The council's favorable treatment thus far was both a pleasant and unpleasant experience for Sorin. Pleasant because of the benefits involved, but unpleasant because he knew they had ulterior motives and were simply doing what they had to stifle his development.
Judging by the reactions of all those present and their karmic relationships, Sorin had no trouble figuring out who was for or against him—with Elder Adrian being the only curious exception. He, therefore, knew that there was no way the council was the one who'd decided to ensure he got what he deserved.
The only other person who could push such a motion was the Grand Elder of the Kepler Clan. As the clan's only guardian demigod, his word was law and even transcended the Clan Leader. In Delphi you were shielding me, and now you're enforcing fairness. What exactly is your game?
By now, Sorin had all but confirmed that Clan Leader Reeves bore extreme ill will towards Sorin despite all his kind words and insistence on properly rewarding him for his services. Ironically, this ran opposite the Chief Punishment Elder of his own branch, Chief Elder Ignis. Though the Chief Punishment Elder was not favorably disposed towards Sorin, he wasn't opposed to him either. This was consistent with his parents' evaluation of Chief Elder Ignis as the fairest individual in the Kepler Clan.
"As you are likely already aware, Sorin, God Seeds are the strategic assets of humanity," said Clan Leader Reeves. If the Pandoran Council requires it, you will need to accept dangerous and important assignments. These assignments will not be optional, but they are rare, and no missions are currently outstanding.
"Aside from these priority assignments, I'm really not sure what to say. Generally, physicians and apothecaries in our clan treat patients and concoct poisons for the family in exchange for merit points and major credits where deserved. These merit points and credits can be exchanged for techniques, materials, and direct financial compensation.
"Since you are both a three-star apothecary and a three-star physician, a treatment office has been reserved for you in the Kepler Grand Hospital. You may treat patients there and pursue your practice as you see fit. A three-star poison-rated laboratory has also been provided for your use.
"Though the clan provides both the treatment office and laboratory, you will need to contribute to any upgrades you wish to purchase. You will also need to purchase any additional expenses or supplies beyond basic expenses and supplies.
"At the end of the day, however, I cannot assign you to anything specific. You are a God Seed and may do as you wish. That said, past God Seeds have done well for themselves developing new and advanced poisons, discovering new herb strains, and developing techniques." Techniques were skills that that could be trained and didn't take up any of the skill slots associated with a specific cultivation art.
"You may do anything you wish as long as it is consistent with the clan rules. You may recruit anyone to work with you as long as they are agreeable to it."
Sorin took a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking. "My divine mission cannot be shared, but what I can say is that it requires high-level materials to accomplish."
"Rare materials shall be provided in exchange for exceptional contributions," said Clan Leader Reeves, making it clear that there would be no exceptions to this rule. Just know that whatever you choose to do, the clan will stand behind you. Though we do have our internal struggles, I like to think that we are a united and fair clan. Those who contribute to the clan are rewarded. Those who do not go without."
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Sorin smiled and clasped his fists towards the Clan Leader as a show of respect. "I thank the Clan Leader for the laboratory and the office and look forward to improving in both professions. I also plan on entering the Infinite Dungeon shortly. Does the Clan Leader have any opinion about this?"
"My opinion is that you should refrain from doing so, as your safety cannot be guaranteed," answered Clan Leader Reeves. "That said, it is not my place to prohibit you from doing anything. Expeditions to the Infinite Dungeon are typically cooperative; that being said, Ratten Hyde's recent actions lead me to believe that another round of chaos is on the agenda. I cannot stop you from exploring the dungeon, but I will not risk any clan members encouraging foolishness."
"I understand," said Sorin. "I have no more questions."
"In that case, this Council Meeting is adjourned," said Clan Leader Reeves. "I look forward to working with you, Sorin Abberjay Kepler."
"And I with you, Reeves Mockingjay Kepler," answered Sorin. This entire interaction makes me feel dirty. I need a bath, or better yet, a full day deep cleanse.
Clan Leader Reeves gave Sorin one last look before extinguishing his green lamp. Those from the Mockingjay branch followed suit, followed quickly by the Lucian branch, and finally, the Defensor, Rosair, and Sovinger branches. A handful of Abberjay branch elders lingered for a few moments, but in the end, they chose not to interact with Sorin and left. Only Chief Elder Adrian and Chief Elder Marik remained to speak with Sorin.
"Do let me know if you need anything," said Chief Elder Adrian. Though I am in charge of logistics and will follow the clan's rules to the letter, there are some gray areas I don't mind taking advantage of. I also want to remind you that the clan's rules are not Olympia's rules. What may not be permissible in Olympia may be permissible by the Clan." He gave Sorin a wink before snuffing out his light.
"Don't worry about your safety when I'm around, boy," said Elder Marik. "Just let me know if you need help. Do remember that this is Olympia, not Delphi. That matter I entrusted you with… you're not strong enough. It can wait." Like Elder Adrian, he snuffed his lamp out, plunging the entire room into darkness.
Only it wasn't completely dark. A single speck of light could be seen peeking through the spherical window on the council chamber ceiling. It wasn't a physical light but a sensation from the Ten Thousand Poison Canon. Someone was still present, someone who'd been present the whole time.
"Grand Elder," Sorin greeted with a bow. He blinked and discovered that he was no longer inside Viper Manor. A single act on the Grand Elder's part had brought him up to the rooftop.
"How do you feel about a walk, Sorin?" asked Grand Elder Kepler. It wasn't a question but a command. A cloud of life mana formed a road leading towards the mountain slope and the gate leading to the Inner City.
Sorin had no choice but to follow, not just because of the power difference but because he needed to know what those two blood-red threads connecting them meant. I couldn't see them before without Azrakul's help, but now, my level of assimilation is sufficient.
Only one question remained: were they real, or were they fake? An important element of his corruption was Madness, and Sorin wasn't so foolish as to take Azrakul's words at face value.
With the Grand Elder's help, they reached the Inner City's gate quickly. To Sorin's surprise, the Grand Elder didn't lead him through the gate but instead led him up and past it to the mountain that towered over the capital of humanity.
Lightning flashed in a threatening manner, but the Grand Elder waved his sleeve. The clouds retreated, revealing an unpolluted starry sky that expanded into infinity.
They continued their ascent and soon passed the mountain's broken peak. Not a trace remained of what might once have been there, and the same was true for the gaping hole on the north side of the mountain, where half the mountain had simply vanished along with a large chunk of land.
The Pandoran Continent shrank until it resembled a small speck of land in the distance. Other specks of land could barely be seen in the distance, adrift in a large debris field.