"Sergeant 5," Jared called out, his voice commanding attention. The large man strode into the throne room, saluting with precision. Jared continued, "I need you to gather four individuals for me: Officer 9, Sergeant 3, and Soldiers 120 and 452."

"Understood, my Emperor!" Sergeant 5 saluted dutifully. "May I inquire about the purpose of their gathering?"

Jared's smirk widened. "Let's just say I have a special promotion in mind for them, a brand new position."

***

Officer 9, known as Christine Macnamera, possessed striking features with her short silvery hair and deep green eyes. Although others often described her smile as illuminating, today her expression remained solemn. Christine had joined the faction driven by her affection for Jared, but she understood that their differing ranks made it unlikely for him to reciprocate her feelings. Consequently, she approached every interaction with Jared with utmost seriousness, rarely revealing her true emotions.

Sergeant 3, on the other hand, displayed an intriguing comfort around Jared. Loid Lincoln, one of the four survivors from the military base alongside Jared, sported messy blond hair and light brown eyes that mirrored his laid-back personality. As for the two soldiers with lower ranks, their significance in this context remained minimal.

As they entered the throne room, all individuals bowed before Jared, their respect evident. Jared's smile radiated as he gracefully approached the two soldiers with lower ranks. Requesting everyone to stand, they complied without hesitation.

"Soldier 120 and Soldier 452," Jared's voice resonated, his words dripping with significance, "Are you prepared to go to any lengths to advance this faction?" He emphasized the word "any."

Fear gripped the two soldiers, fully aware of Jared's ruthless nature, leaving them uncertain about the implications of agreeing to anything. However, the memory of Jared's recent warning loomed over them—the consequences of dissent were deadly. Eventually, their voices trembled as they cautiously replied, "Yes."

"Excellent," Jared's smile widened as he retrieved a knife from his pocket. "Soldier 120, from this moment forward, you shall be known as Sacrifice 1." With swift precision, he plunged the knife into the man's chest, causing him to collapse instantly. "Quetzalcoatl, in our pursuit to expand the powers of the Aztec pantheon, I humbly offer this sacrifice." Jared gestured toward Christine and Loid. "As your devoted servant, I request that you choose one of them as your incarnation. Surely, one will meet your preferences."

After a brief pause, Loid's face lit up with excitement. "Yo, this is awesome! I've been looking for a sponsor!"

Jared's smile widened further. "I'm delighted to hear that." He then turned his attention to the remaining soldier, who was desperately attempting to retreat from the throne room. Swift as a predator, Jared closed the distance, holding the knife against the soldier's throat. "Henceforth, you shall be known as Sacrifice 2." The soldier crumpled to the floor, and Jared paid no mind to retrieve the knife. "Xolotl, in our endeavor to expand the powers of the Aztec pantheon, I humbly present this sacrifice." He gestured toward Christine. "As your devoted servant, I request that you accept Christine as your incarnation."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Christine could feel her anticipation building, seeing this as her opportunity to get closer to Jared. If only Xolotl would grant her request. What would her new role entail? How intimate could she become with Jared? Suddenly, a notification flashed on her screen: If Christine had a tail, it would be wagging vigorously. Without hesitation, she eagerly tapped the "yes" button on her screen and then looked up at Jared.

"I have accepted the sponsorship," she announced, her composure unwavering.

Jared's smile widened. "Excellent. Both of you now hold a new rank I've just established. You are now part of the Council."

Christine nodded, her excitement bubbling over. "Emperor Jared, what shall be my designation?"

"In private, you may simply call me Jared. I will do the same for you," he replied, placing a hand on Christine's shoulder. "The Council position ranks just below mine, and you won't be assigned numbers. Henceforth, you shall be known as Council Christine, alongside Council Loid."

Christine's joy was obvious, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. Jared had spoken her name, and the fact that he was touching her sent waves of elation through her. She silently promised herself to never wash the shirt she was wearing, wanting to preserve the connection she felt at that moment.

As the thrill of her new role settled within her, Christine couldn't help but steal glances at Jared, who seemed unaffected by the intimate touch they had shared. Deep down, she knew that his affectionate gesture might be purely ceremonial, a means to strengthen their newly formed bond as Council members.

Jared's attention shifted to the remaining individuals in the room. "Council Christine, Council Loid, your first task will be to oversee the expansion of our faction's territories," he declared, his voice resonating with authority. "We must secure resources and strategic locations to strengthen our position in this realm."

Council Loid nodded, his excitement matching Christine's. "You got it, Emperor...I mean, Jared," he corrected himself with a grin. "We'll scout out the best opportunities and report back to you."

"Excellent," Jared replied, his gaze fixed on the map spread out before them. "Take any necessary measures to achieve our goals, Council members. Remember, the Aztec pantheon has bestowed their blessings upon us, and we shall honor them with our unwavering dedication."

Christine's heart swelled with determination. She had always been a loyal and disciplined soldier, but now, as Council Christine, she had the chance to prove her worth in ways she had never imagined. With her newfound position, she could influence decisions, protect the faction, and be closer to Jared.

As the meeting came to a close, Council Christine and Council Loid left the throne room, their minds buzzing with plans and strategies. Christine couldn't contain her excitement, but she also couldn't ignore the apprehension creeping at the edges of her thoughts. She had pledged her allegiance to the Aztec pantheon, embracing the new powers bestowed upon her. However, she wondered what sacrifices lay ahead in her journey to fulfill the faction's ambitions.