THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 25
"The Soul reaper's mission "
[Location: Unknown, Base of the Espiritas Cult bathhouse section]
In the heart of an unknown location, hidden from the eyes of the world, lay the secret base of the Espiritas cult. It was a place shrouded in mystery, where whispers of dark rituals and unseen forces filled the air.
Deep within the base, there was a bathhouse – a relic from an older time, resembling a Roman thermae. Steam rose from the hot waters, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The room was dimly lit by flickering torches that cast dancing shadows on the stone walls.
Sitting in the bath, eyes closed and body relaxed, was one of the cult's highest-ranking members – a Soul Reaper known only as "N." His rank was just below the High Inquisitors and directly marking him as one of the most powerful and feared individuals within the cult.
SOUL REAPERS:
[ - Title: Collectors of the Damned
- Description: Elite warriors and mages tasked with executing the cult's will in the outside world. They often lead raids, perform sacrifices, Battle, and seek out the fragments of the Twin Dragon Blades. They are highly skilled and deeply loyal(this group all of them have codenames and additionally their identity are unknown even among themselves).]
As he soaked in the hot water, letting the steam envelop him, the heavy wooden door creaked open. Another figure entered the room, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. This newcomer was also a Soul Reaper, known by the code name "K."
"K," a tall man with a lean build, bearing scars in an X shape across his face, approached the bath. His face was partially obscured by the shadows, but his confident demeanor was unmistakable. He slipped into the water with a sigh, the warmth easing his travel-weary muscles.
"Oh, K, you unexpectedly returned so soon," N remarked, his tone a blend of surprise and amusement.
[Name: Soul Reaper 'N'
Status: Soul Reaper of the damned
Magical abilities: unknown
Rank: Unknown]
"Ahh, this water feels so warm. I'm surprised that you are surprised I'm back already. You know I'm the person who gets the job done," K replied, as a lady approached with a glass of wine for N.
[Name: Soul Reaper 'K'
Status: Soul reaper of Animateur
Magical abilities: unknown
Rank: unknown]
"Give me that as well," K said, nodding towards the lady who quickly brought him a glass.
N admired K as he sipped his wine. "I see, you are one impressive individual, I must say. In all your years dedicated to the cult, you have never failed a mission assigned by the High Inquisitors. Even the other Soul Reapers get jealous of your talent."
"You know I always get the job done. One of my objectives is to dedicate my all to this cult after they gave such a luxurious opportunity to a nobody like me who couldn't even provide for his family," K replied, taking a sip from his glass.
"So, K, how was traveling to another region?" N asked out of curiosity.
"It was my first time going to the Northern nations. The information in the books were accurate. The Northern nations really have some harsh cold weather. Just by dropping some water, it already freezes instantly," K said.
"That's insane," N responded, clearly shocked.
"I know, right? I accomplished the task given to me by the High Inquisitors. Now I'll have to report back to them. I actually missed this hot, warm water when I was at the Northern nations. Wait a minute, where are the other Soul Reapers anyway? I can't boast without my favorite crew," K said jokingly.
"They'll be back soon. They have other matters to finish. I'm the only Soul Reaper left in the base," said N.
"You're lucky. And here you are, enjoying yourself in a hot bath, drinking all the wine to yourself," K said, teasing.
"It's my turn now to chill from missions. Can't you just leave a poor guy like myself alone?" N teased back.
"Pshhh, whatever ,you bastard. You can 'chill' by yourself. I'll have to go and report back now. My body is already feeling warm," K said, standing up and starting to leave.
"Come back when they give you another mission, hahaha," N said, laughing.
"What's he laughing about? It's impossible, I literally just got back from my mission," K thought to himself as he dressed and left the bathhouse.
----
[Location: Unknown, The Obsidian Sectum]
The night draped over the Espiritas cult base like a heavy shroud, casting deep shadows across the ancient stones of the Obsidian Sanctum. Soul Reaper K approached the sanctum with purpose, his steps echoing softly in the eerie stillness that surrounded the holy place of the cult.
Before him, a magical barrier crackled with energy, warding off intruders with its formidable power. K knew the ritual well—he retrieved a small knife from his robes and bit down on his finger, drawing forth a single drop of blood. With steady hands, he placed the droplet into a small indentation on a nearby mechanical artifact, activating its latent magic. The barrier shimmered, acknowledging the offering, and then dissipated, allowing K passage. (The mechanical artifact works as a security mechanism by the entrance at the senctum by K using his drop of blood the mechanical artifact was able to identify the person seeking to go inside including their identification and rankings and other relevant information)
Entering the sanctum, K was met with the sight of five figures seated in opulent chairs, each draped in intricate robes that concealed their faces. The sanctum, vast and dimly lit by flickering torches, held an air of reverence and secrecy that commanded respect.
K approached the high inquisitors and knelt before them, one fist pressed firmly against the cool stone floor, his head bowed low.
"I greet the mighty high inquisitors of the Espiritas cult," he intoned solemnly, his voice reverberating softly in the chamber, "may our god continue to bless you forever."
"Greetings, Soul Reaper K," a voice replied from the shadows of the robes.
"god bless you."
K remained in his reverent pose as the high inquisitors acknowledged his return from the mission they had entrusted to him. "I'm grateful that you had returned safely," one of them spoke, their voice resonating with authority. "We sent you to another region knowing we could have faith in your abilities, K. The Grand Harbinger will be pleased to hear the news, and our god is pleased."
"I am grateful," K responded, his voice tinged with pride.
"We have successfully made more than a hundred disciples from the north, achieving our target in less than two months."
"Impressive, K," another inquisitor chimed in. "Our plans are coming together after years of setbacks. Even the rulers of the world remain ignorant of what awaits them."
"But we have one more task for you," the first inquisitor continued, shifting the tone to a more serious note. "We have acquired 90% of the Fragments of the Twin Dragon Blades. However, one fragment remains elusive—the Wind Dragon holds it. Our follower tasked with retrieving it never returned, but we have identified a masked figure linked to the incident, spotted at the Valorwood Academy in the Kingdom of Valor."
K listened intently, his mind already strategizing the mission ahead. "Understood," he replied, his voice unwavering despite the weight of the task. "I will do whatever is required of me."
"We trust in your capabilities, K," the inquisitor assured him. "Retrieve the fragment and secure it for the cult. We are sending you because we know you will not fail." The first inquisitor said as he offered him a strange doll.
With that, K stood up, accepting a small, intricately crafted doll—a powerful strange item that is of a S-rank magnitude .
"Thank you," he said respectfully, holding the doll in his hand. "I will not disappoint."
"Remember," the inquisitor's voice echoed behind him as K turned to leave, "do whatever is necessary to complete the mission, even if it means dealing with unforeseen obstacles."
"Understood," K affirmed, his determination solidifying as he left the sanctum, his mind already focused on the daunting task that lay ahead.
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Meanwhile, Back at Valorwood Academy, the Dungeon Exams were about to commence. Students gathered in the forest field ready to enter their respective dungeons .
Alex, standing beside his team, glanced around. As they prepared for the exam, the academy's atmosphere was charged with the promise of adventure and the unknown dangers lurking within the dungeon's depths.
Kaidën smiled, his usual calm demeanor a reassuring presence. "Let's do this."
Alex took a deep breath, his eyes shining with excitement. "It's time"
With a final nod, they stepped forward, each entering their respective Dungeons, and the exam began.
(TBC.....)
Next chapter "A calm before the storm"