POV: Victor Sterling
“I have a different divine class at level 46,” I repeated.
She thought for a moment, “How many citizens live in the Forge?”
Straeddas responded in his icy tone, “Just under one hundred sixty thousand souls have the privilege to serve in Forge of Creation.”
“Do all of you share this conviction?”
Ruze respectfully responded, “Why shouldn't we give our reverence to a being of great power that brought us up towards his level?”
Empyrea flashed a puzzled look, “What level are you guys?”
The six of them glanced in my direction, I nodded. Zellora started, “I have the lowest of the Thirteen Executives at 1053. But over all, not counting those under aged, I think there are some of the with low talent in the upper 200s. The military policy is that no one under level 300, in combat classes, can serve outside the Forge or in the lower defenses.”
“Do you have any idea how incredible that is?”
The six looked at each other, that is when I spoke up, “After spending the past week out there I learned,” I turned to my subordinates, “Level 150 is considered extremely high level.”
Xodox responded expressing the thoughts of the others, “It fell that much in 400 years. We had wanted to be able to compete with the most capable back then. We had assumed the the average would rise so we aimed to meet that now.”
“This is partly my fault as one of the Protection Gods, we have been unable to help the people much as our energies have been focused on the war,” Empyrea explained to the group in a sorrowful tone.
“The average was higher in the past?” I asked curiously.
“Most of the was able to reach level 90 or above by half their life span.”
Silence fell over the room as the melancholy facts laid bare. In this silent reflection, I remembered the treaty that the towns folk spoke of. No one could give me many details on it.
“While in town, I heard about a treaty you and the others signed regarding the city and the surrounding territory?”
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“Ah yes. About 390 years ago in the early parts of the war we had located the Forge and the small settlement that sprung up near it. After many attempts to breach it, by Garvur on our side and Holmes on their side. I hate to say it but we needed the stores of weapons the fight the war.”
Queendrabia interjected, “Holmes was the first to find us about 450 years ago he has been trying to break in ever since, while after the treaty it slowed in frequency he persist to this day. He was repelled just 6 months ago. He has never gotten past our arena.”
Adratheth spoke up, “I've missed sparing with Garvur, he was always respectful even with his loss.”
That is when the dinner started to come in. While the meal was extravagant compared to what I was accustom to, I knew that they wanted to show their sincerity. Yep, that whole I am a god thing is deeply uncomfortable.
“Wow, your people know how to go all out. Wait, no that isn't right. It has been only ten minutes from when the chefs left, and this is the meal?!?!?!”
Zellora responded, “They have the evolved skill [Perfected Preparation], it is a skill that is a bit of a limited divination type. They just know what is needed to be made just before they need to start making it. And my lord, it is different then it was back when we were just illusions. Instead of you picking what you want and it being instantly ready. You don't pick it but the perfect choice is always presented to you.”
Empyrea was shocked, “You know about the game?”
“Yes. We know that we are full embodiment of the illusions in the game that was before. We remember everything that happened before the shift. Like a drawing before the masterpiece.”
Empy sat back stunned by the revelation. A whisper escaped her lips that I caught thanks to my enhanced hearing racial skill, “What did my guilds followers think?”
The quiet lasted for a long time before she spoke once more, “Forgive me I am used to being the most powerful and knowledgeable. I forgot what I had came to your doors every year.” Standing up she continued, “I Lady Empyrea of the Pantheon of Protection, wish to inquire on your standings in the God War. The people of this world are weak and we are leagues above so it is our responsibility to make this world one of peace and prosperity by protecting those that cannot. Please lend us your aid in this conflict. We, Garvur, Doctor Crow, Polyxo, Tagar, Respen, Isekora, and myself, realize this is a big decision to make but we warn of urgency as the Pantheon of Rulers will act when they find the Forge of Creation no longer having an empty throne.”
“Empyrea, your arguments are compelling but this is no longer my choice alone anymore.” The heads of my Executives whipped in my direction and locked eyes with me. I nodded at them, “I will need to discuss this with the Execs of the Forge and the town that live in the mountain's shadow. I also need to re-establish myself in this new world. Plus those that have come under my responsibility must have a say as well.”
“I.. uh.. I guess that is fair,” She responded in a slightly disappointed way.
After dinner, I called the guard by the door, “Take Empyrea and her entourage to Guest Quarters 3.” They saluted and lead them away. After the door closed I looked at the men and women that have held this base for me for nearly two thousand years, “So, I guess the best place to start is... I'm glad to finally meet all of you properly. For this world you are my family.”
