Against The True Gods

Caine and Lilith sat on a rooftop, overlooking the serene city below. The night air was crisp, the snow-covered streets bathed in the silvery glow of the moon.

"Hm, that's interesting," Lilith said aloud, watching the guard and merchant part ways. Her rose-colored eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Have you heard of this?"

Caine shook his head slowly, his dark hair rustling with the motion. "No, not at all. I've been too focused on the Clan gathering." He yawned, stretching his long limbs. "Zao did mention a few things brewing in the central continent, but nothing urgent enough to need my attention."

Lilith shrugged, acknowledging his words.

"Yeah, I guess. Still, it's good to keep track of stuff like this," she said, scooping another spoonful of ice cream from the wooden bowl in her hands. The dessert was infused with wood elemental crystals, an experiment by an ambitious chef from one of the stalls below.

While the ice cream hadn't impressed Caine, Lilith seemed to savor every bite.

"So, when are we meeting this guy?" she asked between mouthfuls.

"He should be here any moment."

WHOOSH!

A rush of wind heralded the arrival of a figure behind them. Soft winds rustled as Theobald's imposing frame cast a shadow over the duo. His deep blue and gold eyes glowed with respect and reverence. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Theobald intoned, his voice low and measured. He turned to Lilith and inclined his head. "I greet the Heiress."

Caine rose slowly, his eyes warm as he looked at Theobald. He placed a firm hand on the older man's shoulder, helping him up. "There's no need for that, Sir Theobald. Please, stand."

Theobald complied, straightening to his full height—an inch taller than Caine's already impressive six-foot-eleven frame. His eyes softened at Caine's genuine smile, a smile that reminded him of a man he had once sworn to serve through life and death.

A sigh escaped his lips, and his stern expression melted away. "I've been well, Your Highness. Congratulations on your recent victory. I apologize for ever doubting you. My sincerest apologies."

Caine chuckled, patting Theobald's arm lightly. "Oh, come on. I told you there's no need for that. It's fine." He nodded toward the distance. "Shall we get going?"

Theobald nodded and waved his hand. A swirling portal appeared before them, its edges shimmering with a silvery glow.

As Caine and Theobald began to walk toward the portal, Caine glanced back. "You coming?"

Lilith grinned, stood up, and followed without hesitation.

**

They emerged in a dimly lit room, the air damp and heavy. The lack of windows suggested they were underground. Fire-lit lamps lined the rough, mudstone walls, casting flickering shadows across the expansive chamber.

The room was enormous—far larger than one might expect from such a hidden place. At its center, nine silver orbs floated in mid-air, radiating a soft, otherworldly glow. They illuminated the room like miniature stars, their light pulsing gently.

Theobald stepped aside, and Lilith followed suit, standing back to let Caine approach the orbs alone. He didn't hesitate, his eyes locked on the floating spheres. But as he took his first step forward, his body stiffened. The moment was fleeting; he soon resumed his stride, continuing toward the orbs.

Behind him, Theobald and Lilith exchanged stunned glances, though for different reasons.

Theobald's brow furrowed in disbelief. He hadn't designed this room, but he knew well the test it held. Each step toward the orbs applied crushing pressure on the mind, pushing it to the very brink. He had witnessed countless warriors crumble under that weight; some had even perished after a single step.

Lilith, on the other hand, could feel the pressure emanating from the trial. Her Will allowed her to sense the layered oppression, and it was terrifying. She was confident she could pass the test, but not with such ease. It didn't add up. She was two Will stages ahead of Caine, and after having forged her Bone and Flesh Structures she reached the peak of the Blood Realm. She should be stronger.

'Now that I think about it, I can't see through his cultivation or thoughts anymore… strange,' she thought, her frown deepening.

'Does it have to do with that red thing attached to his Will?'
Experience tales at empire

WHOOSH!

Caine reached the orbs, their silent call resonating within him. He could feel the boundless power they held, the majesty and authority that oozed from them. But that call remained unanswered—for now. With a firm tug of his Will, he drew the orbs into his Bond Space, storing them away for later.

Now wasn't the time to bind with such potent treasures. If Theobald was to be believed, these were some of the strongest artifacts to ever exist. He couldn't take this lightly.

And of course, as always, Caine had a plan.

"That was a bit anticlimactic, wasn't it?" Caine chuckled, turning back to them. Their inquisitive stares didn't faze him.

"It truly was, Your Highness," Theobald admitted with a sigh. His expression grew serious. "About my allegiance to your parents… it's complicated. I…"

The air thickened with unspoken words.

Theobald struggled to continue, his face a mask of conflicted thoughts.

Caine's smile never wavered. "It's alright. I understand."

He didn't press further, walking past the older man. His eyes met Lilith's. "You want to head back home, or…"

"Or?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

"There's a city nearby with an ancient beast exhibition. Interested?"

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Will there be good food?"

"Mhm." He smirked. "The duke there is a master of the culinary arts. The exhibition is about the beasts they use to create their dishes."

Lilith's eyes widened. "Oh?"

They stepped through the portal, their figures vanishing into the swirling light.

Theobald remained behind, his gaze lingering on the spot where they disappeared. His shoulders slumped slightly, and a weary sigh escaped him.

'Fate has its way with things.'

He took a step forward and teleported away, leaving the room empty. The silence that followed was profound, the faint flicker of the lamps the only sign of life.