Worshipper Arc:Chapter 21: Bad news.
Valoran looks toward his friends (Demonlise, Attcus, Selina, Biatrix, Artemsia and Merial) to explain what he found out through the interrogation of the Worshipper.
"I figured out vital information on Worshippers and their influence in society which is far deeper than I originally thought." Valoran says in a quiet tone to ensure that he doesn't disturb the class still in progress.
"Are you serious?" Merial questions in shock.
"It is not safe to talk about it here, we will discuss it after school ends." Valoran replies.
Hours go by and school ends for the day…
Valoran's group leaves the academy and heads to a cafe recommended by Demonlise.
They reach the cafe after a 10 minute walk within the capital.
"Here it is. This is where I like to spend some of my free time." Demonlise says with slight excitement.
Demonlise opens the door leading the group inside the cafe.
Merial, Selina, Biatrix, and Artemsia give Demonlise a deranged look.
"This is where your favourite place is…" Merial says with slight disgust toward Demonlise.
"I never thought your this type of guy Demonlise." Biatrix says also with slight disgust for Demonlise.
"I-It sure is interesting…." Selina says with a cracking voice.
"Do you have any other interesting spots where you spend your free time?" Artemsia asks with a condescending tone.
Demonlise did not just bring them to an ordinary cafe, the cafe where he brought them is a maid cafe. Females from all races (Human, Demi-Human, Demon, Elf, etc…) are dressed in maid outfits serving guests.
"Demonlise, you sure picked an interesting place for us to discuss a serious topic." Valoran says toward Demonlise with sarcasm.
"Well…They serve excellent dessert and beverages" Demonlise counters quietly.
"Yeah…That's the reason." Merial replies with sarcasm.
Atticus stares quietly at the maid interested in the way they are dressed and their beauty.
"Atticus." Valoran calls out.
"W-What What…?" Atticus is awakened from his dream-like state.
"S-Sorry, is something wrong?" Atticus says in embarrassment.
"Nothing is wrong but I think we should find a seating area." Valoran replies with a small smile
At that moment a human maid walks up to the group.
"Welcome Master Demonlise, I see you brought some friends of yours I assume." The maid says with a bright smile bowing her head to greet him and the others.
"Thank you for the warm welcome Roxy. Yes these are my friends, please let me introduce them to you. This is Valoran Silver, and this is Atticus Maverick, here we have Merial Seal, this person is Selina Atlantia and finally here we have Biatrix Alston." Demonlise introduces them all to Roxy with a bright smile.
"It's nice to meet you all. I am Roxy Ainley. I will be serving you all today." Roxy says with energy.
"Please follow me." Roxy kindly instructs and leads the group to a table.
She leads them to a seating area, the area consists of a table in the middle of two seat benches and a single chair. Valoran sits on the chair and the other six take seats on the benches (three per person).
They order dessert with a beverage and Roxy takes her leave to ready the order.
"Master Demonlise…" Biatrix says while giggling.
Selina, Merial and Artemsia also giggle at that comment.
"Don't be jealous, dear, come here often and you might be called Master as well." Demonlise replies with a smirk.
Valoran is happy to share this wonderful time with his friends but he needs to discuss certain events.
"I'm happy that we are all together but I need to discuss some serious events that have recently unfolded." Valoran states seriously.
The others look toward Valoran paying him full attention.
"Before we begin…Demonlise." Valoran calls out
Demonlise is paying him extra attention. "Yes?" He replies curiously.
"You saved my Mother from the Worshipper, you have my eternal gratitude. Thank you." Valoran bows his head out of sincerity.
Demonlise is touched that Valoran…the one person he looks up to thanks him with this much sincerity.
"I am happy that I was able to help my friend…but don't forget that you also saved my Mother from her certain death." Demonlise replies with a smile.
Valoran smiles slightly and now moves to the actual topic.
"Wait a minute…you said "Worshipper" does that mean that a Worshipper attacked your Mother today?" Atticus asks with worry.
The others look surprised that Worshippers would show themselves just like that.
"Yes. Demonlise protected my mother from a Worshipper which he brought to me for interrogation." Valoran replies.
"What have you found out?" Merial asks with anticipation.
Valoran takes a deep breath.
"I found out that it was indeed Worshippers who have sent those letters to my Mother and to you all." Valoran pauses.
"I found something far more dangerous that not even I saw coming." Valoran states with slight regret.
The others are anxious as they see Valoran was worried and that was a sign of concern.
"Worshippers have a huge influence in society…everything is going as Worshippers want. Me going to the cave during our exams finding Ava was no coincidence this was done by Worshippers. I've been told that someone very influential and powerful is leading the Worshippers." Valoran reveals.
"Do you have any idea who that person is?" Selina questions with worry.
"No, this person is smart hiding in the shadows. Playing us like puppets for now we need to play this person's game" Valoran explains.
"But how can't you know?" Merial questions with worry.
"I'm not omniscient Merial but sooner or later I will find this person" Valoran replies.
"Now the reason why they are after you is because of me." Valoran states.
"You?" Artemisia says surprised.
"Since the magic duel as you know Worshippers have been keeping an eye on me, I discovered that this is because of my power which they wanted to use for themselves by recruiting me." Valoran explains.
"You would never join a cult this cruel." Artemsia states.
"Of course I would never…this is what the Worshippers knew as well they understand that my beliefs and theirs are opposite and that I would never join the Worshipper ranks. This is why I pose a threat to them." Valoran shares.
"But why threaten you? Why us? Does that make you a bigger threat if you're angry toward them?" Biatrix questions.
"You see…as you know I have killed two Gods and the Gods are suspicious since the last Magic King prophesied that someone stronger will succeed him and that this someone is more powerful than the Gods themselves…Daimos wants to see if that someone is me that's my best guess." Valoran explains.
"Makes sense I guess. Threatening you and your friends as well as your loved ones could lead you to lose control due to anger which could fully confirm that it was you that killed those two Gods." Atticus remarks.
At that moment Roxy arrives with the orders.
"Here you go everyone, I hope you all enjoy your meal" She says bowing her head.
Everyone thanks her sincerely and Roxy takes her leave.
Valoran ordered a cheesecake with tea
Demonlise ordered a strawberry cake with coffee.
Atticus ordered a chocolate cake with hot chocolate.
Artemsia ordered a fruit cake with tea.
Merial ordered a vanilla cake with hot chocolate.
Selina ordered an ice cream cake with tea.
Biatrix ordered a red velvet cake with strawberry milk.
"It all looks so delicious" Selina emits with a smile.
"It surely does." Valoran adds on with a smirk.
"I can't wait to eat my red velvet cake" Biatrix states with a fork in her hand.
"Perhaps we doubted Demonlise and he truly came here because of the delicious desserts after all" Merial says with slight sarcasm and a smile.
"That could be one of the reasons" Artemsia adds on as a joke.
"Well then let's enjoy the delicious cakes" Valoran suggests with a fork of his own in his hand.
All of them eat delicious slices of cakes and beverages.
Everyone is amazed at how delicious the cakes were.
Roxy approaches the group.
"How were your desserts?" She asks with a usual bright smile.
"It was amazing as always, Roxy." Demonlise replies.
"It was excellent." Selina complements.
"I couldn't agree more with Selina." Biatrix adds on.
"I also thought that it was most delicious." Merial also compliments.
"I also enjoyed my cake." Atticus states with sincerity.
"This truly was a great treat" Artemsia with a flattering remark.
"This was a truly excellent piece of cheesecake." Valoran says pulling out a pouch filled with gold pieces.
"I believe this should suffice for the treats and excellent service" Valoran hands her the pouch filled with gold coins which is so heavy that she can't hold it with one hand and requires both hands to hold it.
Shocked Roxy speaks.
"N-No this is far too much, it's only 3 silver pieces." Roxy raises her voice in shock.
"Consider it a tip for your excellent service" Valoran replies.
"Wow Valoran, you truly are generous." Merial remarks.
"It's just my way of showing gratitude." Valoran replies.
"Please keep it Roxy, I won't be taking it back." Valoran asks.
Roxy speechless bows her head in gratitude.
"Thank You so much! It truly is a great gesture from you." Roxy replies.
"M-May I ask for one favour please?" Roxy lifts her head.
"Sure." Valoran replies.
"One of the waitresses is a huge fan of yours since she saw you in the magic duels and wishes to meet you." Roxy explains.
"I understand. Sure I would like to meet her too." Valoran says kidney.
Roxy stares at the waitress who is behind the front counter watching.
"You can come over Lara." Roxy calls out.
A demi-human waitress makes her way over to Roxy.
"This is Lara, she is the big fan I told you about, she immediately recognized you the moment you stepped in the cafe" Roxy introduces.
Valoran stretches out his hand to shake her hand. "Greetings Lara."
Lara shakes his hand. "Greetings to you as well"
"Can I ask for an autograph?" She asks quietly since she is a little shy.
"Sure." Valoran replies.
Valoran uses Taslan (creation magic) and creates a piece of silver with his name engraved.
"From Valoran Silver to my dear fan Lara"
Valoran hands her the piece of silver. "Thank You so much." Lara expresses with joy mesmerised by the beauty of the piece she received.
"You're very Welcome." Valoran relies.
Valoran then with the others take their leave as it is getting late.
Roxy and the other waitresses wish them a good night. Roxy also shares Valoran's generous tip with the other waitresses evenly.
The group outside splits up and each of them head home except for Demonlise who Valoran wishes to discuss something with.
"Artemsia please head home without me." Valoran kindly asks.
"Alright I see you later I will let Aelina know that you will be late." Artemsia says.
"Thank You Artemsia." Valoran says with gratitude.
After everyone left Valoran and Demonlise walk within the capital.
"You figured me out" Demonlise says closing his eyes.
"I did…" Valoran replies.
Demonlise takes a deep breath.
"That waitress Roxy…you have feelings for her, I heard your heart beat increase the moment she approached us." Valoran explains.
"I do…" Demonlise confirms.
"You know you act on those feelings and ask her for a date." Valoran advices Demonlise.
"I can't…I'm a God…I am eternal and will last forever she's a human and will eventually die, I want her to grow old together with someone she loves" Demonlise expresses with sadness.
"Demonlise your strength truly amazes me…despite your feelings for her you choose to hold them back due to your race." Valoran states with amazement
"It's the price I need to pay." Demonlise says with sorrow.
Meanwhile…
The elvish Worshipper who was interrogated by Valoran makes her way to an abandoned building where other Worshippers dressed in dark robes wait for her.
"Any updates on your mission?" A deep voice asks.
She looks toward the source of voice and in the darkness a dark figure dressed in a dark robe with gold shoulder plates can be seen by her.
She bows her head. "I have no memory after I engaged Aelina Silver." She replies.
The figure turns around who is the leader of the Worshippers.
The eyes glow green. "Hmm I see…very interesting indeed."
"Has my memory been erased?" The elvish worshipper asks.
"Yes…but not just that it seems that someone destroyed the part of your brain containing those memories, this requires great skill and control…Valoran Silver perhaps?" The figure questions