Unholy Player Chapter 552: Playing the Unknown

"Certain questions linger that we all require more time to resolve," Henry declared while standing up from his chair, interrupting the discussion and capturing the focus of everyone present.

He skipped over those issues entirely. Rather, he dove directly into the most pressing concern. "The Rank 4 Practitioners continue to await a response within our city. The two Blood Path Practitioners are in the same boat. What exactly do we say to them regarding all these events?"

For the Humans, the circumstances were particularly tricky. Revealing their actual origins remained impossible. This compelled them to stick with the fabrication of originating from the Central Region, a deception they'd used from the start.

Due to this falsehood, they were obligated to claim the two descended Gods as their patrons. Even more crucially, a robust and convincing rationale was essential. It had to placate influential Practitioners and explain the shift of their Paths to AXION.

Silence enveloped the room once more. This was no mere lull, but a weighty one. All grasped the gravity involved. Their choice would determine their grip and sway over the whole Outer Region, and if they could achieve it without vulnerabilities for foes to target.

The 12 City Managers displayed the most composure. Such scenarios were commonplace for them. Over years on Earth, they'd crafted stories, steered masses via faith, terror, and managed data.

"Answering them isn't necessary," one declared at last, his tone steady and confident, reflecting the assurance from extensive background.

Henry creased his brow a bit. He halted, evidently grappling to grasp the reasoning in such a straightforward verdict.

Before the quiet could drag on, another City Manager interjected.

"They saw two Gods descend firsthand," he stated calmly. "Shortly afterward, their Paths transformed into the one Mr. Adyr devised. For them, that's irrefutable evidence of might. The sort that sparks reverence, rather than inquiries."

He surveyed the gathering. "Right now, we can view them as already in our grasp."

A different City Manager inclined his head affirmatively. "Sentient creatures share common traits across races. They dread the unfamiliar."

As the statement hung in the air, Henry's face gradually shifted. The puzzle assembled itself. He at last comprehended their approach.

Explanations weren't required. The absence of words served as the reply. Perpetual ambiguity would compel others to form their own theories, gradually eroding their determination and assurance.

Ultimately, what endured would be their primal dread of the obscure, gradually molded into faith, and in time, into devotion.

Adyr appeared to favor the notion. A subtle grin touched his features, faint yet unmistakable.

Embodying the enigmatic suited him instinctively.

Thereafter, matters would progress naturally.

—

Upon the mountaintop plateau, the atmosphere seemed utterly transformed.

A gentle wind swept across the expanse, lightly caressing rocks and atmosphere. It alone pierced the hush.

Elevated far above the earth, Zephan floated on his Silver Whale, eyes locked on the spot where enormous gates had loomed recently, a location once akin to the world's core.

Solitude evaded him.

Liora, Throgar, and two Blood Path Practitioners lingered a touch in front, all airborne. Words were absent. Their focus stayed riveted on the summit beneath.

Below, numerous additional Practitioners lingered motionless on the landscape. They dotted the field, regarding it as hallowed territory. No exchanges occurred. They arrived to linger, watch, and offer mute homage.

Each mind hunted for clarifications, but lips stayed sealed.

Patience for the Humans' return was all they could muster.

Zephan kept his stare on the vacant area. Then, afar, a silhouette neared. A pale avian sliced quietly through the heavens, bearing its passenger onward.

"Father," Thalira whispered upon reaching him, her tone muted to preserve the quiet.

She had been within the training facility when the gates materialized. Then, her efforts centered on enhancing her abilities in the VR chamber the Humans supplied, oblivious to external chaos.

The Gods evaded her direct sight. Nevertheless, their aura proved undeniable. It surged over her abruptly, flooding her awareness and rendering her senseless.

Awakening brought a new reality.

Her Path had shifted from Ignis to AXION, an unfamiliar term. The surprise alone unsettled her deeply.

Subsequently, she discovered it affected more than herself. Her father's Path altered too. As did all in the Outer Region. That truth struck with greater force.

Zephan pivoted toward her gradually and offered a smile. Tension eased from his frame as he regarded her. "My daughter. How are you feeling?"

Warmth filled his eyes, mingled with worry.

Recently, Thalira had advanced via the VR facilities to Rank 4. Previously, such progress spelled doom for many kin.

Among the Lunari, the Blood Path affliction had historically driven Rank 4 achievers to madness and spiritual ruin. Thus, her state had burdened Zephan profoundly.

"I feel fine," Thalira replied after a short delay, assessing herself mid-statement.

No odd feelings or unsteadiness plagued her. None of the alterations that once ravaged forebears appeared.

"I understand," Zephan exhaled leisurely, evident ease in his words. "We must express proper thanks to Lord Adyr afterward for removing the curse from our lineage."

Lingering skepticism vanished. He firmly held that the malediction was utterly banished.

"Yes," Thalira responded softly. Her eyes wandered to the silent Practitioners above and below. "Father... what lies ahead for us?"

Fear absented her tone. Only intrigue and subdued anticipation colored it.

In one day, the God and Path they'd adhered to lifelong vanished. Transformation loomed unavoidable.

Zephan shut his eyes briefly. Upon resuming, a hint of past fury tinged his words. "God Ignivar held our faith... our lifelong devotions."

Then his manner gentled. Appreciation supplanted bitterness. "But ultimately, aid came from another deity. One unknown to us, untouched by our prayers."

He regarded her anew. "Lunari know the essence of thankfulness."

Thalira held his look and grasped it instantly. His path was set.

—-

Throughout the mountaintop, parallel exchanges unfolded.

"Chief, what's your perspective?" Brakhtar Gorat inquired, both craniums voicing in unison flawlessly.

Post-ingestion of the synergy crystal from the Legacy Domain, dual heads proved challenging to master. Presently, though, poise marked his bearing distinctly.

Soulforge Throgar, Gorathim Chief, replied sans turning. "We forsook the Aether Path. That guilt etches us forever. Henceforth, AXION guides our steps."

His declaration underscored his commitment to the novel Path and creed.

The Humans' vow of synergy crystals influenced that choice substantially. Such gems would enable all Gorathim to secure their extra head fully.

Backed by Humans and this fresh Path, prospects emerged to purify their heritage and ascend as authentic Gemnarchs. Thus, ample motive existed to embrace the shift.

—

Elsewhere on the peak, the vibe was more relaxed.

Liora gathered with Lucen, Mirela, and Malrik, their talk far freer than surrounding ones.

"Sis, repeat it for me," Mirela urged with enthusiasm. "Were they truly larger than your Titan Ape shape?" Her multicolored eyes gleamed as she pressed closer.

Amid the divine arrival, solely Liora occupied the Human City. Her companions stayed in the Velari Kingdom, bypassing the spectacle altogether.

Liora shot a sideward look at her sibling and sighed faintly, evidently wearied by the barrage. "You know discussing Gods this way is improper, don't you?"

Mirela sulked. "Why not? They're deities. They won't mind a query about their appearance."

Deities were universally accepted yet unseen entities. With a firsthand account now available, inquisitiveness surged naturally.

Malrik chimed in. "Are all Gods colossal giants, Lady Liora? I ponder if God Astrael exceeds in size."

Even Lucen displayed engagement. His usual stern visage eased as he attended.

They proceeded to contrast the might of their past god, Astrael, against the duo of newcomers, portrayed by Liora as titans.

"You..." Liora began, facing the trio as a subtle throb built in her head.

She wavered, debating the merit of fueling their irreverent wonder further, when her focus abruptly diverted.

Motion stirred overhead.

From the Human City bearing, a fleet of enormous hoverjets emerged, advancing in unison like ancient beasts of prey.

Leading them soared a lone form, directing the array, bearing white and black wings that flapped through the wind as it propelled ahead.