Mercy says "That's insane!"

Zamart says "I agree with Mercy. This is too much for you to handle alone."

Alexa says "If we can't invade the city, can't we draw them out and kill them?"

"That is what I plan to do. I won't face all of them at once, but I can kill large groups fairly easily."

Alexa says "Won't they just summon more?"

"Not without bodies for them to inhabit. Which is why your people can't handle this."

Mercy says "Just because the regular troops can't help doesn't mean you need to do it alone!"

Alexa says "True, what about the heroes?"

"They might be able to help out a little."

Mercy says "Then what about your beastmen?"

"They could probably help some, but they would be of more use on the border. Who wouldn't think twice when they see an army of beastmen?"

Alexa says "That is certainly true!"

Zamart says "Avoiding a battle with the empire would be preferable."

Mercy sighs and says "Alright, fine."

"Speaking of the beastmen, I should probably talk to them."

Alexa says "I will have them gather in the morning and you can talk to them before they march."

"Alright, thanks."

Mercy says "Are you really going to try something so stupid? Do I need to send word to Illium to stop you?"

"Yes, I am. Sending word to Illium would do you no good. This needs to be done, and I am the best one to do it."

Mercy says "I cannot just sit back and let you commit suicide!"

"It isn't suicide. Trust me, I know what I am doing. This isn't my first time facing an army alone. I have gotten stronger than you can understand."

Mercy yells "You're an idiot!" and storms off.

Alexa says "I will talk to her and try to calm her down."

Zamart waits until they have left and says "Come with me."

Following Zamart we leave the main tent and walk across the camp to Zamart's tent. When I step inside I see that it is just as messy as I remember. What is different is there is someone waiting for us inside, a young woman.

Zamart says "Ash, this is Kara. She worked as a maid in the palace."

"Hello, Kara. Mind if I ask you some questions?"

Kara says "Ask anything you want, Lord."

"First off, I am going to describe five women, I hope you can tell me their names."

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Kara says "Yes, Lord."

So, I sit down and carefully describe the faces of the five women I found in the pit. It isn't hard, the memory of them still haunts me. Kara is able to name all of them after a brief description.

"Thank you. Now for the second part, I am guessing you know what happened to those women?"

Kara says "Yes, Lord."

"Alright, I want the names of every noble who did those things."

Kara says "Why, Lord?"

"Because, I am going to track them down and kill them!"

As soon as she hears that Kara starts naming names, and seems happy to do so. I would guess that as a maid she was also targeted and abused. She lists off a dozen names without hesitation, she doesn't even need to think about it.

"Thank you, Kara. I promise, they are going to get what they deserve!"

Kara cries and says "No, thank you! I can't believe someone cares!"

Leaving Zamart to handle the crying girl, I go looking for Mercy to inform her. Before I can find her, I come across the camp of Justin's party, so I stop. May as well deal with this before I forget again, so I walk into the camp and sit down.

Justin says "Welcome, Ash. What's up?"

"Time for you and Rachel to meet some new friends."

Rachel says "Yes! What do we need to do?"

"Just come sit down next to me, in a second I will invite you into my soulscape."

Closing my eyes as they sit down I enter my meditation room and from there create a soulscape. Unlike my usual setting I decide to create a cafe, where we can sit and talk comfortably. Once that is done I invite Justin and Rachel to join me, but I get a surprise.

"Koko? How did you get in here?!"

Koko says "Ninja!"

"You snuck into a soulscape? How is that even possible?"

Justin laughs and says "We have learned that Koko can do just about anything she sets her mind to!"

Rachel says "Just give up, she never tells us how she does things."

When I ask again how she got in, the only answer she gives is to point at Justin. From that I am guessing she somehow hitched a ride with him without him knowing. I will have to ask the goddesses later about how to increase the security of my soulscape.

"Krenocia, Seronia, I invite you to my soulscape!"

Krenocia says "Did something already happen with the city?"

Seronia says "What city? What have you gotten into now, Ash?"

First I make introductions all around, then I fill Seronia and heroes in on what I found inside the city. The fact that there is no one left to save hits the heroes pretty hard. Then I tell them my plan for handling the city alone.

Seronia says "Ash, stop being stupid!"

Krenocia says "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Justin says "Just how strong do you think you are?!"

Rachel says "Typical man, trying to do everything yourself!"

Koko says "Idiot."

"Oh, come on! It's not like I plan to scream 'Leeroy Jenkins' and just charge into the city! I will deal with them a few at a time and slowly wear down the numbers."

Justin, Rachel, and Koko have a good laugh, but the goddesses look confused. To distract everyone from my plan I take a minute to explain the joke to the goddesses. Then before anyone can bring up my plan I explain to the goddesses the problem that Justin and Rachel are having.

Krenocia says "Well, I can't guarantee that following us will help with your problem. We are not tied directly to the summoning of heroes, but I can say that we are willing to help."

Seronia says "You are all welcome to become followers of one or both of us. The choice is yours and should be based on your personal preferences."

To help out I give Justin and Rachel a quick rundown of the two goddesses and their areas of influence. As soon as I am done Koko jumps to her feet and starts whispering into Krenocia's ear. The smile on Krenocia's face is a little worrisome and after a minute she nods.

Koko says "Deal?"

Krenocia says "Deal! I like you! It helps that you are adorable!"

Justin says "Mind if I ask what kind of deal you are talking about?"

Koko says "Secret!"

Krenocia says "I'm sorry, but that is between Koko and myself."

Rachel says "Is it possible for me to become a cleric of both of you?"

Seronia says "Absolutely! We are twins, we have no problems sharing!"

"Don't look at me when you say that! You will give them the wrong idea!"

Krenocia says "Oh, is it a secret that we have offered to become your wives?"

Koko says "Wow!!"

Justin says "Um, getting back on topic, no offense, Krenocia, but I think Seronia is more suited to me."

Krenocia says "None taken!"

Seronia says "That works perfectly then! One for each of us and one to share!"