5.18 - Clearing The Way

5.18 - Clearing The Way

Ripples of pure white light washed over the bridge outside of Gronro. Theo worked with his companions to drive Balkors influence back, sending the befouling necromantic magic retreating into the mountains. The alchemist reserved half a barrel of [Greater Hallow the Soil] for the southern section of town, but intended to scrub as much of the northern section clean as possible. Destroying the source was more important than addressing the residual energy.

Theo stepped over the bridge, approaching a pile of skeletal remains cautiously. The pile of bones seethed with more of the demon gods power, and the potion didnt affect it. I dont think these skeletons are dead.

Can skeletons die? Rowan grumbled, releasing a single arrow into the pile. It didnt move.

Grot approached the pile, then dug through it with abandon. We hit some skeletons with conventional means. The dwarf withdrew a skull with glowing green eyes from the pile. It chattered, emitting a low, whispering moan. Yeah. Its still alive.

Back in the pile, Theo commanded, watching as the dwarven duke complied.

Once the skull was back in the pile, Theo tossed a [Hallow Ground Bomb]. He watched with satisfaction as the pile of bones lit up with white flames. After a few minutes of burning, every undead within the heap was truly dead. The souls that were trapped within the skeletons were sent into the void, where they would find their way to their new homes. That might have been Balkors realm, or another god entirely. It was hard to say.

The group got back to work, clearing piles and curing the land. Theo pulled Sarisa aside as they worked. A thought had been lingering in his mind since they started their work that day. I have two ideas.

Here we go, Sarisa said, smiling.

The towns core is weak. I can ward it with my newest ward easily. That would create a safe bubble around the town.

And the second idea?

Theo splashed some [Greater Hallow the Soil] potion on the ground. He watched the wave of light wash over the ground. I can overlay my realm over the town. That was my first idea when we got here. Before I felt how weak the towns core was.

Sarisas amused expression shifted to concern. You can do that? Would that do anything?

It was worth experimenting with things like this. Theo planned on warding the town, rather than overlapping his realm here. But any avenue of power was worth pursuing, so it was important to consider it.

It would remove Balkors influence entirely. But Im not confident I could do the entire town.

Then go with the ward. No need to stir up a demon god.

Theo nodded, getting back to work. He let that reckless part of himself fall away, favoring something that would protect the town rather than bolster his own confidence. As he worked around the craggy area, he constructed a new ward in his mind. Combining both concepts of anti-undead essences, and magic repulsion, he could create a linked ward that did a bit of both. Thanks to his [Detect Adverse Magic] trigger, the spell was easy enough to craft.

The group finished their work, meeting back at the gates to observe the changed area. The haze of green that lingered in the air had been banished. When they breathed in the air, it felt crisp and pure. Of course, Grot withdrew a barrel of stale-smelling beer from his inventory. Theo politely had a mug, but refused another. The guards within the town poured out into the cleaned area, kicking off an impromptu celebration. Of course, the alchemist had more work to do.

Theo felt Alex flying overhead. She might have been confident that she could keep up, but that proved not to be the case. After hours of work in Gronro, she caught up. He could feel her exhaustion from the flight, and beckoned her to land.

I cannot fly fast, Alex spoke into Theos mind.

I can see that, Theo said, watching as the goose sagged on the spot. You can ride the train back home. Well leave as soon as I finish here.

Thank you.

Taking a seated position near the towns core, Theo got to work on his newest spell. Sarisa seemed interested, kneeling nearby and watching him work. The moment he pressed his willpower against the town, he felt it fall away. There was virtual no defense against his probing, which made sense. He wasnt casting a negative effect on the town. The spell he wove was two parts, requiring him to chug a few [Mana Potions] while he cast. First, he layered the concept of the [Deflect Magic] ward he had created before.

[Deflect Magic]

[Advanced Ward]

Creates a reactive barrier that impedes all foreign magical energy from entering the bubble.

Trigger:

Detect Adverse Magic

Duration:

5 days.

Theo linked another ward to that one, binding it together with his [Linked Wards] ability. The result was a ward that bound the effects of [Deflect Magic] and [Hallow Ground] together. He inspected the resulting ward after weaving them together.

[Deflect Necromantic Magic]

[Advanced Ward] [Linked Ward

Creates a reactive barrier that banishes all undead-aligned magic.

Glantheir cleared his throat. I dont like paladins. Therefore, Im not offering you a [Glantheir Paladins Core]. Im offering you a [Glantheir Clerics Core]. Is that agreeable?

I live to serve.

And serve you shall. Glantheir chuckled, punching Theo in the arm. Sulvans heart was so wrapped up in his service to the Eye, that he couldnt see how much the beast warped his heart. When the Eye hears about

A loud snapping sound came from behind Glantheir. Khahar appeared with a scowl on his face.

Sorry, Yuri, Glantheir said, wincing. Im just excited to see this mans redemption.

Sulvan took a knee once more.

Mortal, Khahar said, looking down at Sulvan with spite. If it was within my ability, I would strip you of your personal level. Reset you to Level 1 and watch you flounder through the ages.

I accept whatever punishment I deserve, Sulvan said, head still bowed.

Really? Khahar asked, surprised.

Yes, Arbiter.

Oh, my. This might get interesting, Khahar said, snapping his fingers.

Terogal warped around Sulvan. Space bent, but the ex-inquisitor remained motionless. Theo felt his intent through the realm, like an echo. He had spent his entire life serving the Burning Eye. But he wasnt a willing servant. The Eye had bent his will, filling his mind with whatever nonsense suited the dead god. Well, perhaps not a dead god, since Glantheir slipped up earlier. All that regret poured off him like an open faucet, flooded through his body and soaking into the surrounding air.

All 100 Levels you gained while in the Eye's service have been purged. A fact only possible by your willingness to serve Glantheir, Khahar said, looking down on Sulvan with an expressionless gaze. Rise, Cleric of Glantheir. Are you prepared to serve?

Theo watched in awe as Sulvan stood. He was smaller. Less broad in the shoulders, and shorter. A pair of gray eyes stared back at Khahar. Two complete eyes. The scars that tracked the mans face were gone entirely. Other signs of age had been purged, such as the lines at the corners of the mans eyes. A smile crept across his face.

You understand what I ask of my followers, right? Glantheir asked. Forgiveness. One day you may have to forgive even the Eye. Are you prepared to do so?

Ill do anything to atone, Sulvan said, locking eyes with Glantheir.

Theo felt his conviction in the air. The fire of the Eye had been replaced with another kind of warmth. Heat that spread from his chest. It was absolute and unwavering. A flash of light issued from Sulvans chest.

Now, lets play some poker, Khahar said, twirling his finger in the air. They all appeared outside of the cottage in an instant. Each one of them filed into the building, finding a seat at the table as the Arbiter produced his deck of cards.

Look at him, Benton said, gesturing to Sulvan. Reborn and all that.

Sulvan remained silent, finding his seat at the table. The bear god poured him a cup of tea, and scooted a berry scone across the table. The newly reborn Cleric accepted the food with humility, but he couldnt hide his constant smile. After playing poker for several hours, Khahar had to take his leave. Glantheir remained to chat with Benton for a while, but Theo pulled Sulvan aside. He teleported them to the ocean where Alex was still hunting for fish in the water.

Uharis will come around, Sulvan said, looking at his hands as though they werent his own. Do you know his surname?

Banetouched, right?

All followers of the Eye get new surnames, Sulvan said, removing his shoes. He approached the beach, digging his toes into the sand. Those with the Banetouched surname are the most fervent.

While that was interesting, there was only one question lingering in Theos mind. I need to ask, he said, laughing. Are there really people on Antalis?

There are, Sulvan said, nodding and smiling. An entire civilization living up there. Living their lives.

Do they have access to the system? To cores?

They do. But I have a question for you.

What is it?

Have you forgiven me? Truly?

Theo didnt have to think about that one. He had experienced the effects of a cores influence before. Even if Drogramaths intentions were good, the demon god had tried to manipulate him. Sulvan had at least 100 Levels in his Eye-aligned core. The alchemist couldnt imagine how devastating that would be for a persons personality. Over those 100 Levels, Sulvan would have become an entirely different person. The man standing before him was the true Sulvan.

I forgive you completely, Theo said, placing a hand on the clerics shoulder. Glantheir didnt say it, but Im pretty sure youre coming back with me. To Broken Tusk and the alliance. I trust you around my people, but

Ill sign a contract, Sulvan said. Already signed one with Glantheir, but Im happy to do it again.

Theo and Sulvan lingered near the ocean for the rest of their time in Terogal. While they spoke little, they shared a lot in their silence. When the time came, they found Sarisa and Rowan. The alchemist linked arms with Sulvan and Sarisa while Rowan held the goose. Tresk was standing guard on the walls in Broken Tusk, and the group fell through the void toward her.