While the onslaught began at Snowsberry Village that would last more than a few weeks, a certain turtle was building an altar...

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And one more branch...

Done!

I look proudly upon my hard work, an altar to honor Anubis.

It's been a week or two, maybe a few weeks ever since I started my new life, and I just wanted to say thanks. Admittedly, this is a little late on my part.

The altars a bit crude, being mostly made out of ironwood, but I believe it's the thought that counts, as well as the effort.

"Hey Ore, pass me the corpse."

"Pass!"

Ore hands me a giant ant which I drop on top of the altar.

Oh by the way, giant ants.

Yeah, those just started showing up randomly.

Everywhere.

Not just ants of course, bigger wolves than usual, bee monsters, which was a pleasant surprise their honey is great, and other creatures.

The most prominent ones were the ant monsters, which like the other monsters seemed to be heading in the same direction, and attacking anything in their way. A lot of monsters have been harassed actually, me included.

On the bright side, it meant I had more chances to kill things and test my might.

I'm even level 3 currently!

It also means that I have something to offer to Anubis currently.

Now, this isn't the normal offering one offers a god, but I want to offer him something.

Hmm. Do I pray?

Can I even clasp my hands actually?

I get on my hind legs, and for a minute, I wonder if I can actually pray as a turtle.

That illusion shatters once I realize that first off, I can't actually put my hands together, and second, I fall forward, flat on my stomach.

Right, the tree growing out of my back...

With vines growing out of my back...

Hey, the vines!

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So I clasp my vines together and start praying to Anubis.

The corpses disappear, and a warm feeling envelops me.

Lord Anubis.

My Child, thank you for the gift you have sent my way.

My apologies lord Anubis, I don't quite have anything else to give you, so I can only offer you these measly offerings.

It is no grievance to me my child. In fact, I can give these to Ammit as a snack. I can't recall the last time I took him out for a real meal, so snacks like this once in a while are good.

Really!? Alright, I'll make sure to send more snacks you way then lord Anubis.

I appreciate it. I can hear him chuckle, and I probably would've flushed a little bit as a person, feeling a little embarrassed by my own over eagerness.

There's a pause, before a hesitant voice comes out of Anubis.

Earl, out of curiosity, what do you think about your fiancé?

Don't you mean my ex fiancé lord Anubis? Now that I'm dead, I'm sure she'll get engaged soon.

...Yes, her.

Well, she's a wonderful young lady! She was a little older than me, was bright, friendly, and I thought she was a ravishing young beauty. She was always so warm and open, and I hope she'll find a wonderful new fiancé.

She didn't die did she? I ask worriedly. It would be unfortunate if somehow she got caught up in my suicide bombing. I hope she's doing fine.

... No, she didn't die.

Odd choice of words my lord.

Anyway, I'm sure you've noticed the influx of monsters that have showed up recently, being a fair bit stronger than other monsters.

Yeah actually, I was wondering about that. I thought it was some sort of monster wave that had started up.

Yeah, actually, that would be about right. An artificial monster wave has started up.

I think about it as I recall a little elf girl who had helped me a few days prior, healing me, and was riding in the royal carriage of the elves.

Is she in danger lord Anubis?

Yes, actually. Do you feel like helping the young elf child?

I have to think about that. On one hand, I certainly owe her a favor, but on the other hand, getting involved with the elven royal family is a little bit more than owing her a favor.

Hmmm.

All right lord Anubis, how can I help the child? I do, owe her a favor after all.

Oh don't worry, you don't have to do that much at all. Just keep killing the monsters that head in that direction.

That's it? I mean, I can see how that would help, and I am just a turtle, but that doesn't seem very helpful. Shouldn't I go there and help personally?

No need. The monsters are attacking a village right now, and so it has become a siege. By killing them off before they get there, you're culling the invading forces, allowing them to stand longer. You'll naturally benefit yourself as well. Honestly, this is quite the win all things considered.

... So free levels and I get to repay the favor. Sounds easy enough.

Right?

Thank you lord Anubis for your great insight.

No problem. Thank you for your gifts. I'll see you next time.

The presence fades and I leave to go return the favor.

And kill some monsters.

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As the call ends, Anubis chuckles, as he tosses another ant corpse behind him, hearing a loud chomp and chewing confirming Ammit having his meal.

"I can't wait to brag to Isis" chortles Anubis. "Her chosen one hasn't sent her a sacrifice yet, but mine has. He sends such wonderful snacks and wants to return favors! She can only dream of such a devotee. My devotee!" gloats Anubis, before pausing to think. "Then again, she couldn't lift his curse so that makes sense." That dampened his mood a bit.

Calming down, he sits down to face the annoyance in front of him.

"Why did you lie about me!" demanded the person across from him.

Anubis sighed. How bossy.

"That's because you didn't die."

Its not my fault, nor his.

"Who could imagine someone would willingly charge into Hades hmm?"