The Achievement Junkie

While Federal City was experiencing its greatest festival in centuries to celebrate the return of their gods, those gods had returned to Olympic Chateau. There, they sat around their viewing table while Halmut sat at the head. He kept shouting into a contact crystal but never received an answer.

"Then… there's only one thing to assume… Naparn has been killed."

Halmut's cold tone pierced the hearts of those around him. He continued, "Curse you, Naparn! How dare you be so weak as to die to that assassin while in your hybrid form!"

"Your excellency… Might I say something?"

Nodding slowly, Halmut replied, "Of course… you may speak, Lyrun."

"Thank you." Lyrun stood up from his seat and gathered everyone's attention. "I don't think Naparn's death is so much about Naparn's failure to defend himself. I think this is at least partially due to Sterfen's mysteriousness. We know too little about him. Without any proper knowledge of his level, abilities, or origin it's incredibly difficult to plan against him or his possible attacks."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" asked Halmut.

"Should we get the chance, we need to learn about Sterfen, that's should be one of our top priorities. Now that Oosam has joined us, we should be able to learn something if we can capture one of them."

Putting his hand up, Oosam stated, "I may have some abilities with mind magic but that doesn't mean I'm as talented as Eedaj. Extracting thoughts from an unwilling god would be tiresome and time-consuming for me."

Turning to face Oosam, Halmut questioned, "But it would be possible under those two conditions, correct?"

Before Oosam replied he held his breath and chose his words carefully. "It wouldn't be impossible. But I can't guarantee any results, especially not immediately."

"So we need to capture one of them again, that's doable," added Halmut, nodding.

Lyrun continued, "Aside from that, what comes next is a land grab. Churstin will be meeting with the Leisure Guild in four days to discuss their possible submission to Trodar. But after their intel learned our reappearance, they reached out to their connections here in Federal City. We should accept their invitation and join the conference."

"I'll go alone."

"Your excellency, I think--"

"I don't like the thought of anyone else being subject to Moranti's or Sterfen's madness. Not yet at least," Halmut stated. "You'll all remain here for the time being. The only exception will be Kylon, who will return to the depths."

"Your excellency, can I know the reason for my leave of Olympic Chateau?" asked Kylon. "Wouldn't this be the safest place?"

"This place is the easiest for me to enter instantly, so, in a sense, it's the safest place. However, should Moranti enter this place along with Sterfen, they could probably manage to kill one of you during my arrival. I'll be sure to resurrect any who fall for such a ploy but that wouldn't stop them from stealing the key," Halmut explained. "That's why you'll make an immediate return to Kustram.

"As for the others, I need you all to select the finest warriors we have. Torian, Grixor, you two have my permission to aid in ascension. However, should you attempt to raise your levels beyond lv. 98, then I'll be forced to activate your contracts."

"Your excellency, isn't that quite a radical tactic to use?" Lyrun asked, surprised like the rest of the gods.

"I'm sure that Kori has already ascended once again. Though he'll be lv. 90, that's still another god to their side. And we can forget the high-leveled traitors that should also be gods by now. If we don't increase our numbers now, we won't have time to rethink our strategy or make such preparations," Halmut reasoned, again surprising the gods around him. "Lyrun, you'll also be permitted to aid in ascendance. I want you at lv. 97, is that clear?"

"Yes… your excellency." The Elf God bowed, accepting the order.

The Sun God looked around at some of the disappointed faces, mentioning, "There are some of you that I would like to be stronger but I don't yet trust you enough for such a thing. Prove to me how you handle your territories and deal with Trodar's influence there. If you prove successful, then we'll discuss your future growth."

"Then what about me?"

"Kylon… I want you to select up to two warriors. At lv. 96 you'll be able to defend the key properly while you're deep below the water. Moranti would be restricted underwater, as would Sterfen. Only Lunara can compete with you down there but your magic already surpasses her, and at lv. 96 she wouldn't compare with you."

"Very well… Thank you, your excellency."

"May I?"

Looking to the side, Halmut smiled, expecting nothing less. "Go ahead, Tralbok."

Lyrun sat down as Tralbok stood up, asking, "What am I lacking in order to prove my allegiance?"

"Hmm… A good question…" Leaning back in his chair, Halmut took a moment to think.

Tralbok continued, "I've already led my fellow chaotic gods to gather under your banner, your excellency. Also, I've proven to be an undeniable asset in healing and countering Sterfen's abilities. Without me, any of his targets would be unrevivable, even for your excellency. I've even killed your traitorous former champion in the past. What is it that I must do now to prove worthy of your trust?"

"A good question indeed… I'll allow you to aid a single person in ascendance. Will that suffice? That should prove that even you former chaotic gods will have the opportunity after demonstrating loyalty to me."

"Thank you very much, your excellency!"

As Tralbok bowed, the other chaotic gods felt a bit better. Oosam was the only former chaotic god that rolled his eyes, not being a fan of Tralbok's constant butt-kissing.

"Then it's settled," Halmut continued, "Lyrun will be placed in charge of constructing my temples, leaving you to handle your own temples within your territories and the shrine for Federal City. We'll remember Naparn's fall as something foolish he brought on himself for constantly meddling where he shouldn't have.

"Remember that. I don't mind you having animosity toward our enemy but you should never act in a way that brings the temptation of doom. Naparn was lucky to not be reprimanded for his handling of Kori's execution, let alone for not chasing after Sterfen and Lunara during the war. He created a grudge but didn't act while he had the opportunity to kill off the threat. That's a lesson to be learned."

"Yes, your excellency!" all the gods shouted in unison.

"Then, allow me to rest awhile. Should you need me, make sure it's urgent. If not, ask Lyrun for his opinion," Halmut added, casually yawning and reverting to his bestial form as he exited the conference room.