!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Tembulon who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them. Also Full Credits to Askard who maintains the Information Doc where a majority of spectral regalia information is written please Rep him to ^^!!!
Ho Ho Ho!! didnt expect i would give a suprise release today did you? its amazing how listening to 1 song allowed me a breakthrough to right a total of 5 chs alltoghether for spectral and ethereal maybe im just wierd? then again which one of you guys could complain about an special release >.>
so i was looking at the comments regarding the cover and took what a lot of you like. right now im discussing the rest of the details with my artist :)
Please Rate/Follow/Favourite/Share spectral and enjoy it to :)
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“-This is too weird… It's faint, and compared to me, I can tell they’re quite weak. But Dark Matter... No, maybe this is different-” With one of the individuals eyeing Avrin, his food had arrived and he began to eat while keeping his guard up.
By now, the robed man who had noticed Avrin most likely felt a connection considering that now the other 2 were cautiously eyeing Avrin. A half hour of quiet between the 4 of them exchanged before Avrin left a couple of gold coins, more than enough to pay for the meal.
With his stamina and energy recovered by breaking down the large meal that had even surprised some of the individuals there, Avrin, when needed, could eat as much as Asura, if not devour forever considering his stomach acids most likely held Dark Matter to empower it.
Eating, for him, was a little annoying, considering he had to raise the white mask up to reveal his lips. But it didn't proceed to become any more frustrating than it should be. He began to make his way out, but as he suspected, the 3 individuals didn't seem to want to let Avrin escape after spotting him.
“-These punks…-” Heading out of the tavern, he expected a fight would be the end result, so decided to make his way to a nearby alley, and as expected, the 3 individuals followed him. Continuing on, they entered a somewhat open area that had walls surrounding the exits.
This open area had quite a few obstacles, most likely a little place for the children of this city to play.
Avrin spoke out as he turned to face them; his appearance shadowed other than the faint light from the eye holes of the mask. “Tell me. You three, why is it you have the same energy I do?” He responded calmly and didn't demand.
The individual in the middle unsheathed a sword before his Dark Matter pulsed a little before the iron sword was covered in a very faint glow of dark energy. One of the others beside him laughed and responded. “You managed to manifest the holy energy into the blade, magnificent!! I do hope soon I can do so as well” A man with a somewhat noble mannered voice said.
Another from the smaller cloaked individual replied in a feminine voice “You wish you idiot. Do you know how hard it is? We’re both Bishops, we would need to train for years before we can achieve what the Archbishop has.
And even then he has great talent over this divine power!” The two began to argue between each other before the man in the middle, the one referred to as Archbishop, spoke.
“You there… I can feel a little holy energy from you. Who ordered you here? Do you not know that the Pope has decreed no one with this energy go out without permission? It is punishable by death!”
Avrin started to feel confused. “Archbishop? Pope? Who the hell are these clowns? Some kind of cult?” Avrin spoke, but purposely added the joke to get a reaction from them. But violence would not get him answers, so he spoke again.
“I apologize senior. I'm new to the church and I haven't been brought up to date with things yet. I was only told to wait at the tavern by an Archbishop, but he never arrived. I figured he had asked you to come?”
The man seemed to have bought Avrin’s words. Of course, Avrin was quite a sweet talker. The Archbishop’s blade, with a laughable amount of dark matter coating it, almost made him burst out laughing.
“Uh? Is that so... Hmm, I can't recall any of the Archbishops saying this, but we are still establishing order, so it must have slipped through. Very well, you are to come with us back to headquarters so we can process your rank if you do not have one”
Avrin nodded and chuckled softly “Of course senior.” The smaller female cautiously eyed Avrin, while the other careless one showed little interest. “Come on, let's go!” The care free one spoke before the Archbishop spoke.
“Very well. What's your name young man?” Avrin began to follow behind them several meters away and replied “Please call me Herth” (Her-f) “Herth, has the pastor who converted you brought you up to date?”
Avrin twitched a bit. “I'm sorry, but other matters arose and he was quickly called out along with the other individuals” Avrin was careful with his words, trying not to say too much but not too little.
“Call me by my Church name, Gerald. We are all brothers and sisters now, and soon we will grow. Let me tell you about how the church is run. Since you are someone who wished to convert and found us you have the right to know.”
From there, Gerald began to speak about how the church was established as well as who started it all. “Our lord Pope was a simple beggar before he told us a god of great power blessed him. Although the Pope himself is still learning to control his abilities and he wanted to share this power with others and began to use the same method which the god used on him.
Our order is still very small, no larger than 40 members that sprung up very quickly. We have just arrived in Altea and are organizing ourselves. It's not new that some members get lost in the shuffle. Most of us are criminals who seek redemption, while others are people who have had hard lives.
This is the salvation we have prayed for. The god creators of Seleria have not answered our calls, so we worship the holy one the Pope has told us about. A deity with silvery white hair and eyes of the sky and a presence of power. The Pope hopes to establish this church and help others as a tribute to this mighty god”
Avrin’s face under the white mask was pale and nervous. He had intended to kill these people and absorb them to see if he could gain a bit more power, but after hearing that part, he felt a little guilty considering their circumstances. What's more frightening to him, was the fact that he knew who had done this. The description was all but obvious.
“-That man… He acted too rash and too quick… Calling me a god... Is he trying to stir up trouble for me? I'm not even capable of challenging one yet…-”
The Archbishop who spoke proudly began to tell his circumstances “Don't look to me as a man of superiority. Indeed, I was chosen and converted by a higher member based on my combat experience. But we are all of the same blood now.
I used to be an officer in the king’s army before I was injured and they sent me away with little pay… Had it not been for the Pope, I would have still been on the streets. Brother Narva, (Nah-va) please tell brother Herth your circumstances.”
Narva, the carefree man, seemed to tense up before clearing his throat “Of course Archbishop. I used to be part of low rank nobility...considered useless by my family, they disowned me...leaving me with no money or a place to go. I wandered around, before the Archbishop found me and saw the look of desperation I had before I was converted. It hurt, but after that, I felt better than ever before!”
Truly the speech of a fanatic is what Avrin thought to himself. “Sister Rose, you too” Gerald responded, as if to keep fairness “Indeed Archbishop. I was part of a common family, and my older sister was someone who was looked greatly upon. She would receive praise from all people. But I was looked down upon no matter how hard I tried. In the end, I ran away and found the Archbishop like brother Narva. The Archbishop arranged for a pastor to convert us. We are both only 1 day members so we welcome you brother Herth”
Rose, the small girl who seemed 16, spoke, feeling less cautious around Avrin. Most likely because he would have to explain his story. “Well then, it's only fair brother Herth tell us his story.” Prompting Avrin’s annoyance.
Of course, by then they had navigated around in another alley, 10 minutes away from the tavern’s alley. Around them were several cloaked individuals who seemed to emit small traces of dark matter, as if keeping guard, but not trying to stand out.
“Of course Archbishop... My story started here...I was rejected by the army after trying to make money to feed my mother… But she died from her illness, leaving me alone in this world” His story was intended to be heartfelt. By doing so, it would make them believe him.
And he had witnessed their stories, knowing he would have to make his own as it bought him time. “I'm truly sorry brother Herth. Do not fear though, because we are all in the same blood now. No illness can destroy us; even those who were converted and were ill have been cured. From the young children to the elderly”
Avrin frowned “Young children Archbishop? Isn't converting them a bit too harsh?” Gerald laughed. “Do not worry. At first, we were like that, but we discovered that we do not need to puncture the heart to convert them but any place will do but it takes longer”
Avrin had learned something, but his surprise was that how could that man be capable of converting them to the Spectral race without his permission. If they were to go haywire, he feared a crusade may take place to kill them off, thus exposing him.
“I see. Truly the church has great techniques. Oh yes, Archbishop” He spoke, despite Gerald’s attempt to get him to be more familiar with him. “What is the name of our church? I wasn't told...”
As they entered a building with two people guarding it, seeming like beggars, Avrin knew this was a different story. They went on and the top of the building seemed like a normal tavern, but out of the 16 individuals here, some children, some elderly, they were all emitting Dark Matter “-More of them… Should I even refer to them as Spectrals?-”
Avrin was split on his decision. He had intended to make the starting race superior, and his mind was a little disappointed. But at the same time, he sympathized with them, and felt that if they struggled so much seeking a new change, then who was he to tell them no? He was not some cruel tyrant to deny them a new start.
Avrin’s emotions were clearer when it came to this decision. Thus, he accepted that this was fate. He felt God was currently laughing at him, but he ignored it. “At the moment, we are not recognized as a church. Even though we call it the Church of New Life, despite the Pope not having named it yet, but we have all been given new life so it sunk in.”
Avrin nodded before looking around “So many of our brothers and sisters just like us. I'm glad we haven't converted any bad people. “Avrin spoke this to get a general idea of who was converted. He did not want anyone whose mind was set on achieving dominance and causing him trouble.
Gerald laughed softly “From what I know of life, brother Herth, there will always be those who are bad, but hide their intentions. Maybe one day our church will grow to be something significant and those people may slip through the cracks.”
Not able to deny this, Avrin asked another question “Where are we going now Archbishop?” Gerald spoke proudly “You are lucky brother Herth. We are headed to the congregation. After that, we will settle matters with you”
Avrin grinned to himself “Hmm, I see. Will the holy Pope be there and the other ranked members?” Avrin was not worried at all. He was confident in being able to kill all of these people, and he had discovered that with the dark matter heart he had unrivaled control.
If he wanted, he would be able to absorb their energy with little to no resistance. Of course, it was still to be tested, so he kept praising himself in his mind to keep him from worry.
“Of course brother Herth. The Pope is the only one who is allowed to do this, as his knowledge of the Holy God is not known by anyone else” Rose spoke while Narva replied “The Holy God must have been someone great and powerful to take pity on us people. Unlike the false bastard gods who let us suffer!”
He added the last part with anger. It seemed he didn't like the gods of Seleria. Avrin wondered if this mindset was shared by the others. Heading down a set of steps to the cellar and making their way through a tunnel like entry that seemed to have quickly formed, they met other guards before entering a somewhat large open room, which appeared to be some old ruins.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
A voice wrung out as there were many candles and curtains as well as seats around to make it look prettier. “Brothers and sisters!! Welcome to our first congregation in this city. I am proud to welcome all of you.” This voice had a hint of familiarity.
The Archbishop led Avrin and the other 2 and sat down as he whispered “Incredible. The other Archbishops must have gathered more members. I'm sure there are more than a hundred of us here.”
Although that number tugged on Avrin’s mind some more, but then he reassured himself that these were people who had it tough and struggled, so he dropped it. Right now, as he sat, he focused up at the man dressed in black and purple robes wearing a large crown like hat.
“-No doubt… I knew he looked familiar. Hahaha, this guy…-” The beggar now appeared young and healthy as his skin shined with a somewhat pale glint and his eyes held glowing purple pupils and gave a similar feeling to Asura but significantly weaker.
“-Well, I can tell he has a lot of potential. He is at least stronger than everyone here by far. Did O even get his name? Bah, forget that. The change that has taken place in him is incredible. He was near death’s door, but look at him now-”
Avrin couldn't help but feel proud. His intention was to help this man, and he had done so. Seeing this, Avrin felt that he would have enormous potential in leading these people. Therefore, Avrin dropped the worry to the point where he tried to blame himself for feeling bad. “-That's right, it was my decision and my responsibility. He converted them; therefore they are of the Spectral race. Someone like him, who has suffered hardship, will only pick people who deserve a new chance-”
Avrin was starting to feel more relaxed and pleased. This place has a homely feeling, and right now he didn't feel as alone as he did before. He felt good to be a part of a proper race again. He had almost forgotten the feeling of humanity.
“My children, we are not here to fight, nor are we here to force others. The Holy God gave me the chance to help all of you, and I require your help to aid others. Yes we are hiding and lurking here, but our intentions are not bad. Those gods of Seleria with their own worshippers having long abandoned us, we need not care about them.
Close this rage. Seal it in your heart, for we focus on our current savior. I'm sure many of you know of me as the Pope of this new religion, but do not feel afraid. My new name is Erebus; I have long removed my old name and started anew. You do not have to, but I recommend it. Hehe, it feels good I tell you. “
Erebus, as he is called, seemed to have spoken those last words as a joke, as if to make everyone comfortable. And several people laughed as well. Avrin wasn't paying much attention as he focused around to see the quality of people. He noticed 2 individuals with an aura stronger than Gerald's by at least 3 times by Erebus’ side. “-If they’re using church ranks, those guys must be Cardinals-” Avrin deduced quickly
Avrin smiled to himself before he figured it was time to at least make his presence known to Erebus. Despite his intentions being good, in the end, Avrin was the true ruler of the Spectral race. He cared not if Erebus wanted to rule or anything, but Avrin would be damned if these new members of his race would be led to destruction and persecution.
Emitting his Divine Sense towards Erebus he spoke telepathically. “-You work fast and have exceeded my expectations. End the congregation and gather those you trust most to speak with me-”
Erebus, who was speaking with joy, suddenly froze and was quiet as his heart stopped for a moment, feeling the words Avrin gave. This telepathy was new to him, but the voice was no doubt Avrin’s, who he knew.
Quickly gazing towards the right side, he spotted Avrin, who was the source of the Divine Sense that the telepathy used. Avrin replied as he saw Erebus gaze nervously at him “-Tell no one… Do not make a big deal out of it… I don't want to be known... Call me Herth. To the people here, I am a new member-”
“Pope Erebus?” One of the men at his side worryingly spoke. Erebus quickly cleared his throat and smiled “My brothers and sisters, I am sorry, but something has come up so we must end this congregation here.”
Whispers of why and the reason it was ended roamed around before they began to leave. Several minutes later, only Avrin’s small group remained. The pope ordered that the Cardinals and the Archbishops stay.
And as they arrived, Gerald told Rose, Avrin and Narva to wait for him outside. But Avrin had other plans. After he saw that everyone had left other than the people he had met as well as the high ranking members. He dropped his act and made his way towards Erebus.
“Well well, look what you have done here. Creating a faith and recruiting members. This family of mine” He spoke somewhat arrogantly and in an amused tone. This infuriated the Archbishops and Cardinals who would not tolerate his actions.
“You bastard, who are you?! How dare you speak to His Holiness?” A Cardinal and two Archbishops made their way towards Avrin, as if to discipline him, but he worried not. Willing the dark matter that now made their bodies as if it were as easy as using nebula mist, he forced them onto the ground as if he had increased the gravity but only enough to subdue them.
“Relax…” He responded before the Archbishops as well as the group Avrin had met released looks of surprise and anger. “H...Herth?!!” Gerald responded before the other Archbishops rushed at him to attack Avrin.
Erebus’ voice resounded “Fools!! Stop! Do you not know who this is!!!?” His voice, like thunder, caused them all to freeze. The remaining people, as well as the ones subdued, who Avrin released from his will, looked confused. “Your Holiness, what do you mean?” One of the Cardinals spoke.
Erebus walked over towards Avrin before he knelt down. “Oh mighty savior, I welcome you to your people and I thank you for this blessing you have given me.” Erebus was truly in worship of Avrin. A big turn from when he had met him.
“This…” Rose looked confused before Gerald spoke “Your Holiness, this man isn’t … This is…. He’s a new member yes?” Words of confusion and replies were heard as they whispered to each other. Erebus spoke “This man is the one who converted me. The true ruler of our new race and faith...”
Avrin chuckled softly before feeling he needed to convince the people in this room, as they seemed worried about Erebus’ actions. He released his aura to engulf them all as well as give them a slight fright.
After doing so, in a few seconds, it seemed to have worked wonders as they all knelt down. Except Rose and Narva, who seemed scared but infuriated. “You… You lied to us?” She spoke before Narva responded “Why? What were your intentions?!”
Erebus looked worried as he replied “Please do not speak to him like that. He has his reasons.” Surprisingly, Erebus did not yell at them. It was almost as if he was worried for them, hoping they didn’t incur Avrin’s wrath. Avrin walked over and sat down on a nearby chair as the high ranked members as well as Gerald knelt in front of him.
“Stop kneeling… As for my reasons, I wasn't sure if you were my enemies or not. I had no idea this so called religion even existed, which is another matter.” Erebus spoke “My King… Is this not what you wanted?” Erebus looked up at him, as he and the others followed Avrin’s wish to the T.
“Well, it's hard to say. I'll tell you now, and remember this well, I am not a god; do not treat me like one. As for King, Hmm, well considering I'm not married, Lord will do. “Avrin was starting to enjoy this position. But he went on.
Rose and Narva were still standing, but quietly. Avrin only allowed them to remain mainly because he felt bad for them. Had it not been for his curiosity, they would already be dead. “Erebus you call yourself? Very well, you three“Avrin motioned to Gerald and the other 2.
“My name isn't Herth, its Avrin. All of you remember this. And remember my next words. Do not cause trouble in the Central Continent. You may not wish to, but there are those who would love to seek this sort of power, and by exposing it all early, I am not confident in my ability to battle the creators of Seleria just yet.”
Erebus frowned as he felt himself entitled a little. “But...My Lord, the people here in Altea, as well as other continents, suffer…. Do they not deserve a new start?” Avrin could feel this man was not power hungry at all, but hungry and striving to help others. Men like this were rare. Then again, he had suffered and was a beggar. He would of course want to help others like him.
“Helping others….. All but the Pope and the Cardinals leave….” Erebus’ mindset had somewhat affected Avrin. These were his people now, and he would need to help them in any way he can. Everyone in question, and even the angry Rose and Narva, were led out by Gerald, who seemed somewhat annoyed to but a little happy. Most likely for he had led their Lord here.
With only Avrin and the 3 remaining, he spoke. “Erebus, what are your true intentions establishing this. Do you intend to truly help others for the life of this so called church?” Erebus stood proudly, clutching his hand over his chest, atop his robes that he had formed using his ability.
“Yes My Lord. Ever since you had converted me, I wasted no time. I knew this was a chance I couldn't waste so I quickly made my way here, training my ability the best I can. I am not that good, but I followed the technique you did for me. This holy power is-”
Avrin shook his head “It's not holy power. Remember this, the 3 of you, and make sure this information is learned I will not have any false information be spread. This power is called Dark Matter, or Dark Energy. “
From there, Avrin began to explain his understanding of it as well as the possibilities it could achieve, and he lectured the 3 carefully. To his surprise, the two Cardinals immediately were trying to test and mold their powers in front of him, leaving only Erebus to listen to Avrin’s next words.
“You two, since you are so eager to train, you may leave and be sure to help your brethren out as well.” With both of them giving teary looks of joy, they responded with a “Yes My Lord” Before leaving Erebus and Avrin.
Now that it was just the two of them, Avrin decided to share some deeper information. “Don't convert so freely. Although these are women and children, first establish strength enough to protect them. There are others out there more powerful than me. This is your first priority, to train yourself as well as others to become stronger. Do not convert more people unless you are confident in your concealment.”
Erebus nodded willingly and Avrin went on. “Secondly, this continent isn't good for us. You are to head to the northern continent make a base of operations there. The lawless land shows no prejudice.” Erebus, as if an idea formed in his head, chuckled “Of course My Lord, why didn't I think of that in the first place.”
Avrin took a deep breath. “Explain to me in detail your findings of converting people.” Avrin himself wanted to learn a thing or two, considering this was something he had to know now.
From there, Erebus willingly spoke his entire findings as well as the hierarchy that had seemed to develop naturally.
15 minutes of explaining was all it took for Avrin to understand. “I see. Those I convert can be considered pure bloods, while the ones the pure bloods convert can be considered half pure, and it slowly decreases. No doubt those cardinals are half then.”
Avrin felt that this may bring a system where people are looked down upon. To create a church was only a drop in the ocean. What Avrin wanted was an entire empire, now that he understood this. But the issue in hierarchy bothered him.
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