Our progress is coming along nicely.

Geneeva looked over the foundation they had laid out for the guard house. Such a task would have normally taken considerably longer, at least that’s what he speculated with his limited knowledge in construction. However, the increased physical abilities of the spirit blessed villagers proved invaluable in completing difficult tasks quickly.

They could have accomplished much if only they had the drive to do so before my arrival.

Sorting through his stored memories he could tell that the villagers spirit forms were rare throughout the world and fearing such a secret making its way into the ears of those in power, they had chosen to seclude themselves, living peacefully in the woods.

“What a waste, generations of stagnation.” He spoke aloud, not caring if anyone overheard him.

Prior to this plague they kept their numbers low, if they had just birthed more children they could have made a formidable force…

As he sorted through memories he scoffed at the past elders, the spirit blessed beings enjoyed extended lifespans, this bloodline even enjoyed such a benefit when not directly blessed by the spirit.

They would have seen progress in their own lifetimes…

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Dismissing the memories from his thoughts he continued walking along observing the villagers at work as he debated the dilemma now facing him.

I need to find more information…but judging from the limited scope of travel the elders did it would be a waste to sacrifice any other villagers.

Looking down at the lines running along his arm he teased the idea of simply sacrificing more of them to increase his own strength, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Even under the best conditions where one could expertly manipulate their mana for the spell, you would at most see a small gain of strength per sacrifice, no more than a tenth of what the being had while alive. In his current state he was lucky to get half that.

Though these villagers are something else.

Smiling he continued along, mulling over his current situation.

Knowledge, and who to piss off first.

Although he was technically granted no time limit for his task, the thought of being consumed by his Goddess for not making any effort in his task was something he would not tolerate. He had to begin making progress towards her goals, the easiest way was to begin spying on local powers to piece together the puzzle before him. Though that would undoubtedly attract said powers to his location shortly afterwards.

So…Is it Felhold or the druids we bring down on us first? The druids are close by and could be a potential target of knowledge, plus they are preoccupied dealing with the white plague spreading through the woods….Should look into that as well while I’m at it.

“If only they had more information…” He absentmindedly tapped his arm as he spoke, cursing the seclusion the villagers had preferred over their lives.

Felhold….I don’t know if it’s a capital city or anything of the sort, But when would a capital city be near the border? Safe to assume it's no more than an outpost fortress.

Taking into consideration that drawing the ire of Felhold could bring the wrath of a country down on his head the choice became clear.

The Druids it is.

Smiling to himself he strolled back into the village, now the only question left would be who he would use to power the soul spell.