The windows of the lecture hall were closed, and the smell of incense filled the air. The candles offered just a little light, creating vague silhouettes in the darkness.
Keita had never heard such chanting before. It was magic to call forth a god who should not exist here.
Canila had been so friendly that it was easy to forget. These were beings who had power and knowledge beyond him. And they could work miracles.
Before he knew it, the air had become cold.
“Vengras…is this…”
“The temperature often drops during a summoning ritual. Some say the warmth of the world is part of the price that is paid.”
Pale light gathered in the center of the magic circle, and then it started to expand. As if to avoid it, the people moved back.
‘What is this? Such a haphazard ritual.’
Said an unfamiliar voice. It did not sound pleased.
‘Who commanded you to do such a thing! Leave, you vermin! Now that the scene is set, I will do the rest!’
The light started to change shape and turn into a flicking blue flame. At the same time, rays of light were released into the air, and began to draw detailed patterns.
And like that, giant tapestries appeared on all four sides of the magic circle.
‘Come now. Into my tent. And speak of what is on your heart.’
A gap appeared in the shining barrier, large enough for a human to pass through. Vengas put a hand on Keita’s shoulder.
“Sir Hero. Our god is calling you.”
“Ye…yes.”
While overwhelmed, Keita stumbled towards the entrance and stepped foot into the boundary.
And like that, his surroundings transformed into that of a marble.
The cold white stone walls blocked his path in the distance on all sides. And there was a stone bridge leading upwards from where he stood.
On the other side, a man was sitting at a desk and appeared to be reading something.
“There you are. Come.”
Said the man with red hair.
“Are…are you the Seer?”
“Who else is here? Did you come here to ask such boring questions?”
While feeling anxious by the severe words, Keita sat down on the chair that was facing the desk.
Still, as he looked at the god once again, his nerves calmed a little.
He had been expecting a little more from a god. Something giant. Something blinding. Perhaps something invisible. And surrounded by angels.
“I do not care to show off. What would be the purpose in intimidating you? You are already cowardly enough, human. And it would just bore me.”
“Why…”
“Why am I able to know your thoughts? Because I’ve observed you humans for a long time. Your gaze, attitude and actions led to the truth. That is all. There is no need for me to actually see into that shallow, worthless soul of yours.”
“Then why did you call me? If you know so much, then you must already know what I’m going to say.”
“But what about you? Do you know why you were called here?”
The Seer looked up from his documents and met Keita’s gaze. He stared as if to access the Hero.
“You…want…to use me…”
“That is rather vague. Perhaps I should have been more precise then. In that case, what am I trying to use you for?”
“I…I have no worth right now… You already control the village…you have your frontline base… And then…”
As he spoke, Keita thought about what would happen in the future.
They were the army of the Hero of justice, pretending to aid others.
“If I…leave the village on my own…it will all be according to your plan.”
“So you thought that far. Your goddess might be scum, but she had a decent pawn.”
“But I still don’t understand. Your Hero or Vengras could have just said it…”
The god smiled thinly.
“Indeed. This meeting looks terribly inefficient. However, there is a reason I chose this path.”
He stared at Keita as if to test him.
What reason could he have, when he already had such a great advantage?
“You do not know? Well, it cannot be helped. Perhaps it is beyond your imagination.”
“Beyond my imagination?”
“It is related to the management of the games. In the future.”