Pip let out a strained gasp as his short, nimble legs fought to scale the steep mountainside. The rugged terrain seemed to conspire against him, every jagged rock and gnarled tree root a formidable obstacle in his path. "I shouldn't have taken the form of a gnome. What was I thinking?" he muttered to himself, his voice carried away by the gusts that howled through the jagged cliffs.

Clutching the hood of his cloak tightly, Pip shielded his face from the biting wind that seemed intent on revealing his presence. His cloak, a patchwork of earthy colors, did an admirable job blending in with the natural surroundings, but it was his unassuming features and small stature that truly helped him melt into the crowd.

He held his divine aura close to his core, its power coiled like a dormant serpent. He dared not let even a wisp of it escape, for the merest hint of his true identity could unravel their plans in a moment. He had taken the time to even change his eyes, a feat that was challenging for most deities trying to go unnoticed. The golden orbs that marked his divinity were concealed behind the disguise, hidden beneath an earthly shade that masked his true nature.

Amidst the hushed murmurs of the devout and the heartfelt prayers of the worshippers, Pip felt a tangible, reverent energy that resonated through the mountainside. Pilgrims from every corner of Helios had journeyed here to offer their respects and devotion to HER.

But suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere was shattered by a series of shouts, like thunderclaps amidst the mostly silent crowd. Panic and protest surged through the crowd and Pip, in his gnome form, found himself violently pushed by an invisible force, a sudden gale that threatened to send him flying.

Pip gritted his teeth, determined not to react and reveal his identity as an air mage glided past him with an arrogant tilt of his chin. Behind the floating mage, a retinue of attendees, all red-faced and huffing, struggled to keep pace with their levitating leader.

"Make way, midget!" A red-faced guard, encased in heavy armor, barked with condescension, his sword cradled threateningly. Pip reluctantly took a step back, obeying the imperious demand. As the hurried procession moved on, Pip couldn't resist the urge to teach the two arrogant men a lesson.

He focused his powers on the air mage, his prestigious robes flowing behind him as he floated. Simultaneously, Pip targeted the guard who trailed his master like an obedient puppy. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Pip produced a golden coin and began to spin it in his hand, infusing it with a dash of his magic.

Patiently, he watched as the enchanted coin soared into the air, its trajectory influenced by his power. His impish smile grew as he observed the comical consequences of his spell. The guard, focused on the mage, didn't see a small rock in his path, and with a yelp of surprise, he stumbled and lost his balance. Desperately, he flailed his arms in an attempt to stay upright, inadvertently hooking his sword onto the mage's flowing cape.

The result was a spectacular mishap that unfolded before Pip's eyes. The air mage, who had been gracefully gliding forward, was suddenly yanked backward by the force of the guard's fall. The two men found themselves in a rather awkward and intimate position, their faces centimeters apart, looking at each other like long lost lovers. locked in an unintentional embrace.

And then, in an amusing twist of fate, the entwined duo began tumbling down the winding mountain path, their ungraceful descent causing a domino effect as they plowed through the remaining members of the mage's retinue. Pip erupted into fits of unrestrained laughter as, one by one, the guards and servants of the arrogant mage found themselves reluctantly joining the impromptu downhill race.

His laughter acted as a wake-up call for the shocked and frightened onlookers who had been caught off guard by the unexpected spectacle. They couldn't resist the infectious humor of the situation and soon joined Pip in laughter, their collective amusement breaking the oppressive atmosphere.

Before Pip continued his journey towards the sacred temple, he couldn't resist casting one more spell at the hapless air mage. After all, the mage had unwittingly insulted a God!

Pip's hands made subtle, intricate movements, weaving his magic into the tumbling man's fate. He could feel the threads of fortune and misfortune intertwining in the mage's life. It was clear that for the next fortnight, the mage would find himself ensnared in a relentless cycle of calamities and mishaps, with each endeavor leading him from one precarious situation to an even worse one.

Unbeknownst to the mage, he had unwittingly offended the God of Luck, and Pip couldn't help but relish in the poetic justice of the situation. With a final glance at the chaos he had wrought, Pip continued his journey toward the sacred temple, his mischievous smile never wavering.

Satisfied with the mischief he had wrought, Pip resumed his arduous trek up the unforgiving mountain. He couldn't help but feel some resentment toward HER for choosing such an inaccessible location for her temple, but he understood the underlying reason. The Scalebound Spire, a place teeming with history, was a testament to her power. Deep scars in the mountain, remnants of the dragons who once called it home, still marred the landscape centuries after their expulsion by HER.

This daunting location served as the ultimate test of her subjects' loyalty. There were no cities or towns for kilometers around the mountain, and the treacherous ascent deterred all but the most determined pilgrims. The distant roars of the dragons that lurked in the nearby mountains, biding their time to reclaim their former domain, added an extra layer of tension to the journey.

Yet, despite the challenges, mortals from all races and walks of life came to seek HER favor, to pay their respects, and to beseech for HER blessings. Pip observed elves gracefully riding their stags, their wicked horns gleaming in the morning light. Dwarves, with their mechanical creations emitting puffs of steam, or astride their battle hogs, showcased their resilience and determination in their own distinctive ways.

Amidst the crowd, he spotted mothers clutching their infants tightly to their chests, shielding them from the biting wind and relentless sunlight. Humans rode their tired donkeys or, for those more affluent, employed magical devices to ease their travel, or soared on the backs of flying mounts. It was a motley procession of devotion, as people from all corners of the world strived to reach the temple's towering peak, determined to prove their unwavering loyalty to HER, by reaching this remote and formidable place she called home.

For most of the pilgrims, this arduous journey up the mountain was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They believed that by making this pilgrimage, they had proven their unwavering faith and loyalty to HER, the deity who had captured their hearts and souls. Some, however, chose to return, driven by the desire for a second favor or the hope of bestowing HER blessings upon their family members. HER faith had instilled an unparalleled fanaticism and devotion in her followers, unlike anything seen among the Pantheon.

Pip, as a minor God, had briefly pondered the idea of emulating HER practice by granting blessings to those who sought them. But a blessing was no simple thing especially for a minor God like himself. He couldn't afford to expend his limited mana every time someone prayed for good luck or fortune. Unlike HER, who commanded the unwavering devotion of a legion, Pip's power was more finite and fragile.

With a forlorn sigh, Pip contemplated his position. He wasn’t aiming to join the Pantheon, but he couldn't help but envy their boundless power and influence. Life was undoubtedly easier for them, their overwhelming power let them go unscathed in the pit of pipers that was the Gilded City. Yet, such power came with its own set of consequences and responsibilities, some of which Pip was keen on avoiding at all costs.

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When he finally reached the peak, he couldn’t help but appreciate the grandeur of the sacred temple. The temple's towering spires, adorned with intricate carvings and gilded in shimmering gold leaf, stood as a testament to HER importance in the hearts of her followers. As the fading light of the day danced with the elaborate glasswork that portrayed various scenes, all depicting HER as a caring and benevolent woman, it was clear that her image held a sacred place in their lives.

For a brief moment, Pip felt the urge to shout at her followers, to reveal the stark contrast between their perception of her and her true nature. She was far from the benevolent motherly figure they envisioned, rather a scheming, self-serving creature with a singular purpose, increasing her own power. However, the mortals were blissfully unaware of her true character, and Pip had no intention of exposing his divine ally. After all, which God wasn't driven by their self-serving and arrogant motives?

Pip stepped into the sacred temple, and an overwhelming presence immediately wrapped around him like a suffocating shroud. He couldn't help but grimace at the discomfort of being so close to another deity's aura, but he pushed aside the unease and forged ahead. The mortal worshippers who felt the immense power emanating from HER fell into solemn silence as they sensed her divine presence.

Within the temple's hallowed halls, priestesses diligently tended to the weary pilgrims, while devoted disciples burnt incense or meticulously arranged the offerings and gifts presented by the mortals. The atmosphere was one of profound reverence and unwavering devotion, and the silence that enveloped the crowded space was complete, save for the soft, whispered prayers that punctuated the air.

Pip navigated through the sea of devout followers, his presence largely invisible to their fanatic eyes. He moved toward the towering statue of HER, the focal point of worship that drew the unwavering attention of her devotees. The lifelike statue seemed to possess a penetrating gaze, as if it could peer into the very souls of those who stood before it.

As Pip circled around the statue, he eventually came upon an unassuming door guarded by a priestess dressed in pure white. “You are not supposed to...” Her protest was cut short with a strained yelp when Pip allowed a fraction of his divine aura to touch her. She recoiled in surprise, and her words faltered.

"Blessed Tychos, SHE is expecting you," the priestess intoned with profound respect, stepping aside to allow Pip to pass. With a silent nod of gratitude, Pip proceeded through the door.

Pip stepped into a small chamber, its interior bathed in a warm glow by the massive window that overlooked the breathtaking mountain. He didn’t stay there long and he began climbing the winding staircase. With every pump of his short legs, he climbed hundreds of steps, until he finally reached another door.

With a sense of trepidation, Pip pushed the door open, but to his surprise, he found not another chamber but a magical portal that beckoned him forward. Without a moment's hesitation, he stepped through it, and in an instant, he was transported into an identical chamber on a higher level.

The circular chamber was adorned with three windows, each fitted with colorful glass that filtered the light, casting a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors across the room. Other than the fancy windows, the chamber held a few key elements, a bubbling cauldron that emitted a pleasant fragrance into the air, a worktable cluttered with an assortment of luminous, blue-shining rocks that left Pip feeling somewhat unsettled, and a small hearth at the room's center, accompanied by a comfortable-looking armchair.

Seated in the armchair was SHE, the deity who commanded the Scalebound Spire. In this simple setting, she radiated an overwhelming beauty that looked out of place. Her presence was ethereal, as if she belonged among the brightest stars in the cosmos, and the statues and paintings Pip had seen earlier could never truly capture the breathtaking allure that graced her form.

With grace and elegance, the Goddess closed the small book she had been reading and looked up at Pip, her radiant smile making his breath catch in his throat. "You have finally come! I was waiting anxiously for your return," she said, her voice carrying the weight of divine authority and false affection.

Pip bowed respectfully to the Goddess, showing her the reverence she expected. His eyes briefly flitted back to the cluttered worktable, laden with the blue-shining rocks, but he quickly refocused his attention on the deity before him.

"Well?" She demanded, her patience wearing thin.

"He has arrived," Pip swiftly informed her, not wanting to prolong the moment.

"I know that! Did things work out as planned?" Her tone was impatient, and Pip hurried to provide an answer.

"I had the old lunatic find him. It was quite a challenge to orchestrate the entire situation with so many Gods present, but fortunately, none of them noticed the proceedings." Pip's words seemed to appease the Goddess, who nodded with evident satisfaction.

"Good, good," she murmured, her eyes glittering with pleasure. "So, what do you think of our champion?" Pip hesitated for a moment before responding.

"I don't know yet. He managed to kill the old man without my intervention, which is a promising start. But other than that... I don't know. He seems bewildered, unsure of what to do. Perhaps we should adopt a more hands-on approach."

The Goddess vehemently shook her head. "We cannot afford that. One misstep, and our intricate plans would be exposed. It's far too dangerous. We must proceed as planned." Pip nodded in reluctant agreement, even though he had his doubts. The human champion appeared to be a weakling, and his befuddled state did little to inspire confidence.

"Was it truly necessary to erase his memories?" Pip inquired. "It seems to hinder his progress more than anything else."

SHE sighed, acknowledging Pip's question with a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, it was necessary. If we had allowed him to retain his memories from his former life, his progress would have been even slower or even stopped completely. He was plucked from another plane, a place with an entirely different set of rules and morals. Our divinations indicated that if we had let him remain as he was, the sequence of events we need to unfold would not align as intended. There are always consequences for our actions, and while his progress may seem sluggish, he is on the right path. Once he acclimates to this new reality, everything will fall into place."

Pip nodded in understanding. He had learned not to question the Goddess's decisions, as her every command was meticulously thought out and divined. Everything, from the choice of the meeting with the old man to the orchestration of the events leading to the young mortal's current state, had been carefully planned and executed according to her divine design.

Even though the old man had been kind and generous, he had been raised by a superstitious woman who believed in old tales and myths. One of her favorite bedtime stories had been about a cruel Voidtouched entity that indiscriminately preyed on small children. Unfortunately, that particular tale was true. What the woman didn’t know though was that that man was not evil or cruel, but he had been driven to madness by his magic.

The young Bene took the tale to heart, and he held an irrational fear for those creatures ever since. So, when Talax revealed his magic, the old man had reacted out of fear, attacking him without thought. It was a necessary step in the grand plan, one that had to lead the young mortal to realize the need to hide his magic and set him on the path of his destined journey.

Pip couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse for manipulating the old man and the unwitting human, who had no inkling of who or where he truly was. However, He had to do it. Everything had to happen as was prophesized or else... No! The time had finally come! And that simple, foolish human was his only chance.

Each deity involved in the grand scheme had their own unique motivations. Some sought greater power, others aimed to expand or alter their domain of influence, and a few held such dangerous secrets that only a complete shift in power could save them.

As Pip met the Goddess's black, otherworldly eyes, a peculiar trait among the deities, he caught a glimpse of her own hidden secrets reflected back at him. She, too, was a pawn in this intricate divine game, just like Pip. Her eyes hinted at enigmatic truths and concealed motives, but he knew better than to question or delve too deeply. Despite her role as a pawn, the Goddess wielded extraordinary power that made her a formidable player in the unfolding scheme.

The silence was disrupted by a hiss that snapped the Goddess to her feet. She unraveled her graceful form and hurried to her worktable, where she seized a shining core and tossed it into the hissing cauldron. The vessel seemed to calm down once it was fed.

"That would be all, Tychos," the Goddess declared, her focus on her noxious concoction. "Proceed as instructed. Let us see if this new champion will finally be the one."

With a respectful nod and one final glance at the array of extracted mana cores belonging to her devout followers, Pip bade his farewells and exited the chamber. Alone at last, he allowed himself to take a deep breath.

"A mother," he scoffed to himself, "a mother who eats her own children."