Chrysalis Chapter 1797 - The Templars Grow

My question is met with six figures shuffling their feet, looking momentarily bewildered. They exchange glances before Jern eventually lifts a hand.

[Great One, please don't treat me like a student; there's no need to raise my hand like that.]

He lowers it, albeit with some reluctance.

[It just seemed like the proper thing to do, Great One. You truly are a god, after all.]

[I assure you, I am not a god.]

[If you say so,] he replies doubtfully. An attempt to convince Jern of anything, I realize, is ultimately a pointless endeavor. [We've been quite occupied with the conflict against the Krath,] he continues. [Assisting the Colony in defending their fortresses, supporting the human battalion members, and also helping the Priests.]

[The Priests?] I repeat, a touch confused. [How exactly are you aiding the Priests?]

Those antenna-sporting simpletons are a nuisance to my thorax, yet they do provide remarkably potent buffs when the Colony fights alongside its allies. Unfortunately, these buffs are too advantageous to forgo; otherwise, I would gladly abandon them.

It is Bertran who provides the explanation, sheepishly scratching the back of his head.

[Well, they have requested our presence at some of their services, asking us to share a few words and the like.]

[I mostly just stand there,] Jern adds.

I find myself struggling to believe what I'm hearing.

[Well... in a manner of speaking,] Bertran hedges. [I believe they appreciate seeing us, given our connection to you.]

[And what message are you conveying to them, Bertran? What profound wisdom do the Templars impart?]

He scratches at his neck once more.

[Primarily, I just advise them to ensure they get adequate sleep. You haven't exactly provided a list of commandments, have you? Is there anything specific you wish for us to convey? Any directives for your followers?]

The three younger Templars, Emilia, Trean, and Allison, vigorously nod at the mention of sufficient sleep, but fall silent and fix their gazes upon me with undue intensity when Bertran inquires about further commands.

[No! I truly dislike bringing this up again, but I am NOT a god! I am an exceptionally awesome and impressive monster. I absolutely refuse to establish official life guidelines for a group of bewildered devotees. Who knows what they might do with them?!]

The author's narrative has been distorted; please report any instances of this story appearing on Amazon.

Honestly. When my only concern was the priests, this wasn't such a significant issue, but now there are far too many of them. If anything, their outlandish beliefs are only proliferating. What was once confined to the survivors in Renewal has now infiltrated the Dungeon cities within Colony territory and continues to spread relentlessly. The crusades certainly did not help matters.

Now, a multitude of individuals have embraced this peculiar ant-based faith, to the extent that the imbecile Beyn actually attained a Prophet Class! Ugh!

No, I refuse to dwell on that; let's simply move past it.

For the first time, Alis speaks up. Discussing combat is, as always, a topic she is more than willing to engage in.

[Excellent, Great One. We have accumulated numerous Levels and are prepared to undergo our Class advancements. We were simply awaiting your awakening and presence.]

Uh... why is that?

[Is there a specific reason you waited for me?] I inquire, perplexed. [I've been incapacitated for six months, and since regaining consciousness, I've been occupied with matters all over the place. You could have advanced your Classes much earlier, I'm quite certain.]

Alis hesitates, seemingly reluctant to answer, but Jern readily steps in.

[We waited for you,] he states, as if that explanation was self-evident. Which, of course, it was not.

[I understand that. But why?]

The towering young man simply shrugs.

[It seemed like the appropriate course of action.]

Ugh. This shouldn't be this difficult.

[Very well. Why did you feel that way?]

[I suspect if I answer that question, you will become displeased.]

Damn it!

[Fine. I'm here now, so we might as well proceed. Go ahead and evolve... or... whatever it is you do.]

[Class advancement,] Bertran interjects helpfully.

[Yes, that.]

I'm uncertain what to anticipate – perhaps they would simply close their eyes on the spot, or perhaps they would begin gesturing wildly while interacting with some unseen interface. However, I am taken by surprise when all six of them move towards me, extending their hands. Instinctively, I step back defensively.

[W-what are you doing?]

They halt their advance.

[I was simply going to place a hand on you during the Class Advancement,] Jern explains.

[Why is that necessary?!]

He doesn't hesitate.

[I don't believe you wish to hear the answer to that.]

[Wh-? But... FINE. Sheesh.]

Each of the six steps forward and ceremoniously places a hand on a different one of my legs, intensifying my discomfort. It's manageable; I can endure this.

[How long will this process take?] I ask them.

[Not very long,] Bertran replies, his eyes closed. [We simply need to select a new Class from the available options.]

Right. Well, I suppose I shall just stand here then.