Chapter 261: The Web of Deception
Tessa moved closer to the Base 137 gate and left with her sons through the exit, navigating away to a place where she could ascend to an higher plane.
The gates of Base 137 stood silent as Tessa led her twins away, their figures cloaked by the shadows of the towering structures. Her expression was resolute, her pace deliberate. They moved with purpose, seeking a sanctuary where she could unlock the mysteries of ascension to the higher realm where Solaris and Lunara dwelt, a goal now entwined with the fate of her children.
While she was working on that with her twins, the entire base 137 had descended into a chaos of gossip. Whispers flew like wildfire among the Kaelrian residents. Every corner buzzed with speculation about Tessa and her twins. Some spoke in awe, others in fear, but all agreed on one thing—this family was unlike any Kaelria had seen in millennia.
In a house, secluded but grandiose in a modest way, a lesser god sat down and looked at Dzek in his messed up state. Dzek sat slumped on a chair, his body trembling with pain as half his body part was burnt to crisp. His once-mighty frame was now battered, his Kaelrian aura dimmed to a flicker.
This lesser god was named Demacles an healing lesser god with 220,000 Kaelrian Joules of energy. He was Dzek's only hope because of his special ability, however, Dzek felt this might be even beyond his ability, and that it was a miracle that Dzek was even still alive.
"I heard you provoked the daughter of Solaris?" Demacles said nonchallantly. He had no sympathy for Dzek.
When Dzek had all the power, he ignored Demacles and hugged all the profit to himself and now that he was in trouble, he came crawling back like wounded mouse, he won't have even entertained Dzek if the latter had not promised him a lot of Kaelrian gold in payment.
Demacles regarded Dzek with a mix of disdain and curiosity. "Provoking the daughter of Solaris, Dzek? That was bold—or accurately foolish," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Dzek's breathing was labored as he attempted to reply. "I had no choice... She was..."
"Save it," Demacles interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. "You wouldn't be here groveling if you had a choice. Now, stay still. I'll return shortly." Demacles said as he walked in to the deeper part of his house. Dzek had no option but to wait either he wanted to or not.
Just as Demacles entered a room prepared in a special way to entertain an important guest, a vision flashed before his eyes and appearing was Erodius, also known as the darkness within. Erodius was the forbidden god who had caused earth to go through the present changes it was going through under the control of his minion Rhemon Sanchez.
"Lord Erodius..." Demacles bowed.
"Is there any worthy news...?" Erodius spoke with a lazy voice, which sounded as if he was bored or tired of waiting for something.
"My Lord..." Demacles began enthusiastically, "A girl by the name Tessa has appeared. She claimed she is the daughter of Solaris, rumor has it, she has twins and those twins were able to almost kill a lesser god..." Demacles couldn't help his bubbling body movement.
"If you lie to me I will kill you where you stand..." The previously disinterested Erodius was suddenly so full of energy. His ethereal form appeared more visible even though it was still just bands of energy projection of his image from earth to planet Kaelria.
"I swear Lord Erodius. All the princes of the former King Rhopgin, are dead. The first of the twins killed them all in a single attack. The news is all over the base. There is no civilian or lesser god that is not aware." Demacles replied.
The grand hall of Erodius's projection chamber was silent save for the hum of energy coursing through the walls, accentuating the tension in the air.
Demacles stood rigid, his bubbling excitement barely contained as he watched his master's ethereal form flicker with newfound intensity. The swirling bands of energy that formed Erodius's image solidified momentarily, his sharp features carved in light, his piercing gaze locking onto Demacles.
"Tell me everything, every detail," Erodius commanded, his voice reverberating with a blend of authority and curiosity. His previous apathy was replaced by an aura of keen interest, a predator sniffing fresh prey.
Demacles swallowed, his enthusiasm barely masking the nervous tremor in his voice. "My Lord, Tessa appeared out of nowhere—like a storm descending upon Kaelria. She declared herself the daughter of Solaris and wielded power beyond what anyone expected. But it's her twins that have shocked everyone—they nearly killed a lesser god. Not just injured, but almost killed. The firstborn is said to have single-handedly wiped out all the princes of King Rhopgin in one strike." His voice trembled with awe as he recounted the tale, his every word dripping with disbelief and reverence.
Erodius's ethereal form flared brighter, illuminating the chamber in a harsh, otherworldly glow. "Solaris's daughter, you say... and twins capable of such destruction?" His voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried the weight of impending plans and machinations. "If what you say is true, then Tessa is a weapon—no, a key—waiting to be wielded. If she has not reconciled with Solaris, her loyalties are still uncertain. If I can sway her, make her see the value of my cause..." He trailed off, his glowing form pulsing with anticipation.
"My Lord," Demacles interjected, emboldened by Erodius's interest. "The news has spread like wildfire across Kaelria. Even the lesser gods tremble at the mention of her name. Her power is undeniable, but her intentions remain unclear. If we act swiftly, we could secure her allegiance before Solaris or anyone else does."
Erodius's energy flared again, his projection pacing within the confines of the chamber. "No civilian or lesser god is unaware, you say? Then she is already a symbol, whether she knows it or not. A force like that, uncontrolled, could destabilize Kaelria—or it could reshape it under my rule."
He paused, turning to Demacles with a calculated expression. "I would handle this myself if I weren't bound to Earth for the moment. This task cannot be entrusted to the incompetent or the weak. Demacles, I will give you this mission. Bring Tessa to me—alive, unharmed, and willing. Do whatever it takes to convince her of our cause. If you fail..." Erodius's form flared menacingly, casting shadows that danced like spectres around the chamber, "you will wish for death before I am done with you."
Demacles bowed deeply, sweat beading on his forehead despite the chill of the energy-filled room. "I will not fail, my Lord. I will bring her to you, no matter the cost."
As Demacles retreated, Erodius's glowing form dimmed slightly, his thoughts consumed by the possibilities. Tessa—Solaris's daughter, a force of untapped potential—could be the key to his conquest of Kaelria. The twins' destructive power only added to the allure of having her on his side.
"Solaris, old friend," Erodius muttered to himself, a dark smile curling on his lips, "you always were the sentimental fool. Let's see how your legacy fares under my guidance."
With that Erodius vanished.
Demacles was so happy. He felt he would be protected under Erodius when the war finally bumbles over, only if he knew that Tessa wasn't as gullible as he thought.
Tessa's instincts were as sharp as the energy coursing through her veins. She was no ordinary Kaelrian, and if Demacles thought her trust would come easily, he was sorely mistaken.
The game had begun, but the players underestimated their opponent. Tessa wasn't merely the daughter of Solaris—she was the storm they never saw coming.