Chapter 16 - Corrupted Priestess
"I believe it's time for me to venture deep into the forest to find some high-level monsters," Bong mused aloud.
"Fear not, my beloved bat cave. I'll be back in a jiffy. Don't get all sentimental and start forming stalactite tears, my rocky abode," Bong playfully declared, his voice infused with a lighthearted touch and affection for his cave.
[ALERT]
[Oh gosh, such a dramatic bat]
"Hey you devilish System, shhh," Bong retorted with a mockingly hushed tone, his wings flapping in playful annoyance.
Bong, Venture on his quest for next evolution deep in Dark Forest, meanwhile in capital city - Kingdom of Kithage.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I would like to inform you about the Dungeon that emerged in the Dark Forest. We managed to clear the Dungeon, but regrettably, I couldn't locate the Ogre responsible for my son's demise. I deeply apologize for allowing that creature to escape," The Elder respectfully addressed the Emperor while expressing his regret, bowing on one knee.
Emperor sat upon his golden throne, adorned in regal attire befitting his position. His robes exuded a rich shade of golden yellow, and his eyes, deep and intense, bore the color of obsidian. Despite his middle age, an air of authority surrounded him, accentuated by his commanding presence.
"Aldric Thornwood, my heart aches upon hearing the news of your son's passing. He was meant to be the next hero of humanity, as foretold by the prophecy. I find it hard to believe that the prophecy of the priestess could have faltered. According to her words, he was destined to venture into the dark forest to retrieve the legendary Excalibur sword. Are you absolutely certain that you were unable to locate the Hero's Excalibur sword?" The Emperor's voice carried a mix of sorrow and disbelief, his eyes reflecting the weight of the situation.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I swear upon my life, I have searched the Dungeon and its surroundings, but the Hero's Excalibur sword was nowhere to be found," Aldric Thornwood replied with utmost sincerity, his voice carrying the weight of his determination.
As the news of the Excalibur sword not being found in the Dark Forest reached the Emperor's ears, a mix of deep thought, frustration, and anger danced in his eyes. Despite the storm of emotions within, he maintained his composure in front of those present in the throne room. With a subtle wave of his hand, he dismissed Aldric Thornwood, signaling the end of their conversation.
"Summon the priestess," The Emperor commanded, his tone carrying a sense of urgency and authority.
The guards who were stationed in the Emperor's throne room swiftly moved to the holy church to summon the Priestess. As soon as the Priestess received the call, she hurried to the Emperor's palace, aware of the urgency of the situation.
"Your Imperial Majesty, may you live long," The Priestess greeted with a respectful bow, her demeanor displaying reverence and humility.
"How did the prophecy, as foretold by you, go awry? Our future Hero is dead now and there is no sign of the Excalibur sword," The Emperor inquired with a mix of frustration and concern in his voice.
"Your Imperial Majesty, the prophecy stated that a Hero would be born from the lineage of Aldric. While the firstborn son has tragically passed, Aldric still has a second, son who may fulfill the prophecy. As for the location of the Excalibur sword, it is possible that it lies hidden deep within the Dark Forest, as the prophecy did not provide specific details about its whereabouts," The Priestess explained, her words measured and respectful.
"Yes, you are correct. I find myself deeply concerned about the whereabouts of Aldric's second son," The Emperor replied, his tone reflecting his worry and frustration.
"Do not worry, Your Imperial Majesty. Aldric's second son is currently attending the Magic Academy as a first-year student. It might be best to let him continue his studies there and hone his skills," The Priestess reassured the Emperor with a calm and soothing tone.
After receiving the report, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand, signaling the end of the audience in the throne room. Once all the attendees had left, he retired to his private chamber.
Seated in his private chamber, he summoned the captain of his secretive shadow army.
Captain Erebos, the commander of the secretive shadow army, was summoned to Emperor's private chamber.
"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. Your command is my duty," Captain Erebos replied with utmost respect and loyalty.
"Be the shadow of the Priestess. I do not believe her words. Report to me anything you find suspicious," Emperor instructed, his tone serious.
"Understood, Your Imperial Majesty. I shall shadow the Priestess and report any suspicious findings," Captain Erebos affirmed, his loyalty unwavering.
As the priestess made her way to the Holy Church, a sinister smile played on her lips.
"You fool, Emperor. Do you believe I would tell the entirety of the prophecy to you? A variable has come into play, and I shall patiently await your downfall. I haven't forgotten the day your burn my whole village, my family. I could only hide and bear witness of my whole village, my family burns in front of my eyes, but now, it will be you who watches as your son and your kingdom crumble," She thought with dark determination.
"After all, I have waited patiently for twenty long years, for this day. As a sole survivor, I shall be your demise. "
"The day I learned of the prophecy, that a Variable had been born, I wasted no time in eliminating Aldric's first son. However, it's agonizing that I can't kill the second son just yet. He's safely nestled within the Magic Academy, shielded from my reach. My pact with the Demons granted me this dark power, but alas, it comes at the cost of my own soul," She mused with a mix of frustration and sinister determination.
The Priestess had forged a sinister pact with the Demons, bartering away her soul in exchange for formidable demonic powers. Her burning desire for vengeance against those who had taken everything from her led her down this treacherous path.
For months now, she had hidden behind a facade, using her corrupted authority to deceive the entire Kingdom.
However, she could no longer seek guidance from the Goddess and the true prophecy. She knew she had to bide her time, concealing her newfound power until the Variable grew stronger. Her thoughts were consumed by the intricacies of her dark plan.