You will only realize who you truly are when all your options have been stripped away, when you have no more choices, when you have no more power, no more cards to use.
In the moment of despair, you will turn, and you will face yourself, and you will also surprise yourself.
Some who thought themselves warriors will realize they were cowards all along, and some so-called cowards will discover hardness within, a hardness they never knew existed.
Let me tell you a secret, sinners.
We are all weak.
We are all fragile.
This is why the demons exist.
They exist within our failures.
They exist because they nurse upon our sins, our vileness.
We know what it means to be better, but we choose not to.
Such is the flaw of humanity.
But the virtue of humanity is choice, choice to become, to become something better than you were, or to face yourself, to change yourself, to master yourself.
The Archdevils are greater than any sinner, but the ones who pass through without becoming subservient to a circle, those very few, they are the ones who decide who they wish to be.
Oblivion be damned, weakness be forgotten.
-Mepheleon the Harbinger
67
The Task Ahead (I)
The sanctuary was jam-packed, filled with sinners of all races and creeds. Over a half-dozen were still drenched in the healing pools, their wounds mending together as groans left their lips. Wei and his party had done much in the past three days, saving all they could and sorting them between inner and outer court disciples. Those who passed through were immediately greeted by Agave, the Oathbearer, who was tasked with equipping them based on level and Class.
Thereafter, they were split into two partitions with three groups.
The first partition was of the inner court disciples. Those with potential and power. Of their number stood a few of the Hivekin Wei once saved, now re-encountered in the past few days, Ellena, Agnesia, the Oathbearers, their Trine, and a few capable human warriors. They were mainly separated due to their prowess, higher levels, and the rarity of their Class Specializations.
They would be made to reach Class Tier Ascension before the Trial of Despair began.
The outer court disciples, meanwhile, numbered many times more than the inners, but they were mostly mediocre talents, with many mentally distraught or incompetent at survival. Wei held little hope for them, but Rafael had tried time and again to preserve their lives. It was one of the lich’s few virtues—his willingness to advocate for the small. Outer court disciples were left crowded along the walls of the room, and they all held to their own groups as well.
Both the inner and outer court disciples were also arranged into the “warrior,” “supporter,” and “scouter” designations by Ellena. For all her lacking capabilities of violence, she had been a queen once, and organization of people and their talents was something she excelled at. As such, Wei appointed her quartermistress and left the matter of rudimentary sect formation to her.
When Wei last left the sanctuary, they had been a demoralized mess, with countless sobbing, some gazing listlessly off into the distance. A welcome surprise greeted him upon his return as clashing melodies sounded from across the room. It looked as if the elves he saved a few days ago from Mulver were playing a merry jaunt together, one of them singing while another two played strange string like instruments, gathering a good deal of attention.
This brought a slight smile to Wei’s face. He supposed they couldn’t be useless at everything.
Beneath the strings of the elves, however, came the percussive hammering of the Oathbearers. Steam choked the roof of the sanctuary, blanketing the constellation cast by Rafael’s ciphers in a thick fog. If there was one thing his sect currently no longer lacked, it was basic equipment. Those who didn't have, soon would, and those who needed something reinforced would see themselves empowered.
Furthermore, the Trine sang their own tunes, though their song was one that bolstered the spirit. Immediately, a golden glow settled over Wei and those who followed him, nourishing them with increased vitality. The Trine still stood apart from the masses, protected by the heavy forms of two Oathbearers. But all in all, the atmosphere was drastically changing, and Wei only had one person to really thank for that.
"You don't need to hoard this," Ellena said, lightly chastising a towering orc that was almost twice her size. The large greyskinned giant looked down as their hand trembled slightly. They had two large loaves of bread tucked under their arms, and said loaves sprouted eyes and lips, screaming desperately for someone to eat them. Wei stared on for a moment, briefly stunned by the surreal sight.
Mandak Krull, Animator of Delicacies: Lv. 5
It seemed there was no shortage of eccentric class specializations in these claimed hells. "If you need more material, I will get you more material. What you can do for us right now is to simply cook as much food as you can. If you get hoarded, you call for me and I will see it done. Do you understand?"
As Ellena said that, some of her gold-plated knights simply lifted their spears, showing her resolve. Wei said her personal combat capabilities were nothing impressive, but still she gained quite a few levels directing her demons, and was rapidly closing in on her own class tier ascension. As she patted the orc on the side of his elbow, shooing him off, she saw Wei, and a smile briefly flashed over her face.
Until she noticed Ser Angeleous looming behind him, that was. Her expression promptly fell and she began pushing her way through the groups to get to him. The young master strode forth, but before he got too far, he turned and said, "Stay here.”
“I see you kept the creature,” Ser Angeleous sneered.
“I cured her,” Wei replied. “Think of that when you next pray to your feeble god. Ask them why they could not.”
The young master intercepted her with two steps and used his Omniscience to watch Angeleous all the while. If he attempted anything, then he would be courting an early death. If not by way, then by the invisible Rafael who was standing right behind him.
"Wei," Ellena said, directing a worried look at Ser Angeleos. "Why is he here?"
"As bait, mostly," Wei said, quite plainly. "Expect the Claimed Hells to use subterfuge against us. I'm leaving a false limb for them to choke on. Rafael is watching him. I am watching him.”
The former queen winced. "You're playing a dangerous game, boy. Politics is—"
"Politics is about people and power," Wei said, "and I intend to hold power over people. Such is the way things are, yes?"
Her mouth closed, but she still seemed worried.
"Trust me," Wei said, reaching out an arm to pat the queen on her shoulder. The increase in height he gained from his Class Specialization pleased him, but he still found it difficult to look Ellena in her eyes even with his growth in height. "I will see no harm come to you. By all my power, I will get you and your daughter into the claimed hells, away from all machinations."
A grateful expression settled over Ellena's features, and she finally gave Wei a nod. "I suppose you want to hear about our forces, then?"
"Yes, our forces," Wei said, a trickle of excitement entering his voice. His omniscience counted over a hundred and eight people present in the sanctuary. Crowded though it was, a hundred and eight was an auspicious number, a sign that they should proceed and see their great task done.
"Right now, the inner disciples number thirty, while the rest are classified as..." She swallowed briefly, seeming uncomfortable. "Outer. I have identified a few good fighters, but most of them are averaging around level eighteen. Another day of essence rifts might see a few of them reach that final threshold, but the median level of all our assets still ranges around thirteen."
Wei nodded at that, slightly displeased. It was like they didn't know where they were. There was to be no comfort here, no civilization to coddle them. If they didn't fight for their own lives, who would save them? It was only by Wei's graces they were still alive.
"Additionally, our fighters are lagging behind the number of supporters we have. Many have chosen class specializations that fit their previous occupations. The good news is that we have many engineers—enough to assist the oath-bearers in creating our mobile fortresses."
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Wei nodded at that. The concept was brought up by Roggi and his brothers, and immediately the young master found himself entranced by their proposal. The other disciples would soon be surprised as well.
"We also have quite a few people with specializations that are focused on enhancing others. Some are alchemists who can brew potions, while others are chefs, performers, and healers. I have taken special measures to ensure that they stay as protected as possible among their cohort."
"Good. Very good," Wei nodded.
"Though our imbalance in fighters and supporters might cause some problems. We are presently operating at a 1 to 3 ratio for fighters and support or scouts.”
“Right," Wei replied, considering the problem. "I will see if I can accommodate these issues in any way. We still have some time left. Perhaps just enough to get a few more recruits. Nonetheless, I would like to address everyone. How would you gauge their morale?"
Ellena took a few moments to consider this. "The distraught have been soothed, and as a whole, their spirits have been lifted higher than where they were before. Many are still confused about where we're going, or the purpose behind this organization of ours."
"I will soon make that clear," Wei said simply. "If it is confidence they are lacking, I will make sure that is no longer an issue."
"Good, good," Ellena said, letting out a soft breath. Her posture tightened with hesitation, and Wei cocked his head.
"What is the matter?" he asked.
"I… Master Wei. It's my daughter. Is she… Does she seem different to you?"
"Different?" Wei asked.
"She's more aggressive than she used to be. Still terribly unskilled with that sword, but her increased control over fire and her growing strength is making up for her deficiencies."
"No, no, not that," Ellena said, seeming a little flustered. "It's about her personality. Does she seem different in terms of character?"
"A little bit more impatient, perhaps," Wei said. He thought about it a bit more. "She is odd sometimes, though. Usually she's quite brash and upfront. But then, when I say certain things… she squeaks, like a mouse."
Wei turned his Omniscience on Agnesia and caught her staring at him again. What was with that girl? Was there something wrong with him? Wei looked down at himself and frowned. Ah, yes, his apparel was quite the mess. A semi-battered gold cuirass, tattered remains of his Shadescale. Though he looked through the merchant's shops, he still hadn't found anything that could replace what he lost. Nothing better, anyway.
The Oathbearers repaired his goods as much as they could, but with his destructive capabilities and his newly-gained title, his armor grew more tattered with each time he fought. It was then that he noticed a subtle smile creeping over Ellena's expression, and now it was Wei's turn to be confused.
"Why are you smiling?" Wei asked.
"Oh, I think, I think we've noticed different things." A certain smugness crawled over the queen's expression, and then she dismissed it with a shake of her head. "Regardless, I would ask that you keep an eye on her and make sure that she remains composed and redacted."
"Yes," Wei said. "Don't worry, she's on the cusp of her Class Tier Ascension. I will make sure that she grows strong." He frowned thereafter. “Her skill will be a more… long term project.”
"I would rather her stay safe more than anything," Ellena finished.
Wei was about to chastise the woman for letting her weakness show so easily, but... a mother, a mother... the thought trailed in Wei's mind. A mother, a mother, a mother... The young master suddenly coughed, forcing the thoughts away. He didn't look at Ellena's eyes as he made a series of grunts.
"Yes, of course. Yes, always, always..."
Resisting trauma with Aspect of (Intent)
>Resisted
The System was mistaken again. Again. Again.
"Wei," Ellena said, slight concern entering her voice.
"I am, I am well," the young master choked out. "I am well. I am going to address the people. I am going to address the sect, prepare them, I will prepare them." She shot him another worried glance, but he walked right past her, making for the place where the guide's display case once stood.
He stepped into the crowd. He summoned his Broken Crescent once more, and the crackle of lightning drew gazes from across the room. Eyes widened, breaths grew hitched, hearts began to pulse at an increased pace as disciples pointed at him, their faces of reverent awe spurring his spirit evermore. This was what he needed; he was patriarch now. His duty to strength, to his sect, was greater than ever.
He was greater than ever.
Near one of the portals, he saw Roggi turn and offer him a glance. The Oathbearer had spent considerable time in the past few days with his trine and brothers. Wei also caught him making pensive expressions, staring off at a wall as if deep in thought. Roggi's expression grew ever tighter as Wei drew near, and for a moment, the young master thought the Oathbearer was going to ask him something, but the giant refrained, choosing instead to grow more strange grubs from his back before putting them in his Inventory.
As Wei came to a halt before the seven portals across the Claimed Hells, he drew in a breath, reveled in his current position. This was where he was meant to be, at the forefront of his sect, in defiance of higher powers, seizing control over his own destiny.
"Disciples," Wei said, his aspect of authority activated. The strength of his lungs rang resonant across the entire sanctuary. His sonorous declaration caused the active melody of the elves to suddenly end, and those few that hadn't looked upon him now offered their full attention. "I bid you all welcome as patriarch of the Drowned Sky Sect, your patriarch."
It was all he could do to hold back a guffaw. "I see you, survivors all, taken from your homes, cast into these trials against your will, cast here for the promise of another day, another tomorrow, and greater power, to control your own destiny. Where all of you were at the mercies of the demons, all of you were hunted, prey for the Knights. Things have changed now. I have accepted you under my roof. I have accepted you under my charge. Where I have given you succor, by my strength, I demand in turn, your utmost, your everything, to show honor and piety to your sect, advance to become all you can be."
As he finished, for a moment, he let his words settle. He'd seen his mother give this speech over a hundred times, and she drilled him in the ways of speechcraft, while his father watched, thinking about his many mistakes. Though Wei never truly led a sect, he was a young master, and his entire life had been a tutelage in learning to become a patriarch, be that when his parents fell in combat or managed their final ascent beyond the heavens.
Few braver souls whispered to each other during the period of silence, but most stood with their backs straight, their eyes fixed on him. "As you might have noticed, you have been separated between inner and outer court disciples. I will make this plain. If you are an inner court disciple, it is because you show higher promise. You have greater power. Nothing is certain. Nothing is determined. If you wish to ascend, if you wish to curry favor from this sect, then I expect you to grow. Already I am devoting my resources and power to you. It is time you devote the same to yourself."
He paused again, letting their understanding settle. "Now, as patriarch, I would like to ask you all a question. Do you know what lays ahead of you?" He looked at the group, and few dared to raise their voice. Then one finally spoke. It was Angeleos's Shadow Archer from earlier. He still regarded Wei with the slightest of sneers, but his posture was relaxed. Good. Defiance was always good in its sample.
"Supposed to go through one of the heart realms, aren't we?" he said. "Some manner of hellish dimension trapped inside the Archdevils."
Wei threw back his head and laughed. "Hellish does not begin to describe the least of it," and triggering his inventory, he summoned forth Severean, the Knight of Lust, and cast her before all those gathered. A series of shocked gasps and surprised eyes echoed from all corners of the room. A groan sounded from Severean, and slowly she pushed herself to her feet, facing the 108 staring at her.
"Behold!" Wei said, pointing his Broken Crescent at the ruined Knight of Lust. "Your enemy, and also your benefactor. This is a Knight of Lust. These are the people you've been fleeing from. These are the Agents of the Circles, come to claim you under their banner. You think you were meant to die in the Trial of Despair. You are wrong. You are meant to survive it. You are meant to be pushed to the brink, or be hunted down by one of these Knights, so that they can enforce a contract upon you, condemning you to service among their many Circles. Such is a fate you evaded—a life of slavery and servitude.
"Understand this: hearted realms are not meant to be some test for you to overcome. As you stand within the inner reaches of an Archdevil's soul, they will crush you. They will crush even me," Wei declared, though his arrogant spirit quailed at his words. "For whatever path you choose, whatever Archdevil's Hearted Realm you embark into, they will strike at you. They will strike at your sins. They will devour you from the weaknesses you hold within. But it is possible to pass through them. It is possible to surpass the threats that lurk."
Slowly the young master turned to the Knight of Lust. "Tell them." She obeyed, for she had no more will of her own, and she was little more than a pawn.
"There is no preparing for the Hearted Realm," Severean began, her voice a sibilant hiss. "As soon as you embark, concepts comprising the inner dimensions of the Archdevil's spirit will collapse around you. Everyone will face different trials and challenges, but they will be grown from your memories, from your very fears. What you experience now in the moon graves is supposed to empower you, to give you a feeling of strength. This is an illusion. There is no strength beyond the Archdevil's. There is no overcoming them. Not by your own power, anyhow."
"Not by your own power," Wei said, repeating the Knight's words. Once more, he drew a contract out of his Inventory and showed it to all those present. "This is what the knights will seek to enforce upon you. Contracts, contracts condemning you to service under their Circles. Those of you that are promising will be claimed for years everlasting. We claim you now, for after the hearted realms comes three more trials, but those are more like..." He paused and looked to the Knight of Lust.
"Citizenship registration," she finished, speaking the strange words.
"Citizenship," Wei said, the term sounding impossibly foreign to him. "But we do not need the circles to gnaw on us, feed us in desperation. I say that we can make up for each other's weakness, and I say that together we can overcome what we face. Pass through trials."
"And how do you intend to do that?" a weary voice came from the back. A human outer court disciple, scarred and battered, slipped upon Wei with a resigned expression. "I barely survived this place as it was. Without you, I'm useless. Most of us here are useless. I can see it in these poor shops. I can—"
Wei made a fist. A blast of wind backhanded the man across the room. The offending disciple was launched off his feet toward a nearby wall. Teeth burst from his mouth and blood sprayed. But Wei caught him before he could break his neck against the coming surface. With a jerk of his hand, Wei pulled the ignorant wretch into his grasp and held him before all the others to see.
Cries erupted from all across the room, but Wei showed no mercy. He caught the man by his neck and held him high for all to see.
"You see this man?" Wei said, his voice filled with scorn. "He is your enemy. He is broken already. His heart comes pre-tainted by this trial." He forced the man to look at him. "You will be eaten. You will be eaten by the realm, having not even tried." The man struggled only briefly before sagging in Wei's grasp.
"I told you, most of us are spent. What worth are we?" the man groaned, barely possessing the strength to weep.
"You are worth what you can take. You are worth what you make of yourself," Wei finished. And," he finally said, letting the man fall to the ground, "you are worth my devotion, my investment. You are here because you are fortunate enough to encounter me. And I am here because my sect needs to survive, or its teachings must be passed down. And so, it is time for you all to see the plan."
And with that, Wei made a gesture at Rafael and the lich responded from within their field of invisibility. One of the ciphers coursed down, and a portal flashed open. Slowly, a creeping smile pulled at Wei's lips. "Preparations have been made. You say you are weak? I agree. There are ways to overcome our weakness. Opportunities can be created. Here,"
Wei said, grasping the beaten man via the building gale. "You go take a look first." And then he tossed him through the portal.