Skill to prevent spoilage, but what was the point of living if you didnt treat yourself every once in a while? Besides, business had been surprisingly good recently.

The merchant obviously tried to scam him for as high of a price as possible, but Zareth had spent most of his second life growing up in the slums of TalQamar. He was well acquainted with the tricks and tactics used by people trying to scam him out of his money.

This is a Sabellian Peach, human! Not only is it delicious but there are even some whove received a point in Spirit after eating them, the lizardkin boasted as he tried to justify his exorbitant prices. Fifteen silver for one of these is practically a steal!

Then why is nobody buying them? Zareth asked bluntly, raising an eyebrow. Fifteen silver was more than most skilled laborers made in a week. I dont mean to be rude, but its clear that you tried to sell these to one of the nobles before the deal fell through. You wont find many people in this part of the city willing to pay fifteen silver for a fruit. How about five silver instead?

The lizardkin hissed angrily at him, but Zareth knew that he was right and that the merchant didnt have much leverage. Sure enough, they eventually agreed on a price and the lizardkin reluctantly handed over the fruit for seven silver coins.

With the transaction complete, he took a bite of the fruit as he continued along his way. It was quite delicious and tasted something like a blend of an apple and a mango with a hint of something exotic Zareth couldnt quite place. As he ate the fruit, Zareth decided to pull on that strange presence in his mind connecting him to his Status. He wanted to see if his Spirit had actually risen after ingesting the fruit.

Name: Zareth

Class: Cultist Level 18

Stats:

Active Skills:

Passive Skills:

Strength: 16

Corrode Flesh

Magic PerceptionWitness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.

Vitality: 18

Deaden Nerves

Flesh Perception

Agility: 16

Flesh Manipulation

Cerebons Boon

Spirit: 24

Minor Purify Flesh

Aesthetic Intuition

Willpower: 22

Ritual of Offering

Veterinary Knowledge

Control: 22

Nope. Spirit is still the same, Zareth thought as he turned his attention away from his Status.

He wasnt particularly disappointed because it was obvious from the start that the merchant was just trying to get a better price for his wares. There probably was someone who improved their Spirit by eating the fruit, but the stat must have already been on the verge of an increase.

Stats werent so easily raised.

Before he made it to the Sunstone Heights, Zareth made sure to dispose of the fruit core and make himself presentable. His business relied almost entirely on word of mouth, which meant that aristocrats would be much less likely to hire him if he looked like a common street rat. Zareth made his way over to an ogre merchant who was selling mirrors and handed the muscular nine-foot-tall humanoid a copper coin in exchange for allowing him to use one.

Zareth gave himself a quick once over as he adjusted his headscarf and shawl. He looked much the same as every other human native to the Qahtani desert, with dark skin, gray eyes, and a wiry build gained from years of living in a harsh environment. He was a tad shorter than he was in his past life, standing at just under six feet tall.

Unlike most humans in TalQamar, Zareths skin was smooth and unblemished to an unnatural degree and he hid two ears filled with piercings under dark, shoulder-length hair. Both his unnatural skin and his many piercings were consequences of his service to Cerebon, which Zareth did his best to avoid advertising.

Not because it was illegal to be a [Cultist] or anything of the sort, but because the Conclave only tolerated worshippers of foreign gods in their city so long as they remained appropriately discreet and paid a satisfactory bribe every once in a while. After all, the Conclave wasnt above suppressing their competition if given the chance.

Its a shame. Im sure a face like this could convince plenty of people to worship Cerebon, Zareth mused, smirking as he appreciated his own reflection. Worshiping the God of Flesh and Transformation definitely has its benefits.

Just as Zareth felt satisfied with his inspection and was about to continue along his way, he spotted a familiar set of white robes in the reflection that caused him to let out an annoyed sigh.

Damn it. Just when I thought that I wouldnt have to deal with them today.

Turning around, Zareth was greeted with the smug and greedy expression of Cleric Sethash, a mid-ranking member of Suhails temple. As the lizardkin approached with an arrogant saunter, Zareth resigned himself to leaving this interaction a few silver short.

Well, if its my favorite heretic, said Sethash, his large tail swishing lazily from side to side. Suhail favors me on this day. I was very much hoping to see you on my way to the Spire Gardens, and here you are.

Zareth wanted badly to make a snarky quip about the lizardkins interest in him, but barely managed to restrain himself.

Cleric Sethash, what a surprise, Zareth said with exaggerated enthusiasm. Always a pleasure. To what do I owe the honor?

Sethash narrowed his vertical-slit eyes, studying Zareth with a gaze that felt more like a snake sizing up its prey. I merely wished to congratulate you. Ive heard how successful your little business has become. You mustve become quite flush with gold recently.

If Zareth had only recently reincarnated in TalQamar instead of enduring its pervasive corruption for over two decades, he would likely be seething with anger right now. Instead, he only felt a familiar simmering frustration and a yearning to become powerful enough that nobody would dare harass him like this again.

You flatter me, but business is not quite as good as you might think, Zareth lied, feigning embarrassment as he rubbed his neck awkwardly. However, I do think I can spare a small donation for the Conclave. You all do so much for this city, that I think its only fair. How does six silver sound?

Zareth really didnt want to allow his bribes to increase in price just because he was making more than he used to. Sethash was the greedy sort, frequently using his authority to threaten anyone he could get away with extorting. Given that only the military and the Great Houses could rival the Conclave in power, Sethash had a long list of potential victims to choose from.

Zareth mentally prepared himself to haggle as much as necessary, which was why he was so taken aback when Sethash merely sneered at him and extended a scaly hand expectantly.

After giving Lady Yssir his thanks, Zareth pulled on the strange presence in his mind and moved to do just that. The first thing he did was examine the new Skills available to him. Zareth already knew that he intended to use his Skill Point to modify one of his already existing Skills, but it was always worth taking a look to see if hed met the requirements for something new.

Available Skills:

Active:

Minor Blessing of Cerebon - Temporarily bestow a lesser version of Cerebons Boon to an individual regardless of their Devotion. Grants slight increase to physical stats and regeneration. This path leads to further skills related to the bestowal of blessings and curses. +2 Spirit. +1 Willpower. +1 Control.

Minor Siphon Vitality - Temporarily lowers the Vitality of the target while increasing your own. Effect increases over time. This path leads to further skills related to the manipulation of stats. +1 Spirit. +2 Willpower. +1 Control

Create Lesser Flesh Golem - Allows for the creation of a small flesh golem, a simple construct with limited intelligence. Physical abilities vary with materials used for construction. This path leads to further skills related to the creation and modification of artificial beings. +1 Spirit. +1 Willpower. +2 Control

Passive:

Devotion Perception - Gain the intuitive ability to sense those who already feel devotion to a deity and those who would be open to your own. This path leads to further skills related to socialization and cult management. +3 Spirit. +1 Willpower

Malleable Flesh - Increases the flexibility and elasticity of your own flesh, significantly enhancing the ability for one to modify themselves through Flesh Magic. This path leads to further skills related to personal augmentation. +1 Strength, +2 Vitality, +1 Agility.

Zareth quickly went through his options and noted the only newly available Skill since his last Level increase, [Create Lesser Flesh Golem]. Much like the rest, it was a good Skill that wouldnt actually help him in his daily life. Zareth had no intention of fighting monsters or starting his own cult, so these Skills wouldnt be useful for more than their Stat increases.

Turning his attention to the Skills that he already possessed, Zareth looked to see which ones could be modified. Most of them didnt reach the Stat or Level requirements to be evolved, but there were a few exceptions.

One that allowed him to upgrade [Minor Purify Flesh] to [Purify Flesh], which would be better at purifying diseases than the previous rank of the Skill and also have a small effect on curses. Another upgraded [Flesh Perception] into [Flesh Intuition], which would give Zareth an intuitive understanding of how to best modify a persons body in terms of function.

[Flesh Intuition] coupled with the knowledge hed gained in his previous life as a veterinarian would be very useful. The System could compensate for a lot, but hed noticed that it was much easier to affect the parts of the body he understood the most. However, there was one option he had set his eyes on. Zareth turned his attention to the evolutions for his most important Skill.

Flesh Manipulation Evolution(s):

Permanent Flesh Manipulation - Modify the target's flesh. Difficulty of modification increases with the complexity of the change and the difference from the targets original body. Changes can now be made permanent unless otherwise altered through Flesh Manipulation or a similar Skill. Permanent changes require relevant biomass. +2 Spirit. +1 Willpower. +1 Control.

Precise Flesh Manipulation - Allows for more precise control over flesh manipulation, enabling more intricate and unique modifications. Changes are temporary. Changes do not require relevant biomass. +1 Spirit. +1. Willpower. +2 Control.

After taking a moment to recall what he had read in the Grimoire of Cerebon, Zareth ultimately decided on [Permanent Flesh Manipulation]. The ability to make lasting modifications would open up a whole new range of possibilities for his business, as there were many people who would pay for permanent changes to their bodies. [Precise Flesh Manipulation] was nice, but it didnt offer anything that he couldnt already accomplish with enough practice.

Plus, his clients shouldnt have much trouble acquiring the right biomass given that they were generally wealthy. With his decision made, Zareth allocated his Skill Point and felt a surge of power as the new ability to root in his mind and his Stats increased.

[Flesh Manipulation] has evolved to [Permanent Flesh Manipulation]!

Thank you for your patience, Lady Yssir, Zareth said as he turned his attention back to the naga woman. Ive made my choice and Im ready to continue.

Lady Yssir nodded, her expression unreadable. Very well. Proceed, human.

As soon as Zareth began working on the last of Lady Yssirs scales, he could immediately tell that his increased Spirit made his [Flesh Manipulation] slightly more efficient. After ensuring that he hadnt missed any scales and that they gleamed with newfound vibrancy, Zareth was about to ask Lady Yssir how she would like to handle the skin of her upper body when there was a knock on the door.

The same lizardkin guard from before, looking somewhat panicked, stepped into the room. My Lady. I apologize for the interruption, but there has been an urgent development.

Lady Yssirs expression changed from one of annoyance at the interruption to concern. Very well, Gharan. What is it?

The guard hesitated for a moment, glancing at Zareth before he spoke. It seems that the Conclave has been accused of assassinating Merchant Lord Raqasor. General Nasrith has taken control of the city and declared martial law. Soldiers are sweeping through the city and arresting members of the Conclave and those suspected of having ties to them.

What?!

While Zareth was sitting there in shock, Lady Yssir had already shot out of her seat with shocking speed and began making her way out of the door. Our business here is concluded, human. I suggest you return to your home as quickly as possible. Gharan! Give the [Cultist] his payment and meet me in the main hall with the rest of the guards once you return.

Gharan nodded and hurriedly gave Zareth a small pouch of coins that more than contained twice what he usually charged and began to usher him out of the manor. Much to Zareths unease, he could hear the distant sound of commotion and shouting as they made their way through the opulent halls.

The guard didnt waste any time, practically shoving him out onto the street and heading back into the manor without another word.

What the hell is going on?! Zareth wondered as he stood there, clutching the pouch of coins tightly in his hand.

Within just a few minutes, he had gone from celebrating his increase in Level to hearing that the city was descending into chaos. Even in the Sunstone Heights, Zareth could see panicked people rushing into their homes and raising their wards. The sound of shouting in the distance was growing closer by the second, and he suddenly realized that he needed to move quickly if he didnt want to be caught up in whatever was going on.

Being a [Cultist] wasnt illegal, but he had enough experience with TalQamars guards that he knew to avoid catching their attention.

Zareth quickly started heading back to his home in the outer sections of the city as quickly as he could, sticking to the back alleys and quiet streets that hed grown so familiar with as a child.

His heart pounded in his chest when he spotted soldiers wearing the emblem of TalQamars military patrolling the streets or breaking into the houses of people he knew to be members of the Conclave.

Zareth kept his head down and continued on his way, praying that he wouldnt be targeted by any of the soldiers. He had known for a while that tensions between the Conclave and the citys government were growing, but he had never expected things to escalate to this level.

As Zareth reached the more familiar streets of his neighborhood he picked up the pace, desperate to reach the safety of his small and unassuming clay house. Unfortunately, he was greeted by a sight that made his blood run cold when he finally reached the street where he lived.

Exiting Zareths home was an armored ogre wearing the emblem of TalQamars military, and they had spotted him the moment hed turned the corner.

Fuck! Why are they looking for me of all people? I dont have anything to do with the Conclave!

He briefly considered running, but not only did the nine-foot-tall ogre have much longer legs than he did, but he likely had a physical class like [Dune Skirmisher] or [Dervish Warrior]. His agility stat would at least be somewhere in the mid-twenties! It would be like someone who had never run in their life trying to outrun a professional athlete. The soldier must have realized this as well because he didnt seem to be in any rush as he strode over to Zareth.

Are you the [Cultist] named Zareth? asked the ogre, his voice deep and rumbling.

I am, Zareth hesitantly confirmed. Why are you looking for me? I dont have any affiliation with the Conclave.

General Nasrith has ordered all TalQamari citizens with religious Classes to be brought to the palace. The Conclave is to be dismantled and its temples barred from the city. All religious groups unaffiliated with the Conclave must formally swear fealty to TalQamar or be escorted out of the city.

Zareths eyes widened in shock. But Im just one person! Im not a member of a Cult.

Doesnt matter. My orders were to bring you or send you out of the city, so thats what Ill do, said the soldier, uninterested in his excuse. Which will it be, [Cultist]?

Damn it.

Zareth took a deep breath to calm himself down and began thinking about his options.

He could fight or run, but he probably wouldnt last very long in either case. The soldier almost certainly had a Level advantage over him, and Zareth only had one Skill well suited for combat.

If TalQamar was about to go through a period of political turmoil as it seemed, then it would probably be safer for him to simply leave. Zareth had saved up enough coins and it wouldnt be impossible for him to continue his business in a different city.

But TalQamar was where he had lived the past two decades of his life. It wasnt a pleasant city, but Zareth was loath to allow himself to be driven out of it. Besides, there was also a chance that the soldier would suddenly chop Zareths head off as soon as he refused to swear fealty.

As Zareth calmed down and thought about what his life would look like if he stayed in TalQamar, he suddenly realized something important.

This is an opportunity

There were many aspects of his Class that Zareth couldnt exploit due to his lack of a Cult. If the Conclave was truly being thrown out of the city, then that opened up the opportunity for others to take their place.

After all, the General was asking them to swear fealty rather than just throwing them all out, and there was a good reason why very few nations completely outlawed the worship of gods. Most gods offered powerful Boons to those who worshiped them which would give any nations citizens a sizable advantage.

If Zareth played his cards right, then this could change everything for him. The risks would be great, but the potential benefits were unimaginable. Cerebon would reward him very well if Zareth was able to convince people to worship the god.

He had long since given up becoming anything more than average, but it seemed that fate put this opportunity in front of him and Zareth would never be able to live with himself if he didnt take it.

With his decision made, Zareth turned to face the soldier and gave his answer. Take me to the palace.