Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Zareth smiled politely as he passed one of his followers while descending the spire, allowing none of his agitation to appear on his face.

Thankfully, the elderly lizardkin woman appeared too busy to stop Zareth for conversation. It wasnt long before he reached one of the corridors halfway down the spire, and made his way to an unobtrusive wooden door.

The loud exclamations coming from the other side quieted quickly after Zareth began knocking; the students inside were likely curious about who was interrupting their lesson.

The room was typically used only by Instructor Hallenford on a single day of the week to teach the members of his cult who had chosen to become [Cultists], or for the occasional literacy lesson open to anyone in the spire. Therefore, the room wasnt occupied for extended periods and rarely received visitors outside of those times.

However, it was starting to become clear that this would change now that Vidhatri had arrived.

It took a moment for the noise to die down before the door opened, revealing Vidhatri standing on the other side with a pleased expression. The shivarath had made clear that the role of a Senior Fleshwarper was to offer both protection and instruction to those who wish to serve the Weaver of Sinews.

Vidhatri seemed very passionate about this role and was more than happy when Zareth assigned her to teach his followers.

Good afternoon, Vidhatri. I apologize for interrupting your lesson, said Zareth, not paying any mind toward the wide-eyed looks being sent to him by the shivaraths students behind her. But I felt like it would be useful to listen in and see how youre teaching my followers, especially given the topic of discussion.

Vidhatri naturally didnt have any reason to refuse him access to any part of his own followers, and immediately agreed. However, she did turn a distrustful gaze toward Rizok before responding.

Ill not allow any of our gods secrets to be shared with outsiders, but I suppose you have come at a good time, Vidhatri said after a moment, her tone reticent as she glared at the lizardkin. Ive just finished educating your [Cultists] on the specific attributes of their most likely Class Evolutions and was about to discuss more general information regarding the System. These details are no great secret and are why I suspect you are here.

Zareth ignored the shivaraths attitude toward Rizok as the two of them had seemingly formed a mutual antipathy toward one another without ever having said a word to one another in his presence.

The more important matter was the topic of her lesson.

It is, Zareth readily admitted, not having a reason to hide his motivations. I still havent been able to make a final decision and thought that this would be a good way to get my thoughts in order.

Zareth had managed to narrow down his choices for Class Evolution down to two options, but he was having a frustratingly difficult time settling on one over the other.

Hed always known that picking an option for Class Evolution would be a momentous decision and that he would likely spend a significant amount of time mulling it over but hed expected that the correct decision would be a bit more clear.

The fact that he was still unable to choose between one of the most unique and one of the most generic options offered to him, somehow added a strange irony to his dilemma.

It is not ideal for one of Cerebons chosen to be so unresolved, but it is understandable given the circumstances, said Vidhatri, her tone a baffling mixture of censure and empathy as she stepped. Come inside. My wisdom is always available to our people.

Despite her zealotry, or maybe because of it, Vidhatri had shown herself to be fairly good-natured to the members of his cult since her arrival. Zareth couldnt help but view her like an ornery lioness that might allow you to pet it one moment and take a bite out of your hand the next.

Entering the well-lit room, Zareth took a moment to greet and survey its occupants. Older people were generally too well-established and accustomed to their Classes to go through with changing it, even if they could afford the exorbitant costs, so all of the new [Cultists] were young people from the slums.

Zareth was beginning to become more admired among that demographic than he had expected, to the extent that he felt faintly uncomfortable with their reverential gazes.

He quickly made his way to the back of the room and took a seat on one of the piles of cushions spread throughout the room. Rizok followed soon after, settling his tail comfortably across the cushions in a way that would be impossible on a chair.

I do not trust her, Rizok said quietly, his slit-like eyes locked onto the shivarath walking to the front of the room. Are you certain that it is wise to allow someone so fanatical to teach those who you intend to take leadership positions within your cult?

Zareth glanced at the lizardkin, confused about where his uncharacteristic animosity toward Vidhatri came from.

Its certainly a risk that she could teach them some strange ideas, but not a large one, Zareth said confidently, already having given the matter a lot of thought. People raised in the slums are very suspicious and arent prone to blindly accepting what theyre told. Theres a good reason why the Conclave had so much difficulty recruiting from there. Is there something more specific about her that bothers you?

Rizok hesitated for a moment as if considering what to say before responding. She simply reminds me too much of some of the more zealous members of the Conclave. Aggressive and dismissive toward those they deem beneath them. TalQamar is better now that it's represented by faiths that better resemble its people and dont exploit them. It would be a shame if that were to change.

That made sense to Zareth. While Rizok hadnt said anything explicitly negative about the gods or their faiths, it wasnt hard to guess that he didnt have a best impression of them given his at times very pointed disinterest.

It wasnt an uncommon sentiment in TalQamar, despite the potential benefits of worshiping a deity. Many people in the city saw religious organizations as groups aiming to lure them in and gradually take over more and more of their lives.

I have no intention of allowing that to happen, Zareth reassured, meaning every single word.

Rizok stared at him with an assessing gaze for several moments before nodding solemnly and turning his attention to the front of the room. Seeing that the lizardkin had no interest in continuing the conversation, Zareth also focused on Vidhatris lesson.

We have discussed the Class Evolutions that you young [Cultists] are most likely to one day gain, said Vidhatri, four eyes scanning her students imperiously as she spoke. Whether it be the [Fleshwarpers] charged with defending your cult, the [Fleshmenders] who heal its people, or the [Flesh Animators] who create Flesh Golems to serve a myriad of purposes, each path holds immense power and responsibility. Perhaps you may even serve our god in a less common way, as an [Occult Ritualist] or as an [Aesthetic Beastshaper].

Zareth held back a chuckle as Vidhatri presented the last option with a distinct air of distaste. She didnt seem particularly impressed with a Class designed to create frivolous pets for fools with too much gold.

Better to simply rely on the well-tested Flesh Golems rather than be restricted to creating good-looking monstrosities, according to her.

There are many who foolishly believe that these more unique Classes are more powerful or prestigious, Vidhatri continued, her tone dripping with disdain. Do not be mistaken. The requirements for my own Class are not particularly restrictive, yet I am powerful enough to slay any heathen who threatens our gods work!

Vidhatri punctuated her exclamation by suddenly morphing her lower arms into a bone tipped spike tendril of flesh that surged across the room within the blink of an eye and stopped right before Rizoks snout.

Zareths eyes widened at the display and his first instinct was to tell the shivarath off for threatening his bodyguard until he saw the look of utter disinterest on Rizoks face. While most of the students reacted with the expected shouts and gasps of shock, the lizardkin hadnt even flinched, seemingly unconcerned with Vidhatris posturing.

[Leadership] told him that it would be better if the two handled their own differences, so Zareth decided to let the matter go.

Vidhatri chuckled and retracted the tendril, morphing it back into two separate arms with a speed that made Zareth envious before glaring at the students until they quieted down and continued her lesson.

Nevertheless, it is to our gods advantage that his faithful take on a wide variety of roles, said Vidhatri, her voice beginning to take on a more measured tone. Every competent organization understands that it is better for those capable of meeting the requirements for the rare and useful Classes to take them. Especially as the common Classes can be delegated to those less suited for specialized roles. For these reasons, it is necessary that you are all educated about the System in general, so that you make the most informed decision on your paths.

Zareth hummed in appreciation as Vidhatri finished the rather intense introduction to her lesson and began detailing some of the more commonly known features of the System. He knew that a lot of what she had just said was for his benefit, and he appreciated it.

Much to his surprise, he wasnt the only one.

She knows what shes talking about, Rizok said with a hint of reluctance, eyes focused intently on the shivarath. For all her zealotry and theatrics, there is a sharp mind behind it. And her advice is sound as well. High Command is well known for doing intensive screening to determine the aptitude of new recruits for particular Classes.

Zareth was relieved to hear that. Hed already reached the conclusion that it would be better to pass up Classes that could be delegated to the members of his cult. Doing so would eliminate all of the Classes that Vidhatri had mentioned earlier, leaving him with [Atavistic Apostle], [Cerebons Watcher], and [Cult Leader] as options.

While Vidhatri didnt know the exact requirements for [Aesthetic Beastshaper], Zareth doubted that they would be difficult to narrow down so long as one of his followers participated in making the cults designer pets.

He had been a bit worried that hed been too hasty in eliminating so many potential options, so it was good to hear that other more established organizations shared his perspective.

Much of what Vidhatri spoke about for the next few minutes was common knowledge and not too interesting to Zareth. It was only when she started discussing her cults interpretations on the Systems history and its nature that he started to pay attention.

It is important to always be aware that there are many things about the System that remain a mystery to us, said Vidhatri, shrugging her shoulders and crossing her lower set of arms. Not only regarding its origins, but also the details of how it functions and the limits of its capabilities. Both of these are popular topics of research for [Mages] and [Scholars] everywhere. It was only a mere six centuries ago when the Veilspire Academy discovered and published the means to force a Class change outside of Class Evolutions.

Zareth hadnt actually known that, and he was more than a little interested in learning more about such research and how the magic academies contributed to it. He made a mental note to ask Vidhatri when it wouldnt interrupt the lesson.

The Weaver of Sinews has made it explicitly known that he approves of learning more about the System and making use of its capabilities, said Vidhatri, a predictable trace of fervor creeping into her voice at the mention of Cerebon before she reined it in. There are some who believe otherwise, such as particularly foolish mages, the Moksha Sanga, or to use an example that is more local, the Cult of the Unfettered One. It is my experience that such people are better left ignored.

The snort of disdain that came from Zareths side and caused all eyes in the room to turn toward Rizok. The lizardkin was completely unapologetic as he continued to look ahead.

Unless the heathen has something to add on this matter? Vidhatri asked, her tone one of false politeness at odds with her sharp eyes.

Merely that your knowledge of these lands is far inferior compared to your knowledge of the System, Rizok said without hesitation. If you were to tell someone from Eldamir that the Cult of the Unfettered One should be ignored after they assassinated their empress and directly caused a series of civil wars, theyd laugh in your face.

Zareth watched the two of them quietly glare at each for several moments, feeling more and more confused. There was something strange about their interactions, but he couldnt quite put his finger on it.

The silence was fortunately interrupted when one of his cults few ogre members, a young man by the name of Nog who was sitting next to Tamir, hesitantly raised his hand.

Um, I have a question about that, said Nog, flinching slightly when Vidhatri broke away from her staring match to turn her attention to him. Uh Ive heard stories about those guys and I just always wondered how theyre so dangerous if they dont use the System?

Zareth could tell that Nogs question was one a lot of people in the room were curious about, himself included. Although, he felt like he could make a decent guess based on what he knew.

Ah, an excellent question, said Vidhatri, her expression softening a bit as she prepared to answer. Magic existed in this world prior to the System's existence, and is still capable of being used, which they do. This is done through channeling and manipulating the Etherveil, which is the common name for the vast ocean of magic that permeates our world. It is not known why the majority of Classes offered by the System prevent the ability to channel the Etherveil, while those lacking any Class can use it without issue. But this matter is the source of many theories.

Zareth had actually done a decent amount of research into the Etherveil recently given that [Atavistic Apostle] was one of the Classes that did allow people to channel it. From what he understood, studying it wasnt particularly popular since it wasnt considered very strong.

Allegedly, a [Mage] would find it both more efficient and have more potent results if they simply used [Fireball] rather than drawing on the Etherveil to form a sphere of fire and launch it at someone.

Something about that felt strange to Zareth and he wasnt sure how much he believed it, but he had no evidence to the contrary.

I once killed a member of the Cult of the Unfettered Ones who claimed that the Etherveil was stronger before the Systems arrival, Rizok said with open disdain, apparently not sharing Zareths skepticism. They also claimed that this is why they seek to destroy it.

Vidhatri naturally didnt appreciate the interruption, but this time when she turned to glare at Rizok, Zareth noticed a peculiar hint of appreciation in her eyes.

You seem quite competent and well-educated for a heathen, Vidhatri said with a hint of grudging respect.

Zareth turned toward Rizok and saw that his face was still as stoic as always but his tail was continuously swaying in a rhythmic manner.

Yes. Though not the one that I was hatched in, said Rizok, opening the lock on the door and heading inside.

Zareth sincerely doubted that Rizok would have openly brought him to somewhere directly connected to himself if he had bad intentions, so he didnt hesitate to follow him through the door. Once he was inside, Zareth took a moment to take in his surroundings while Rizok began to remove his armor, hands unclasping greaves from his digitigrade feet.

His first impression was that Rizoks home was very austere. It lacked any personal touches that made it feel lived-in, with no signs that anyone lived there other than Rizok himself. Even the furnishings seemed frightfully similar to the plain wooden furniture that he himself had been issued by High Command. Zareth felt like even the barracks would feel more like a home than this place.

How long have you lived here? asked Zareth as the lizardkin finished removing his armor and set aside his sword. Hed very rarely seen Rizok without them and was faintly surprised at how much more comfortable he looked.

Nearly twenty years, Rizok replied, immediately causing Zareths eyes to widen in shock. Before that, I lived with the rest of my family in the servants quarters of Vhelan Manor, like all the rest of their keshsisk. Once that was no longer possible, I joined the military and was issued this house by High Command. Though Ive spent very little time here over the years.

Something in Rizoks tone caused Zareth to pause and study the lizardkin closer. He wasnt sure if it was the exhaustion in Rizoks eyes or the slump in his shoulder, but Zareth suddenly felt like the lizardkin seemed older than he usually did.

He wasnt certain of Rizoks exact age, but he was likely somewhere around forty or fifty years old. It wasnt that he was physically frail, of course. Lizardkin had similar lifespans to humans and the System both increased it and allowed people to remain fairly vigorous well into old age, but there was just something about Rizok that was weary.

It honestly made Zareth feel a greater sense of companionship with Rizok. Even if the lizardkin may not know it, they were both mentally similar in ages and Zareth occasionally felt a similar tiredness.

There was something that you wanted to show me? Zareth prompted, breaking the lizardkin out of whatever trance had temporarily befallen him.

Oh, yes. This way, said Rizok, seeming mildly flustered before he led Zareth deeper into his room toward a small room in the back.

It didnt appear anything special at first glance, appearing to just be a modest workroom with a wooden table in the center and a single shelf containing a small number of books. Zareth took a seat on one of the stools around the table while Rizok went to retrieve a book from the shelf, its leather cover as plain as the rest of the room.

Zareth was just about to ask what Rizok wanted to show him when the lizardkin softly said some sort of strange, foreign word and the books appearance began to change. Zareth watched in astonishment as its cover changed to one far more ornate, with the sigil of a stylized dragon stretched across it

It wasnt the display of magic that had surprised Zareth so much, especially since he had known for a long time that Rizok had something to hide, but rather the fact that his [Magic Perception] hadnt noticed anything at all.

Did you know that the Nephalan Dynasty used to be highly regarded for their [Illusion Mages]? Rizok asked calmly as he handed over the book and sat on a stool. They were known to study the mirages created by System Spawn in order to refine their craft. The Great Houses and the Conclave never discovered an easy way to counter it, which was why they needed to wait for the Dynastys collapse before they could begin to conquer these lands.

Zareth looked back and forth between the book and Rizok before suddenly feeling an inexplicable surge of exasperation.

If youre about to tell me that your family belongs to some sort of ancient royal bloodline and you want my help overthrowing the Great Houses, Im going to be very upset, Zareth warned, his tone of mock frustration only slightly exaggerated. My life is already complicated enough without adding that kind of nonsense.

Rizok seemed to startle, his eyes slightly widening before the lizardkin suddenly let out a deep, rumbling chuckle. Nothing so dramatic. Im not sure where you got that idea, given that I know you relax far too rarely to spend your time reading stories.

Zareth smiled, glad that some of the growing tension had been broken.

You dont need to worry. None of my affairs will put you in any more danger than you are already in if you decide not to be involved, Rizok said as his laughter began to die down. Overthrowing the Great Houses would be impossible even if the entirety of TalQamar joined forces in the attempt. They are far more powerful than most people know, so I will not ask you to do something so foolish. However, you are right that I could use your help.

Zareth wasnt sure how much he believed Rizok when he said that whatever this was wouldnt put him in any increased danger, but the lizardkin deserved to at least be heard out.

If youre not some sort of ancient prince, then why do you have this? Zareth asked, gesturing toward the book as he opened it and took a look inside. The script was rather ancient, but still decipherable so long as he read very slowly.

My ancestors can indeed be traced back to the Nephalan Dynasty, though as a long line of servants rather than royalty. It is why House Vhelan took us in as keshsisk, Rizok began, his expression sobering considerably as he began to explain. That book was handed down to me by my father, and mainly contains stories about my peoples history.

That was consistent with what Zareth had been able to read so far, though he was struggling to see what Rizok wanted from him.

Why go to such lengths to hide this? Zareth asked, confused with the need for such secrecy. Im sure it's valuable, but an ancient story book doesnt seem like its worth all of this subterfuge.

It normally wouldnt be. High Command would simply confiscate such a book if they found it in most peoples possession, said Rizok, a trace of anger creeping into his expression. But for me, the Great Houses would likely have me detained so that my mind could be pilfered before they chose to execute me.

Zareth felt a chill run down his spine at the surety in Rizoks voice. Hed already cultivated a fairly negative impression of the Great Houses, whether it be because of Faridas words, Kassans actions, or the general degree of corruption with which they operated in TalQamar.

Therefore, Rizoks words didnt exactly come as a surprise, but it was by no means pleasant to hear. Especially given his own animosity with House Khysar and reliance on House Vhelan.

Why would they do that? Zareth asked, feeling a sudden unease as he glanced down at the book.

Rizok took a moment to consider his words before answering Zareths question with one of his own. Have you ever wondered why there is no lizardkin equivalent to the Desharin or the ogre communities? Why none of us gather in our own enclaves and continue our own traditions? Why youve never heard of the lizardkin worshiping a deity of our own?

Zareth had wondered that at first, but hed sort of written it off as the lizardkin being thoroughly culturally assimilated by the naga. However, he supposed that even if that were the case, there would still be a small minority that clung to their own traditions. Every culture had its hold outs.

Seeing that Zareth didnt have an answer, Rizok nodded as if that was what hed been expecting and continued speaking. While humans and ogres native to the Qahtani Desert are small in number, my people are not. Our population is large enough that the Great Houses could never afford us even the flimsy autonomy given to the other races. Thus, theyve done everything in their power to ensure that our history, traditions, and identity were wiped away.

Zareth nodded in understanding, feeling that this story was starting to become somewhat of a familiar pattern. It was different because the vast majority were well integrated into TalQamar, but still in line with TalQamars fractious history.

Given the context, Im guessing that youre a member of some secretive lizardkin organization attempting to fight against that, Zareth predicted, his mind racing as he began to connect the dots together. You told me that your father was the [Seneschal] for House Vhelan and that he died. Was your family somehow involved? Is that why you were sent to the military rather than becoming a servant?

Thats correct. Ive always known that you were smarter than average, but thats quite impressive, Rizok said after a moment of surprise. My father was discovered while attempting to gather restricted historical records and was then ordered to be executed by Lady Mariliths late husband. I was young at the time, so they simply told me that hed been killed in an accident, but one of my fathers compatriots told me the truth when I became an adult. The Tessik are not rebels. Merely a small group of lizardkin who dont wish to see our culture vanish into nothingness.

Zareth smiled faintly at the compliment, despite knowing his guess wasnt as impressive as it seemed to Rizok. The information that hed obtained from Whitescale had already revealed to him Rizok wasnt trusted by House Vhelan and that his fathers death had been discreetly covered up.

That and the general cloak and dagger nature that he was beginning to associate with the Great Houses made it easier to connect the dots once Rizok gave him more information.

Honestly, Rizok being a member of a group dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of lizardkin culture was a lot less extreme than some of the scenarios that Zareth had imagined. It made sense, as a large group of secret rebels could have never hid from the Great Houses long term, especially given how well integrated the lizardkin were.

Alright, I understand everything so far. But what do you want from me? said Zareth, pushing down his faint discomfort as he hoped that his mind was not making connections where they didnt exist. I cant imagine that I would be of much use to your organization. The Great Houses could crush me like a bug if they felt like it.

For now, certainly. But there are still ways that we can help each other, said Rizok, leaning forward earnestly as a trace of hope grew in his eyes. Lady Marilith is less cruel and more farsighted than her husband. She doubtless sees that TalQamar cannot continue as it is without mimicking the Conclaves efforts in suppressing the citys restless factions, which is the only reason why High Command would willingly offer to distribute conquered land. Land that you clearly desire and which we can assist in acquiring so that you can meet the requirements for a more powerful Ruler Class.

Zareth struggled to keep his expression even. That was definitely an offer that he was interested in, though there did seem to be some complications.

Is that all that you want from me? A place where your people can live away from TalQamar? Zareth said suspiciously as he considered the offer. It seems dangerous. How could your people even help me acquire this theoretical territory of mine without alerting the Great Houses? Im not interested in risking my head getting cut off just for a better Class.

Rizoks features sharpened, a determined glint appearing in his eyes. We have our ways. The naga have grown complacent and view the citys lizardkin as little more than obedient servants, but we have plenty of experience maintaining our networks in secret.

Zareth could definitely believe that. Growing up in the slums had given him a front row seat to how little attention people paid to those who they considered beneath them. Still, this was no small matter and he needed to figure out every single detail before he even considered agreeing.

This seems like a rather large risk that youre taking, for not a lot of benefit, Zareth said as he locked eyes with Rizok. Even if migrating to this hypothetical territory would make your group slightly safer, they wouldnt be able to openly practice your traditions without fear of discovery. Not only that, but youre putting a lot of trust in me by even revealing this much. How can you be so sure that I wont betray you to gain favor with the Great Houses, especially given my relationship with House Vhelan?

He was genuinely expecting Rizok to respond with some kind of threat, so he was surprised when the lizardkin instead slumped back with an expression more exhausted than Zareth had ever seen on him.

To be honest, Im not certain that you won't, Rizok admitted with a sigh, his voice quiet and weary. It is why I warned my allies before coming to see you, so that they know to disappear if I dont report by nightfall. Ive watched you long enough to know that youre a good person overall, but theres a hunger in your eyes that makes it difficult to predict what you may do for the right price. I can only hope that the benefits Ive offered you are enough, and that you live up to the words you shared with me earlier.

Zareth was taken aback by the honesty in Rizoks voice and the resignation in his expression. He knew that the lizardkin could likely kill him before he could leave the room even without his sword, though not without being pinned for the murder, but Rizok seemed completely willing to accept whatever fate may come his way.

He didnt like it one bit. There was something about seeing someone so much more powerful than him so downtrodden that made Zareth feel utterly unsettled. It reminded him too much of how he had felt when he had been betrayed and left alone and it also made him wonder if gathering power would truly let him avoid ever feeling that way again.

Zareth forced himself to ignore that strange feeling and focus on the proposition at hand.

The risks were obvious. Zareth was unlikely to be killed immediately even if he was discovered, given how important his cult would soon become to TalQamar, but it would still be a catastrophe if the Great Houses turned against him and his cult. He was under no illusions that they wouldnt hesitate to wipe him out once he outlived his usefulness.

On the other hand, Zareth was beginning to reach the conclusion that living under the thumb of the Great Houses was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. They were too powerful for his cult to overcome, and it was a stark limit to how much they could grow before being seen as a threat. Having his own territory where he could put some distance between him and them was a tantalizing opportunity, not to mention the benefit of being able to choose [Atavistic Apostle] while still having a path toward Skills that would empower his followers.

The uncomfortably coincidental synergy between [Atavistic Apostle] and the ambitions of his potential new allies did not escape Zareths notice either.

I like you Rizok, but this is a lot of danger that youre asking me to willingly accept, Zareth said as he locked eyes with the lizardkin, only to receive a tired nod of understanding in return. Fortunately, Ive always known that great benefits come with great risks. So long as youre willing to actively promote my cult among your people, Im willing to work with you. How exactly do we start?

He saw the tension ease from Rizoks posture, a tentative hope replacing the weariness in his eyes. Zareth had chosen this mostly because he believed it was the right course of action, but he was glad to see the closest thing that he had to a friend lose that defeated look.

Even if this turned out to be the wrong decision he somehow felt like he wouldnt regret making it.

Well, theres something that I should mention. Theres a specific piece of land that the Tessik want you to claim which we believe is closely tied to our history, and youll need to earn a lot of recognition for wartime contributions to do so, said Rizok, his voice suddenly much more animated than it was before as he leaned forward. I imagine that youve already made plans to do so, but there are ways that we can help.

Zareth nodded and listened. Hed had a vague idea about claiming the land around the ruins of Meldoraths temple, but it was no great loss if he didnt. It would take the Adventurers Guild years to finish clearing out all the Flesh Golems, and there were no other resources anywhere near it besides System Spawn and sand elementals.

Having assistance to outcompete the rest of the Hierophant Council in war contributions would also be a big help.

The two of them spent the next few hours scheming together, united in a common purpose in a way that they hadnt been before. While Zareth had never treated Rizok poorly, hed always kept in mind that the lizardkin was keeping secrets and kept him at an arm's length as a result. Now that everything was out in the open, he could see himself one day actually growing to genuinely trust Rizok.

Eventually.

It would be nice to have an actual friend again, Zareth thought as the atmosphere between them grew warmer, before a mischievous idea crossed his mind. Especially if it means that I can tease Rizok about his strange taste in women.

When the sun began to set and the two of them were ready to return to the spire, Zareth was confident enough in the path ahead that he made a decision hed been dwelling on for a while.

[Cultist] has evolved to [Atavistic Apostle]!