Cultist of Cerebon

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Within his new residence conveniently located near TalQamars barracks, Zareth carefully studied the work hed done on the soldier sent to him by General Nasrith.

The young human was at a low enough Level that she would benefit from his augmentations, and expendable enough that the General was willing to send her as a test subject. Actually improving somebodys body with his [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] was a rather tricky endeavor, as natural selection had settled on each races particular biology for good reason.

For example, human skin might be much softer than the thick skin of an ogre or the scales of a lizardkin, but it was much better at sweating, thereby facilitating more efficient thermoregulation. Humans also had excellent day vision compared with most animals and even many of the sapient species found in this world. Lizardkin and naga both had superior night vision to humans, but also had notably inferior color perception.

While enhancing a human with naga eyes could improve their night scouting abilities, it would be more practical for General Nastrith to simply employ an actual naga for the task. As a result of all these considerations, Zareth was somewhat limited in the augmentations he could offer the human woman.

It was far more difficult for him to manipulate a persons internal structure, so he just decided to add thick scales over her important vital points. Such a change should have little impact on her ability to sweat while also providing a small layer of defense that just might save her life in a fight.

So how strong are these things? asked the soldier, scratching at the dark scales layered over her jugular vein.

Their durability should be about equivalent to the skin of a human with 30 Vitality, Zareth responded, studying his work with a critical eye. Far worse than a good suit of armor, but it might just be enough to save you from a stray arrow. What Im really interested in seeing is if they improve in resiliency once your Vitality improves.

The Grimoire of Cerebon claimed that they would, but Zareth wanted to see it for himself. It was a shame that the changes the System made to a persons body when they increased their Stats were impossible to perceive biologically. It would have made his life much easier if he could simply study the body of a person with high physical Stats and replicate their structure in others.

I suppose its better than nothing, said the soldier, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. At least it doesnt hurt or anything. You sure theres nothing you can do to give me claws, or some bigger muscles?

Claws would interfere with your motor skills unless they were retractable, Zareth said as he moved on to grow scales around her forearm. Internal changes are significantly more difficult than external ones, which is why I wont be giving you retractable claws or bigger muscles.

Zareth could probably actually give her venom glands or fangs similar to a nagas, but those were far less useful than they sounded without the corresponding skills. Those kinds of sneaky tricks might be helpful for an [Assassin], but they were much less practical for a frontline [Shieldbearer] like her.

Once they were finally done, Zareth nodded to his stoic observer and watched as Rizok escorted the soldier out of his home. He wasnt exactly fond of having someone watching his every move, but he couldnt deny that the lizardkin was useful. When Rizok returned, Zareth was relieved to see that he was alone and not being followed by another soldier that he needed to augment.

Was she the last of them? Zareth asked eagerly.

Yes sir. The General will be pleased with your efficiency, Rizok responded in a deep voice, his tone detached and professional.

He damned well better be. Its not like I can just use my Skills constantly without getting tired.

Using [Permanent Flesh Manipulation] caused a sort of mental exhaustion that felt like hed been poring over complex equations for hours on end.

Despite seeming relatively simple, each little adjustment required immense concentration and precision, making even minor modifications a tiring process. His Spirit Stat helped alleviate this somewhat, but there were limitations to how far he could push his mental endurance.

Good, Zareth said, rubbing his temple in an attempt to push back his impending headache. Please let me know whenever High Command finishes assessing the augmentations.

I will, sir. Will you be continuing with your plans for the day, or would you prefer to retire for the evening? Rizok asked neutrally.

Zareth would love to hop in his bed and take a nap, but he had far too much work to do.

It was only a few days ago that General Nasrith finished consolidating control of the government and established the Hierophant Council, to which Zareth and the other religious leaders had been assigned. Zareth knew that these early days would likely be the most significant of the Cult he intended to build, so he couldnt afford to waste a single moment.

Ill continue with my plans, Zareth said reluctantly as he began to make his way out of his workspace. His new home provided by High Command was very functional in design, and had only the bare necessary furnishings required for living. This is probably the best time of day to go to the Adventurers Guild, so I cant afford to waste any more time.

Yes sir, Rizok responded, his expression indifferent.

Zareth sighed as he extinguished the oil lantern lighting his home. I wish you would stop calling me that and just use my name. Even if youre technically my subordinate, we both know that you answer to High Command.

Regulations are clear on how you should be addressed, sir, Rizok replied, ignoring Zareths frustration.

Zareth rolled his eyes but didnt push the issue further. He knew the military cared a lot about discipline and hierarchy, and TalQamar was effectively a military dictatorship now. If Rizok insisted on maintaining a formal relationship between the two of them, then that was reasonable.

Fine. Lets just get going, Zareth acquiesced before realizing he had forgotten an important detail. Oh, before we go, you should change into something less conspicuous. Itll make things much easier for me if everyone who looks at you doesnt immediately realize youre a member of the military.

Rizok looked down at his armored uniform and the sword sheathed at his waist. Understood sir. Ill make the necessary adjustments.

Zareth watched as Rizok retreated into a small room to change. This wasnt the first time they had done this, and Zareth had eventually decided to keep a spare change of lizardkin clothes for Rizok. Ever since General Nasrith took control of the government, the citizens of TalQamar had been acting rather cautiously around the military. It didnt help that many of the people Zareth was acquainted with were criminals.

It wasnt long before Rizok returned wearing a simple shawl over a nondescript tunic, his sword nowhere to be seen. Zareth gave the soldier a quick once over before nodding in approval. Alright, now we can get going.

The two of them made their way out of the house and stepped out onto the streets of TalQamar. Nowadays, Zareth always felt a hint of unease whenever he exited his home; not because the city was any more dangerous than it usually was, but because of the large number of soldiers who lived near his house. The military didnt have any standardized uniform, but they all wore cloaks over their armor that was a particular shade of crimson forbidden for civilians and non-military personnel to wear.

Zareth couldnt help but note that the crimson was the same color as General Nasriths scales

It had been several years since Zareth had managed to become a [Cultist] and ceased being a lowly [Street Urchin], but he still sometimes felt a hint of dread whenever he saw a guard.

Now Im technically a member of the government how times change.

Zareth continued to look around for several moments before he began making his way to the Adventurers Guild. They were on the western side of the large oasis TalQamar had been built around while Zareths new home was near the barracks to the north. This meant that he had plenty of time to take in the results of General Nasriths takeover.

Although the changes werent quite as drastic as he would have expected, they were still obvious to a TalQamari native. The streets were still crowded with vendors and shoppers, children still darted in and out of alleys, and people still went about their business, but Zareth could notice a few stark differences.

A quick glance was enough to confirm that the military was patrolling the streets far more than the city guard ever had. Zareth also noticed a human [Seamstress] that he knew to be a worshiper of Rayya was no longer wearing the pendant common to members of her faith. Given her cautious glances at the passing soldiers and the general subdued atmosphere, it was obvious that the people of TalQamar were still adjusting to the new regime.

So, how much longer do you think things are going to stay like this? Zareth quietly asked Rizok.

I wouldnt know, sir, Rizok replied, his gaze fixed forward.

Really? It seems like you would have a better understanding of the military and the Generals plans than I would, Zareth insisted. He needed to learn everything that he could about Tal Qamar's new political situation if he wanted to come out ahead.

Rizok was silent for a long moment before he eventually replied. You are mistaken, sir. You likely know far more about this city than I do. I can only tell you that General Nasrith will maintain a heightened security state in the city until the citizens fully accept their new leadership

Zareth was startled by the lizardkins response. That was the longest he had ever heard Rizok speak, and his words carried a distinct tone of bitterness.

Arent you a native of TalQamar? Zareth asked hesitantly. You should know this city just as well as I do.

Merchant Lord Raqasor hardly ever allowed us to stay in the city for more than a few months at a time, said Rizok, his voice now carrying a hint of resignation. This will likely be my longest posting in TalQamar since I joined the military more than fifteen years ago. I likely know the sands and roads leaving the city better than I know the actual streets of my home.

Zareth thought over Rizoks reasoning and couldnt find any faults. Besides, he could always check out the other groups if the Pathfinders didnt work out.

Youve convinced me, Rizok, Zareth decided, handing the documents back to the clerk.

Very well, Ill arrange a meeting for you, the clerk responded. She quickly wrote down a note and handed it to a young boy, most likely a trainee hoping to earn the [Clerk] Class, who quickly scampered off.

Zareth went to take a seat at one of the long tables while he waited. The clerk had given him more documents related to the Pathfinders, so he decided to spend his time reading about them. They were a four person group, all of them around the same age as him aside from the shivarath leader. Zareth couldnt help but feel a bit envious when he saw their approximate Levels, all higher than his own.

Adventurers are really crazy I have a lot of catching up to do once my Cult gets going.

Zareth found himself lost in his thoughts as he considered his plans for the future and was only brought out of them when Rizok cleared his throat. Sir, the adventurers have arrived.

He looked up to see four individuals approaching their table. The most striking among them was the middle-aged shivarath [Blademaster] who was their leader, Kajal. Standing at little under seven-feet-tall, his silver eyes shone with a sharp intelligence and he moved with a grace that made it clear he knew how to use the many blades hanging around his waist.

Zareth had never actually spoken to a shivarath before, although he had seen a few in the market. They werent native to the continent of Valandor, where TalQamar was located, so it wasnt common to see them here. They were long-lived species known for their six arms, height, and skill in combat. With his silver-gray skin and multiple muscular arms, Kajal was rather intimidating up close.

The other three were races that Zareth was much more familiar with. Tilda was a dwarf [Elemental Mage] wearing robes carrying the insignia of some mage school Zareth had never heard of. The dwarves were a people who were fairly common in the neighboring empire of Eldamir, so he had spoken to many of them.

Casper was a human [Scout], although one likely also from Eldamir given that he had short blond hair and a complexion that was much lighter than any human native to the Qahtani Desert. He was the only one in their group younger than Zareth and smiled brightly with a friendly expression.

The last of them was Sefirah, a lizardkin [Beast Tamer] who would undoubtedly prove invaluable for live capture missions. Lizardkin were native to the desert in which TalQamar was located, but Zareth had a feeling that she was most likely from FalAshar or one of the other nearby oasis settlements. Something about her just didnt seem like a native to him.

Are you the one who wished to meet us? Kajal asked in a low rumbling voice as he and the rest of his team took seats at the table. I was told that you wish to negotiate a long-term partnership with us.

Thats right, Zareth confirmed, giving them a friendly smile. My name is Zareth, and I was hoping to employ you for some unconventional missions.

Kajal raised a brow at his description, his gaze meeting Zareths. Unconventional?

I would like you to capture monsters for me, alive, Zareth clarified. He figured that it would be better to be upfront with his intentions given that they would be working together for a while. These missions would mostly be in the Qahtani Desert at first, but I do intend to send you further abroad in the future.

Once I start making enough money to actually afford that

A collective look of surprise passed among the Pathfinders, and it was Casper who excitedly broke the silence. Capturing live monsters? That sounds amazing! Much more fun than the missions we usually take. Kajal, we have to accept this!

Kajal glared lightly at Casper, who shrank back and offered a slight apology. It was clear to Zareth that they had agreed to let Kajal do the negotiating.

It is an interesting task, but whether or not we accept it depends on the nature of the beasts involved and the compensation, Kajal replied professionally.

Absolutely, I understand that, Zareth said with a nod. Some of them will be dangerous, but they wont all necessarily be that way. Ill mostly be sending you to gather creatures with unique biological characteristics. As for compensation, that also wont be a problem. However, I have an additional proposal that I would like to present to you.

A flicker of caution entered Kajals expression. What kind of proposal?

Here it goes

Zareth lifted his hand for the Pathfinders to see and quickly gave them the same demonstration of his flesh manipulating abilities that he had given the General. Scales grew along his palm as his fingers grew into claws.

I am a [Cultist] who serves Cerebon, God of Flesh and Transformation, Zareth said as the adventurers watched the spectacle with varying degrees of fascination and wariness. My god has granted me the ability to manipulate biological material, which is why I wish to study the creatures that you bring me. It also means that I can offer my services to you all either as healing or for permanent augmentations to your bodies. I dont know much about your profession, but I do know that healing potions must be a sizable portion of your budget.

The Pathfinders seemed more than a little interested in his abilities. Zareth knew that it would probably cut down a lot on the time they spent between missions recovering, and the physical augmentations werent anything to scoff at either.

I really hope they accept

Adventurers traveled far and wide, so Zareth would eventually be able to spread news about Cerebon outside of TalQamar if the Pathfinders managed to do well thanks to his assistance. This had the potential to open up a lot of options for him if he played his cards right.

After a few moments of quietly discussing among themselves, Kajal turned back to Zareth with a suspicious expression. What do you want for these services? Additional payments mean that you expect additional work.

All I ask is that you assist me with a few matters in TalQamar, Zareth answered, careful to keep his tone casual. Im sure that youve heard about the political situation in the city, something that Ive recently found myself involved in given that I now work for the government. You dont need to worry, I wont ask for anything that will get you in trouble with my bosses or be overly dangerous. Youll also be free to decline, although I would of course be forced to stop providing my services.

The offer that Zareth gave was an extremely generous one, basically offering free healing until he needed them for something and even making it non-binding. Of course, Zareth knew that they would be very reluctant to turn away his services once they experienced it for themselves and as his abilities grew more powerful.

Sure enough, the Pathfinders spoke amongst themselves for a while before Kajal once again turned to Zareth. Your proposals seem acceptable, though I need to see the exact details.

Naturally, we can go over them now, Zareth said with a smile.

The next hour was spent going over the exact details of their agreement and a sample of the creatures that Zareth wanted them to acquire. He mostly started off with the weaker ones so as to not scare them off, but added a few that would be a decent challenge. The Pathfinders collectively decided that they would need to give it a lot more thought before they allowed him to change their bodies, but they seemed very interested in the healing. By the time they were done, Zareth was convinced that he had gotten a good deal.

Oh, theres one more thing that Id like to ask, Zareth said just as they finished their meeting and settled on a price for the missions. If any of you are interested in becoming a worshiper of Cerebon, or if you know someone who might be interested, I think it could be a great help. [Cerebons Boon] offers increased physical stats, slight regeneration, and it makes it easier for me to give you augmentations. Worship of Cerebon also doesnt require any overly difficult rituals.

Zareth wished that he had [Devotion Perception] so that he could better target his sales pitches, but he didnt so he had decided to just start spreading the word of Cerebon whenever he could. Zareth wasnt actually expecting any of them to be interested, and most of them werent, but Casper actually paused to ask a question.

What do Cerebons worshipers need to do? asked Casper, his eyes filled with curiosity. That Boon seems really good, but I dont want to do anything crazy.

Nothing much, just a little bit of ritualistic body modification and some prayer, Zareth hurried to reassure, pushing back his hair and revealing his piercing filled ear. The modifications could be anything that you want, so long as theyre done in Cerebons name.

Casper wore an expression of obvious interest until his dwarvish teammate began to pull him away. Come on lad. Choosin a god aint somethin you do without thinkin. We can talk it over as a group.

Tilda glared at Zareth suspiciously as if he was some kind of [Merchant] trying to scam an impressionable kid. Kajal seemed equally protective over their groups youngest member, but was too diplomatic to glare at him. Thank you for your offer, but none of us are currently ready to convert. We can speak more about this once weve returned from our first mission.

Zareth wasnt offended. He already had other plans for gathering members for his Cult.

After a short goodbye, the Pathfinders made their way out of the Adventurers Guild to prepare for their first monster acquisition and Zareth was once again alone with Rizok. His guard hadnt spoken at all during the negotiation, but Zareth was quick to ask for his opinion of the adventurers once they were gone.

Difficult to say, sir, Rizok said after a moment of thought. The [Elemental Mage] and the [Beast Tamer] stayed mostly silent, but that was in deference to their leader. They seem to trust each other, which is essential for any squad. They also seem saner than most adventurers.

Zareth had a similar impression. He would have to spend some effort to learn more about them, but that was a task for the future.

Now that he had hired his adventurer group and secured a path for him to continue improving his abilities, it was time to recruit some followers for his Cult. Zareth had been considering how he would do so since the moment that he had become a [Cultist], and he had a few ideas.