The Achievement Junkie

"So, that's how you figured it out."

Nodding, Oosam explained, "I was the first to learn that Moranti had been colluding with Choron. I also learned about his contact crystal, though I never mentioned that information to Tralbok. That was when I discovered your involvement in Moranti's and Choron's plans."

"In other words, you've already got evidence that I've betrayed Halmut," stated Lyrun. "And since I'm assuming you never mentioned this to Tralbok, you want to know more about my plans and how they could get you out of your new contract?"

"You guessed it."

"And why should I believe you?" asked Lyrun.

Oosam shrugged, "I don't technically have any proof. If Eedaj was available, I'd be more than willing to have him verify everything for you. Only that's not possible while we're in Olympic Chateau, where he can't access my mind."

"You want to step out of the chateau?"

"I wouldn't be opposed to it, at least for a brief moment," Oosam answered.

Tapping his forehead, Lyrun sat up and turned his full attention to Oosam. "If I were to include you in my plans, what would you offer me? And no, I'm not interested in contracts."

"Good, because that's what I want to escape. Unlike Skaryn, Halmut offers no way out. And since we were once chaotic gods, our contracts were--"

"They can cripple you as well as remove your godhood," Lyrun finished Oosam's statement. "It's something I'm highly against but Tralbok, Naparn, and Halmut were insistent upon enforcing. Yet another thing I dislike about Halmut's leadership style. Had there been other subordinate gods before me, I would've known better and pledged to Daruun along with Eedaj…"

"Same, though I'm entirely against my contract with Skaryn," admitted Oosam. "He's more lenient than you would think. We had his protection while our contracts end at lv. 99, and he never used the contracts to threaten us into submission. We weren't as free as the neutral gods, but at least we could still act as individuals."

"Well, I can't promise anything about your contract due to how extreme it is. If it were a regular contract, at least you could potentially escape to Trodar and be left at lv. 89. Now… I'm not entirely sure how to get you out of it."

"How did Lunara get out of her contract?" asked Oosam.

Lyrun chuckled, shaking his head. "You have to credit Sterfen for that. He took me and Naparn hostage in order to get Lunara's and Kori's contracts. But Kori acted out just before the exchange and was rendered mortal as Sterfen received Lunara's contract in exchange for Naparn's life."

"Seriously?! How did he--"

"It was when we didn't know about Lorwynn being alive, so Lorwynn snuck Sterfen into Olympic Chateau and had his way with us," added Lyrun. "Doing that now would be much more difficult though, thanks to Halmut's increased security and all the gods being on guard."

"I can't believe it… Well, now that we know he could kill Naparn, I guess it's not too hard to believe."

"But don't expect such a scenario to happen again," stated Lyrun. "Given that you're one of the more expendable gods in Halmut's eyes, I doubt he would agree to give up your contract."

"That makes sense… Too bad…" Oosam sighed. "Wait, can you still contact Moranti?"

"Yeah, I can still reach him."

"Then let me talk with him! If it increases the chances of my freedom, then I don't care what it will take."

"Are you sure about that?" asked Lyrun, showing Oosam a slight smile. "Once you've committed to it, there's no way out. And if you're caught, don't expect me to stick up for you. Even if you try to frame me for something, you'll have no evidence strong enough to convince Halmut of my treachery, not after Halmut sees you as a spy."

"It's either I try to seek freedom or I remain a divine slave to Halmut," reasoned Oosam. "Will you let me contact them or not?"

Sighing, Lyrun smiled and shook his head. "No, at least not here and now. We'll have to plan a time to contact them, at the soonest tomorrow."

"But why can't we--"

"One, because Moranti is busy at the conference. Two, because we need to make sure that no one will interrupt us or have a chance to learn about our actions. Even if you went off to do it alone, they'll trace the contact crystal to me, destroying all of the work I've done so far," explained Lyrun."

"... Fine, we'll wait till tomorrow," Oosam unwillingly agreed.

"Good, then I'll contact Moranti after the conference and make sure he sets aside some time to--"

Without warning, a powerful pillar of light fell over the pavilion. Oosam instantly dropped the barrier as both Oosam and Lyrun were startled by Halmut's unexpected arrival. But before they could greet Halmut and ask what happened, the Sun God rushed away at his top speed and entered the golden palace.

This happened within a single second, leaving Oosam and Lyrun speechless.

"What… Have you--"

"I've never seen Halmut do such a thing," Lyrun admitted. A layer of holy energy covered Lyrun's eyes as the Elf God looked about the palace. "He must've entered his chambers… The door is locked so we can't approach him… What happened in Churstin?"

Just then, both gods heard the shouts and roars coming from the conference room. Without the barrier, they could now hear the unrest that each of the spectating gods felt from their cries alone.

At the same time, soft footsteps were heard coming from the opposite entrance to the pavilion. Oosam and Lyrun were startled to see Perchet approach them with a bow. The Blind God softly spoke, surprising them both further.

"Count me in. Let's talk in my chamber."

"Perchet, what are you--"

"Lyrun, Oosam's barrier isn't as strong as Sterfen's," stated Perchet, admitting his eavesdropping without admitting it. "I'll explain Halmut's retreat and you'll explain your plan. You should've told me sooner."

"You can hear through silence and illusion barriers?" Lyrun asked under his breath.

With a nod, Perchet smiled. "Don't underestimate the power of sound. Very few can escape my ears. Now, come."

Perchet turned around, calmly walking back to his chambers. He was followed by both of the startled gods who were anxious to learn what else Perchet had been hiding from his fellow gods.