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Saga of Ebonheim [Progression, GameLit, Technofantasy]
Chapter 172: Monsters Without, Tricksters Within

Chapter 172: Monsters Without, Tricksters Within

They arrived at the region of the Eldergrove where the plan was to lay the foundations of their settlement, a few days later. At that time, no other monster had come to attack the group, nor was there any hint that any creature was following their path through the wilderness. Gareth couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief every time he looked over their surroundings. Without Xellos' help...they wouldn't have survived their journey.

Finally, they'd set foot on the site where they'd work to found their new town. Many hugs and celebrations were exchanged. But most eyes were focused on the slender figure garbed in tattered black robes sitting alone in the distance. Xellos, the wandering deity who had saved them from certain death mere days ago.

"Now, everyone," Gareth spoke to the gathered settlers. "This...is where our town will begin. Get to work. Those who know how to build, start by creating shelters. Gather materials for a proper campsite. Find fresh water and dig a well. The rest of you can gather food and prepare firepits for cooking. Make sure you get enough rest too. Tomorrow morning we'll divide up into shifts."

He surveyed the valley ahead. It was mostly flat, dotted here and there with trees and rocks. In the center lay a stream which emptied into a small lake. A large hill covered in thick underbrush stood on the other side of the stream.

Some distance beyond that rose a rocky outcropping reaching higher than any mountain peaks within view. Its sheer cliffs shimmered blue-green in the sunlight. Tall pine forests grew around the base of the slope below, stretching away across the plain before them. All around them lay open space; enough for fields and gardens if they chose to cultivate crops here.

While the settlers got to work, Gareth went over to the god's side, where he found Xellos staring into the distance. Gareth stopped next to him, standing silently for several minutes without saying anything. Then he cleared his throat loudly and spoke up. "Thank you again for protecting us. We wouldn't have made it without your help."

A faint smile crossed Xellos' face as he glanced at the mercenary. "Think nothing of it," he replied softly. "My power pales in comparison to those belonging to greater gods. Yet still, I desire to utilize my divine might to aid mortals whenever possible. As I've said, I'm seeking servitude... I am without worshippers, Gareth. I have no divine domain. No place to belong. No prayers to grant me sustenance. If I don't find a suitable place soon, I'm afraid I may fade."

Gareth considered this for a moment. "Fade? Aren't you...immortal?" he asked finally.

Xellos nodded. "Indeed. But even immortals need sustenance to survive. Mortal prayers act as a form of energy to us. Without such energy, we eventually cease to exist entirely. Only those mortals who worship us can grant us their prayers and allow us to continue existing. It is rare for a god to die...but in these lands, where faith has diminished considerably in recent times, many lesser gods like myself must take great pains to avoid fading."

He turned to Gareth. "You know the goddess Ebonheim? The one who resides in the Eldergrove?"

"Yes," Gareth said. "I've heard about her from merchants and travelers who pass through here occasionally. Though I don't know much about her myself aside from the fact she seems benevolent and protective of her followers. That's more than most gods out there."

Xellos nodded. "She is benevolent indeed. And she granted me shelter when I had nowhere else to turn. I owe her my life. However...I do not want to impose. So I've set out to find my own place, a place to belong, a place to claim as my own divine domain."

"I see," Gareth said after a moment. "Forgive me if I'm overstepping my bounds here, but...I believe that if you're seeking servitude, perhaps we can work something out. The settlers and I have chosen not to worship any particular god yet. But given everything you've done for us thus far...it'd seem only fair to reciprocate."

Xellos' eyes widened slightly at this. "What do you propose?"

Gareth continued carefully. "The settlement we're going to build here could become your domain, your place to belong, and the settlers your worshippers. In return, you protect and guide the settlement. Our devotion and prayers will sustain you. What do you think?"

A slow smile appeared on Xellos' face, revealing sharp incisors. "Such an offer is unexpected...and quite generous. But I will not impose on your plans if this isn't something your people want. However...if you're willing to allow me into their lives, perhaps I could remain within their midst and serve them as well. A partnership."

Gareth held out his hand again. Xellos took hold of it firmly and shook his hand in turn. The familiar tingling sensation lingered on Gareth's skin long after their fingers parted. This time, however, Gareth didn't pull away immediately upon contact. Something about this made him feel even safer than before. Almost as if a bond had formed between them. A bond of trust.

Almost like a covenant.

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The construction of the initial settlement took around a month of back-breaking labor and was still far from done. Most people were housed in tents or makeshift huts. Xellos remained true to his word and helped defend the settlers from wandering beasts while the builders focused their efforts on the construction of rudimentary walls and dwellings.

They lacked a proper well, relying solely on a few streams and natural ponds to draw fresh water. Their livestock consisted primarily of sheep and goats they'd brought along. Fields hadn't yet been cleared for farming. Instead, several hunters and gatherers kept busy providing meat and edible plants for the entire group.

But progress moved forward. Even amidst hardships and difficulties. Many hands working diligently ensured steady advancement. Bit by bit, their little encampment became more livable. Less susceptible to attack or exposure to the elements. Day by day, the foundations for the future town were laid.

Gareth supervised construction alongside a handful of skilled craftsmen who volunteered their time and talents. He kept his eyes peeled for potential dangers during the day and at night, taking shifts with the rangers and guardsmen. Every now and then, he'd join the others on hunting expeditions or venture out alone to survey the area.

Not once did he ever see any signs of monsters approaching their settlement. Only Xellos seemed to be aware of his movements while out scouting and hunting. Perhaps the god's aura helped deter enemies from their position? Either way...that gave him peace of mind at least. He had plenty else to worry about beyond monster attacks anyway.

All throughout this period, Gareth frequently consulted with Xellos. From these conversations, Gareth learned more about Xellos' past. How he'd come to exist as a lesser god, devoid of divine domain. How he had been repeatedly shunned by mortals across the lands in his quest for followers.

About Ebonheim's influence and how she protected him from fading away. How she inspired him to continue searching for his own place to belong. And also...about how desperately lonely he felt without a proper home. Without a domain he could claim and protect.

By the end of those discussions, Gareth found himself growing quite fond of the deity. Even though they had only known each other for such a short span thus far...he already considered Xellos a close friend. A trusted confidant. Someone worth having faith in. Someone worth putting faith in.

A few more weeks passed by quickly as construction progressed steadily onward. Soon enough, their encampment began to resemble an actual settlement rather than a camp. The walls were nearly complete. Dwellings had started to spring up around the edge of the clearing where they had begun building their homes. They finally managed to dig a well near their newly constructed longhouse—ensuring clean water remained accessible at all times.

Around half of the town's population lived in permanent structures now. Work on additional buildings continued apace. While there remained ample room within the clearing itself...the surrounding forest had been cleared away considerably over time. A good deal of lumber now lay stacked near their modest carpentry workshop for future use. Woodcutters and lumberjacks labored tirelessly under the bright midday sun every single day.

Yet still...something bothered Gareth. Something gnawed away inside him like an itch deep in his skull he couldn't scratch or ignore any longer. A persistent unease festering beneath the surface. Everything around him appeared fine. People seemed happy enough. Healthy. Secure. Safe. Content.

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So why did he still feel so anxious sometimes? Why did he constantly wake up late at night drenched in cold sweat? Was he going mad? Or perhaps he simply hadn't fully adjusted to their newfound security yet.

Perhaps he expected everything to crumble apart around him at any moment. Perhaps his worries stemmed merely from old habits he needed to break himself free from once again.

Or perhaps not. Perhaps this vague fear came from somewhere else entirely.

Something deeper within himself. Some instinctive sense warning him against trusting his newfound fortune too easily. Urging him to remain vigilant lest danger strike unexpectedly. Reminding him always to stay wary and alert lest anything sneak past his guard unnoticed. Lest something slip beneath his attention without his noticing until too late.

He tried reminding himself this wasn't anything out of the ordinary—that everyone must undergo similar trials after settling down somewhere new, especially after leaving behind their old lives entirely...like he'd done so many years ago already.

"Everything alright, Gareth?" Miriam asked him one night over dinner. She sat across him alongside Rhys and their kids Thom and Aleya. Gareth hadn't even realized he had drifted off mentally during his meal until Miriam interrupted his thoughts.

He blinked twice before replying. "Huh? Oh. Yes. Sorry. Just lost in thought. What were you saying again?"

Miriam exchanged glances with the rest of her family before returning her attention to him. "We were talking about Xellos. He seems eager to become a part of our lives here. Most folks don't mind his presence either...and those who do aren't vocal about their concerns. But he doesn't really interact with us much. We thought since you're on friendly terms with him...you might convince him to spend more time around us. Maybe even attend a town meeting or two? It would certainly make things easier going forward."

"I suppose you're right," Gareth replied with a nod. "I'll speak to him tomorrow morning. See if we can arrange something."

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The following day, he approached Xellos. He found the god sitting alone near the edge of the woods surrounding their settlement. As usual, Xellos wore his dark tattered robes, and sat in the same cross-legged posture he assumed whenever he meditated. Gareth stopped a short distance away, waiting patiently until Xellos stirred.

After several minutes passed by in silence...the deity opened his eyes and acknowledged Gareth's presence.

"Hello, Gareth. How may I help you today?"

"Well...it's about the town," Gareth replied hesitantly. "Most folks here want you to join them from time to time. You know, participate in certain activities or events. Get acquainted with everyone better. Spend some time socializing. Show them your true self beyond what you've shown so far."

Xellos considered his words carefully for a while longer. Finally, he spoke once more. "Ebonheim had said the same. That I should involve myself further in mortal affairs. I suppose you're correct...it would be beneficial to me as well."

Xellos stood up slowly, brushing bits of fallen leaves and dirt from his cloak as he rose. "Very well. Lead the way."

And so the pair began walking back towards the burgeoning settlement. Along the way, they chatted idly. About trivial matters mostly—current progress made with the settlement's construction, plans for its future growth, possible improvements, and additions to consider later on.

At first, Xellos appeared stiff and uncomfortable as he met most members of their community face-to-face. Gareth could sense the awkwardness between the two parties whenever they conversed directly with one another. Gradually though...as days turned into weeks, those barriers began melting away.

People grew accustomed to Xellos' presence. He even started participating in communal activities like helping maintain crops, or lending his aid during construction projects.

Gareth couldn't help smiling inwardly whenever he saw Xellos engaged in such mundane tasks. There was something oddly satisfying about witnessing the deity helping others out firsthand rather than sitting high above their problems atop his lofty pedestal—especially now that everyone had begun referring to him as the settlement's patron god.

But his initial concerns eventually returned. Something still didn't feel quite right. Not necessarily have anything to do with Xellos himself per se...rather, something deeper within Gareth's psyche. He just couldn't quite put his finger on exactly what bothered him so much.

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Xellos stood atop the hill overlooking the small settlement. The night air blew through his dark robes and he surveyed the buildings and tents and all the hustle and bustle.

At last, after decades of wandering, decades of drifting across the world...he had finally acquired a divine domain. These people accepted him as their god. Even without having an actual temple built for him yet, he'd already started receiving their prayers, and these granted him divine sustenance. He no longer had to fear fading.

He motioned his hand through the air, drawing forth lines and runes that only gods could see and understand. The Akashic System, the essence of all knowledge and creation. It revealed to him the progress and attributes of the settlement, and the goals he needed to achieve to reach the next stage of growth.

A grin spread across Xellos' lips. Everything was going exactly according to plan.

Ebonheim's reputation had proven exceedingly useful. It had brought settlers without divine patronage to the valley. After slaying those monsters and saving the humans' lives, gaining their trust had been the easy part. By using his 'Irresistible Influence Mantra'—the latest power he had acquired from the system's auction—he had managed to disarm any suspicions and help integrate himself into their midst as their god.

And now, this was his domain. His followers, his lands, his town. Their quintessence belonged to him.

This was far from his end goal though. One day he would become the only god of this realm—the Supreme God. This settlement...was merely a stepping stone to achieving that goal.

A shadow wreathed in purple flames stepped out from a tear in reality. Xellos didn't have to turn to know who the visitor was—an Asura who served directly beneath him. He regarded the Mayakara demon with a passing glance before turning his attention back to the lights of the town below.

"Well?" he asked the demonic figure. "You're not usually one to come back empty-handed, Dahak. I trust you bring me good news. Tell me the plan has succeeded as I'd expected."

Dahak lowered his head in supplication before his master. "I...I'm terribly sorry, Lord Xellos. I'm afraid I failed to destroy our target. This setback is most unfortunate and embarrassing. I have no excuse for myself. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit as penance for my failure here today—"

Xellos raised his hand abruptly mid-sentence. A tendril of shadows shot out and wrapped itself around Dahak's throat, silencing him instantly. Then, Xellos clenched his fist tightly—the Mayakara demon was sent flying into the tree behind him, slamming against the trunk hard enough to leave a visible dent.

"That is twice now," Xellos snarled lowly as he stalked forward. "Twice now you have failed me, Dahak! Explain yourself immediately lest you suffer far worse than what mere impact can inflict upon you!"

As the shadowy tendrils withdrew from Dahak's neck, Xellos waited impatiently while the fallen Asura demon slowly picked himself off the ground.

"That elder lamia-spirit..." Dahak began hesitantly after clearing his throat twice. "...she proved far more powerful than we anticipated. My brethren and I barely escaped with our lives. We couldn't defeat her like you'd hoped. I'm very sorry..."

Xellos seethed silently for several moments before letting out a long breath. His anger subsided somewhat, but the undercurrent of rage remained evident within the depths of his pitch-black eyes.

He hadn't expected any of these elder spirits who claimed the valley to be particularly strong. But if they were able to repel the greater Asuras under his command, then these adversaries presented a problem.

Not an insurmountable one by any means...just problematic nevertheless.

It seemed like he'd need to adjust his plans accordingly. Dealing directly with such powerful opponents wasn't worth the risk right now. Not until he'd fully consolidated power throughout the region. Doing so would take time and considerable effort—effort best spent elsewhere rather than squandered fighting pointless battles against mere nuisances.

"Fine," Xellos replied through gritted teeth. "For now we'll leave those spirits be. I don't need to slay them for quintessence now that I've secured a domain. Consider yourself fortunate, Dahak. Had things not unfolded in my favor...you would not be standing here before me right now."

Killing Dahak wouldn't do him much good anyway. His remaining forces were stretched thin as-is thanks to Ebonheim and her allies. Moreover, he had no way to replenish their ranks quickly or easily given the present circumstances. Losing Dahak might cost him dearly later if something unexpected happened further down the road.

"But do not think I am without means to punish you for your failure," Xellos hissed. "For one year, you shall lose the privilege of having a physical form. Now, begone!"

With that, the Mayakara demon's corporeal manifestation dissolved into a puff of purple smoke and disappeared into the ether. Now alone once more, Xellos could turn his thoughts elsewhere. Toward matters closer at hand instead—namely ensuring everything continued smoothly regarding the development of his settlement.

No doubt Ebonheim would soon pay them a visit. But when she did, Xellos would need to make certain she didn't uncover the truth behind his true intentions. If all went according to his plans...perhaps he'd manage to convince her to align herself with him willingly.

But such things would require patience and subtlety on his part. One misstep and she'd become his enemy rather than his ally. Then again...the other option would fare just as well.

The mystery behind why the gods couldn't ascend to a higher rank in recent years had finally been uncovered by Aetheron, and when the god came to him to share his discovery, he had told Xellos of a risky plan to remove this obstacle.

Well...risky was an understatement. In fact, the plan was downright insane.

But if he could coerce Ebonheim into joining Aetheron's cause...then her domain would eventually end up under Xellos' control anyway. Either outcome worked equally well for his own goals.

Xellos turned and strolled toward the town as he pondered these possibilities.

His eyes glowed for an instant before dimming once again.