The power I held, it was so great I couldn't see the whole of it, couldn't grasp the scale, so vast had it become I didn't have a reference point for it, a way to see its true nature. As it was, I came to understand what I held far too late to make a difference to the final outcome. I cannot blame myself. Nor do I blame us. What were we, except the victims of our conditions, living our goals and ideals as best we could?
I weep for those who were left behind, but I did all I could. As did we all.
It was always so damned hot down here. The wave certainly didn't help, the fire mana hung so thick in the air Alir could smell it, brimstone and sulphur tickling the edge of his nostrils with every breath. He coughed and spat, trying to get the foul taste out of his mouth to no avail, the spittle evaporating to nothing mere seconds after it touched the ground.
"Blast it," he muttered under his breath, stepping outside the inner chamber to try and get some air.
The acolytes outside stepped out of his way as he burst out the door, robes flapping behind him. They bowed low as he passed, their foreheads below the level of their waist, as was proper. Alir paid them no mind, such things were beneath his notice, instead he focused on his own restricted lungs as he marched through the temple and toward the front door, hoping to find relief.
you," a timid priestess informed him as he strode past, causing a frown to
"Demon?" he snapped.
Priest," she
for something only the twisted denizens of this place would consider important. The unfortunate reality was that there were some demons he couldn't afford to put offside, for the sake of the church's work here. Maintaining a cooperative partnership was a requirement of doing business on
than the clear air he sought, he was greeted by the sight of the blasted wasteland that was the third strata, the blistering heat and demon stench even more pungent than before. The demon city of Roklu was no grand sight either, the rough stone buildings and even rougher denizens not improving
tricks. Regardless, he dragged in a few lungsful and spat once more for good measure. He knew very well that only the most trusted members of the church could be given assignments like his, but the Path knew he regretted the strength of his
a voice from nearby and Alir turned to see a razor thin pride demon eyeing him hungrily from
you want, filth?" he sneered. No need to
demon didn't react to his taunt,
wantsss you," a fetid grin stretched across
getting on his nerves. Thinking of the message that had been delivered, his mouth twisted, what did the petty despot ruler of this
day couldn't get
disk of stone the city stood on, and therefore, to the pillar. The various denizens of the city, mostly demons with a mix of sapient settlers, moved out of his
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