The priest in front of them looked quite taken aback. It was natural. No one had expected such bold and perhaps to some extent audacious words to come from the mouth of some unknown strangers who had stepped into the very pious settlement. A few nearby followers even paused their prayers and turned their attention to the unusual group. If not for the combined chanting noise, everyone would most likely have heard Tina’s declaration thanks to the chamber’s acoustics.

Asterios readied himself to salvage the situation when Umbra’s voice echoed in his head.

~It might be better not to dismiss this situation completely,~ his familiar advised.

~How so?~ he asked.

~There is no doubt that the realm is in chaos right now. Some might believe the world is ending, like these people. Things might become difficult for us and everyone else,~ the Lord of Shadows explained. ~What my kin needs right now is someone who can guide them through this crisis. A bunch of unworthy individuals are definitely going to capitalize on this event while trying to rise in their ranks, caring not for our future, even if that won’t extend further than a day or two.~

Certainly, from what they had seen on their way to this facility, the first signs of disorder were already present in the minds of the natives. It wouldn’t be long before some small civil wars broke out amongst this realm’s denizens, nor for the others to form alliances and try to tackle the encroaching threat.

A threat many would find unfamiliar.

Most if not everyone from Umbra’s world was associated with darkness, either born straight from it or deeply touched by its element. The energy of the light that was the main driving force behind the sealing barrier and everything that operated the magical arrangement was an almost straight counter for such. Many would die trying to fight against the unidentified danger, and therefore, many would die meaningless deaths.

Sure, the majority of the beings living inside the locked dimension could be considered scary or threatening, but they weren’t all exactly evil. That hadn’t been Abyss’ purpose when she was creating this world. And even without her interference, it hadn’t fully devolved into pure madness. Otherwise, Umbra would have made use of the first chance to abuse the freedom he had gained through Asterios, slowly plotting to either free himself or follow some other nefarious goal.

~So, you want me to play along?~ Asterios pondered deeply as they continued their exchange in his mind.

~I understand that it might be asking for a lot. You already have multiple societies under your care and have saved a number of communities. I don’t want to increase your burden, Master, yet I can’t help but at the very least share my thoughts with you,~ Umbra replied. ~This is not a request, just so we are clear. I do wish for you to help this world and its people, even if just to solve our creator’s greatest regret. In my opinion, you have what is necessary to become our savior, but I shall not encumber your shoulders with this responsibility without your clear acceptance.~

Asterios considered his words for a bit longer before taking a deep breath. ~An entire dimension is a much bigger deal than some remote village or even a small city. But, I can at least try. The rest will be in the hands of your people. Or whatever else they might use to hold onto things.~

~That’s already more than I would insist on.~ His shadowy friend chuckled mirthfully. ~I shall continue to offer my aid no matter your choices, Master.~

Stepping forward as the leader of the spider-crab faction was quickly recollecting from the incredulity of Tina’s words, Asterios fixed his gaze on the tall being.

“My companion speaks true.” He placed a hand over his heart. “Ever since my arrival here, I have been going around and collecting the dangerous energy of the light. It is my intention to release the people imprisoned in this realm against their will, and now, as the malevolent force is attempting to fight back, protect everyone from its oppression.”

Nothing he said was technically a lie. He might have omitted the part where the current events were his fault, but that was a small and insignificant detail. His intentions remained the same as they had been during his first step into the restricted darkness of Umbra’s home.

The elder gaped at him. “That’s…”

“Preposterous?” Selene finished for the creature, raising a white brow. “If one outsider can be proclaimed the Destroyer, it’s not impossible for another to be deemed the Savior. As someone who hails from the former’s realm, I can confidently say that it does not compare to how developed our master’s homeworld is. This might be the universe’s way of arranging things to make it right for you.”

As usual, the cunning and wise fox lady knew exactly what to say in such situations. Being a spiritual leader with decades of experience, she was able to address the zealots’ way of thinking and utilize it to appeal to their strong faith. Mentioning that she came from the realm of gods if they considered the Destroyer as one, pointing out that Ast’s birthplace was on another level certainly had an effect on their conversation partner and a bunch of eavesdroppers.

“But, I can’t succeed alone,” Asterios added, pushing the narrative forward. “Your home is falling into disorder. There are more like you who have resigned themselves to their fate. This Spirit I can take care of, but there’s only one of me. After I consume all of its energy, I will need your help to spread the word and calm the masses.”

Selene shot him a proud smirk, at which he smiled warmly. He might not be able to hold a candle to her with his ability to address the people, but there was a lot he had learned from her during their time together, either directly or not. It was a skill he needed to develop further considering the things that were to come.

“How can you achieve such a grand feat when you look…” The chief seemed uncertain but didn’t turn hostile or angry, which was a good sign.

“Because in my darkness it will all end…” Asterios spread his arms to the side.

Calling for his onyx Heart, he took a dive into its powerful energy. Immediately, black smoke began seeping out of his body and fell to the ground like an ominous curtain. It spread over the ground, evoking a few surprised gasps from the increasing number of onlookers. His shadows swirled like thick mist while greedily consuming the light present in the sizable hall.

“I’m confident in my capabilities, but if you are willing to let me free you from this prophecy, I need everyone to step out of these sacred grounds,” he demanded. “There is no doubt it will resist. From what I can see, you have already experienced its merciless technique. You don’t need to lose more people to this vile creation.”

“We have to interrupt our prayers?” the main priest inquired fearfully.

“You may continue them from the corridor behind us if you still wish to keep pleading with the Destroyer to spare you. I won’t blame you for not putting faith in me as this is the first time we met each other,” Asterios answered kindly. “But, for your own safety, this place must become vacant.”

“Are you really going to beg the one who intends to not just bring ruin to your lives but even take them all on a whim rather than someone who will be putting their life on the line to protect you?” Silvia joined in, her expression set firm and stern. “What kind of madness ails you to worship your mortal nemesis?”

The girls nodded at her words, all staring at the creature in charge. It was visibly reconsidering its approach, its head swiveling between the bright sphere and the savior. At this point, more and more of its kin interrupted their prayers, and soon they might all stop those completely if their leader didn’t come to a decision, making the being’s worries come true regardless.

Taking one of the two available stances, the head priest turned to its people and raised its arms high.

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“Everyone, gather on the Divine Path and continue praying. Show the Destroyer’s Spirit proper respect as you move back.” Then, as the tall spider-crabs saw to those orders right away, it looked back to the Asterios. “If you truly manage to best the Destroyer’s Spirit, my people shall become your missionaries. We have long prayed for a savior. It will be our honor to aid the great liberator in the world’s true salvation.”

It wasn’t necessary to mention what would happen if he failed as the result of such was certain death by a rather intense sunburn.

With a deep bow, the chief began retreating alongside its follower. It took a few good minutes before the hall was empty, all the spider-crabs crammed into the tunnel leading into the chamber, with their main priest at the very front. That should be enough to keep them safe from any potential blasts, and even if not, Umbra and Abyss would step in when necessary.

“I guess we are really doing it.” Miria giggled joyfully. “It’s time to become the Messiah, Master!”

“That one is definitely not sticking.” Asterios glared at her playfully. “But, for them to actually believe in everything we said, I don’t think sitting down in front of the cluster and slowly absorbing it will be powerful enough.”

“You are right. It might need to be a bit flashier than that,” Althea agreed.

“What are you going to do, then?” Tina arrived at his side, entwining their arms together.

He brought their hands up, his still leaking darkness. “I guess I’m going to test something out. One way to gain their trust might be showing them that this light can be overcome.”

~It might work,~ Umbra said after reading his intentions. ~But it might not bring you the same benefits as the approach you were going with so far.~

“There are many more clusters hidden in this world. Sacrificing one to stabilize the realm a bit is worth the price. Plus, it can count as practice.” Asterios leaned in to place a tiny kiss on Tina’s cheek. “Now, please join our new friends. I’ll handle this alone.”

She searched his eyes for a moment but ultimately responded with a faint nod, standing on her tiptoes to properly press her soft lips against his. Receiving the cordial good luck charm, he smirked lovingly, adoring the slight blush on his girlfriend’s noble cheeks. Their friends had certainly seen it, but there was no rule saying that apostles couldn’t be very devoted to their messiah, right?

While the ladies jogged to the entrance, he focused his mind on the task ahead, hoping he wasn’t mistaken and overconfident after gaining a little bit of power thanks to the guidance of his incredible mates. Especially his mentor and woodland lover.

Walking closer to the floating orb, he let more darkness spread all over the floor. With each step, another splotch of black mist rolled to the sides, covering the white ground completely. The more he synchronized himself with his second lineage, the more the menacing fog covered his figure. Soon, all of his skin was concealed by a dark layer, with only the shape of his eyes remaining recognizable, emitting a silvery glow just like in his draconic form while enveloped by shadows.

Crossing the safe threshold, he triggered the cluster’s defenses.

Asterios was ready for the invasive screeching and oppressive wave of piercing light. He didn’t have to move a hand as the shadows he had discharged rose from the ground and formed a tall wall by his sole will. The dangerous glow shot past its edges but he was kept safe in the middle. A few bright spots appeared on the shadowy weave, making him a little concerned. Thankfully, it mended itself quickly and continued to absorb the fake sun energy without a problem.

Unfortunately, while being able to block the assault could be considered a great achievement on its own, it didn’t solve the issue. He secured a way to safely sap the sphere, but that required him to sit down and meditate just like before. Which wasn’t spectacular even a bit.

Throwing his hands to the front, Asterios pushed his authority a step further. Every single bit of darkness in his vicinity bent towards him like thin metal exposed to a mighty magnetic force and rushed to follow his command. Everyone watched as the golden globe became encapsulated by onyx energy, turning the chamber almost completely black. Only a few strained stains surfaced on the sinister veil.

The light was subjugated.

But not consumed.

The former was of great importance, however. With the whole room becoming dark, shadows were plenty. Ast’s power jumped by a few levels as he ordered his energy to further fuse with the natural darkness, and as his palms smacked together before him, long serpents of onyx mist dove into the shield he had put around the orb. The capsule thickened and deepened with each second, increasing in size, expanding.

Until it became so big its edge was in arm’s reach for Asterios.

Resting his hand on the swirling ball of darkness, he issued the final command. “Consume.”

A blast of spiritual aura hit the spectators as the black globe spun along with the shadowy tendrils. No more light peeked out of the dark barrier, which now began shrinking into itself. Ast’s fingers gradually curled into his palm as it slowly became smaller and smaller. Everyone knew something had changed when it passed the size of the cluster they remembered seeing just moments ago.

When the grim ball neared the dimensions of a wagon’s wheel, Asterios covered the remaining gap with a snap and his fingers clenched into a fist.

Another explosion of energy surged outwards, this time continuous. The light was definitely fighting back, but not for long. Less than ten seconds later, the capsule reduced its size to an extent below what anyone’s eyes could perceive and disappeared with a light pop, silencing the strong winds and any noise. The chamber was enveloped in total darkness with no Destroyer’s Spirit in sight.

As he turned towards the entrance, the girls greeted him with impressed and adoring smiles or grins. The spider-crab people couldn’t appear more shocked but also revering. They had all followed their chief’s orders, but it was obvious not that many truly believed some outsider would succeed at taking down a god’s soul. In their eyes, at least.

“See? Now do you believe?” Tina snorted cutely at their expressions.

“We believe…” the leader answered breathlessly.

“We believe!” the others shouted in unison.

They all lowered their multi-legged lower halves as far as they could and bowed their torsos to the very ground. Tina blinked a few times, not expecting such a quick and strong reaction.

“We shall become the messengers of the Messiah!” The main priest rose and directed its face to the ceiling. “The world shall know salvation is approaching! The Great Pilgrimage begins!”

In a flash, its kin stood up and they began another worshiping chant as they filed out of the underground facility, undoubtedly going to travel the realm to spread the word. No one in Ast’s party had caught the exact number of the tribe’s members, but they felt like it was fairly impressive. The level of their success couldn’t be easily determined so it made everyone curious how far this initiative would go.

~This is interesting…~ Tia’s voice echoed in their minds and the ladies returned their gazes to their beloved master and mate, who still stood in the middle of the chamber. ~An outcome I did not expect…~

They felt confused because it was hard to tell what those comments were about, but Asterios did notice something. Still enshrouded in seeping darkness, he pulled his legs up and started levitating in the same place, assuming the same position he had been in multiple times alone or with his partners. Closing his eyes, he let himself relax and drift into the depths of his soul.

※ ※ ※

Opening his eyes once more, Asterios found himself on the pleasant lawn making up the comfy carpet in Tia’s tree tower. His host was nowhere to be found, which was rare. The beautiful Dryad loved to entice him with her charming appearance, especially after they fully became one. Yet, she wasn’t there to greet him.

He could feel her presence, though, so he walked towards the exit. A moment later, he was outside, back inside this mysterious space housing his lineages.

And a few other things.

Tia stood a distance away from the Tree and gazed into the sky. She spotted Ast’s arrival and offered him an excited smile. He approached his timber-skinned lover, gently sliding his arm around her shapely waist, and followed her eyes.

There was a new thing.

“You totally didn’t have to, Master.” Tia giggled sweetly. “But I appreciate the gesture.”

Asterios shook his head with a faint smirk at her teases. A miniature sun hung over the monumental crown of leaves, bathing them in faint light and spreading some of its shine over the nearby area. It was the cluster he had consumed. Somehow, it had ended up inside him instead.

“This isn’t going to become a problem, is it?” He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“I don’t think so, Master.” She shook his head. “If so, you might still be able to absorb it like the other ones. It should be easier now that it’s inside you. Although, I would like to keep one if you would grant me this selfish desire.”

Placing his palm on her smooth cheek, he brought her face to his and placed a chaste peck on her plump lips. “I will make these skies clear if that’s what you wish for, no matter what I have to do to achieve that. A small sun to warm up your skin is nothing.”

She grinned fondly and kissed him back. “One day, I will bathe under a real sun, so don’t hesitate to take this one away and grow stronger, Master. Your love already warms my skin up more than I would dare to admit.”

He snickered at her obvious double meaning. Watching as she passionately nibbled on her lip, he looked up at the newest change to the Ancestral Plane. At the current pace, it might soon start running out of space if more phenomena continued to manifest inside his soul. He knew this wasn’t exactly a normal occurrence, but he felt like even a True Dragon might not be able to provide a solid explanation for what was happening.

Perhaps the two bloodlines he had inherited somehow broke him and it extended to this place?

So far, it seemed like the questions would never end, no matter how many answers they gathered.

And the current one swirling in his head was, what to do with this surprising development?