In a secluded part of Labh Salem.
A city nestled in a lush valley far from the Onianum continent.
A dimly lit room hosted a man appearing to be in his early thirties by mortal standards. Possessing captivating emerald-green eyes, shoulder-length black hair, and an air of calm authority, he was attired in a sleeveless black leather light armor over a white tunic.
Intrigued by the new sub-panel Agora launched by Goddess Menaka, the emerald-green-eyed man initially explored its offerings. However, when he encountered a recorded feed featuring a mysterious masked figure expounding on various subjects, his curiosity was piqued.
The masked man's discourse, though radical and challenging for the common inhabitants of Labh Salem, resonated as an unflinching truth about both the divine and demonic factions. Fortunately, the masked man was in the know of things related to the cultivation of faith. As such, he could relate to what the masked man was trying to convey with his speech.
As the masked man declared, "I am one of the demi-gods seeking to harvest the wool you produce," the emerald-green-eyed man found himself entertained and intrigued.
"Hehehe. This guy…"
Initially tense, he chuckled lightly, unable to fathom that a young demi-god would risk self-sabotage by unveiling such truths to the masses, potentially jeopardizing the entire business of selling faith in Labh Salem.
With a smile playing on his lips, the bearded man shook his head, acknowledging the masked man's audacity.
"This young demigod is truly one-of-a-kind. I doubt someone like him has ascended to demigod status recently in Labh Salem. And most of the existing demigods are puppets implanted in the masses by their true masters. They won't do anything like this.
Makes me wonder about his origins," he mused.
The emerald-green-eyed man also failed to see what the masked demigod was trying to gain by revealing these nuances about the faith to the masses. By doing this, he was also hurting his chances of becoming a true god.
'No need to dwell on these thoughts. Let's concentrate on what he's saying first,' the bearded man murmured to himself, adjusting in his chair to give full attention to the masked man's speech.
"I share these thoughts because I've got nothing to lose. Freedom comes when you're not bound by anything. I'm already in conflict with both factions. So, offending my enemies doesn't bother me; they were enemies from the start," the masked man conveyed to his audience, striking a tone that was neither arrogant nor submissive.
"The people of Labh Salem must liberate themselves from the grasp of gods and demons attempting to control their lives," he continued, casually scratching under his ear.
"Make no mistake – your choice doesn't matter as things stand. Whichever faction you pick, you'll end up being used by others.
Let me clarify. I don't mind gods and demons utilizing their followers. It's kill or be killed– use or be used. Using someone and compensating them for their efforts is nothing but a transaction. It's the way of any world.
And sooner or later you come to accept it.
What I do mind is how little they offer you after using you as batteries for continuous Origin Force generation. The benefits they offer you are abysmal when compared to what they gain from you.
I know that it won't be the case for every faith and its followers. There may be a few Immortals who do care about their worshippers. But let's just face it- they are in the minority.
The gods who ascended to divine status were once mortals, walking steadfastly on their respective Paths to Power before claiming a God Spark. Similarly, Demon Princes and the 72 Ars Goetia Demons originated from negative emotions that gained consciousness in Hvergelmir Springs. These demons were nothing but hatchlings once, raising themselves from that status and attaining demonic immortality.
It means that these Immortals were once as insignificant as common folks. It's only when they learn to harness the Origin Force did they get rid of their mortality and become Immortals.
I too was as insignificant as you not long ago. And maybe I still am to some extent considering the fact that I still have to wear a mask. But you know the major difference between you and me?" The emerald-green-eyed man could feel the masked man smiling behind his mask as he continued.
"I'm not delusional. I won't join either faction.
So believe me when I say that you can elevate yourselves to become the next god or demon. If nothing else, you can at least put an end to the unfair treatment.
You don't need Sin Series Marks or Virtue Series Marks on your souls. No prayers to gods or offerings to demons are required.
Don't pray for me either. As much as I want you to generate faith energy for me through your prayers, I'd rather if you stopped worshiping the Immortals who don't deserve your attention.
You'd help me to some extent if you choose to not join these two main factions in any way or form. And that is enough for me as of now," said the masked man in a determined tone.
The bearded man inferred, 'He's opting for a preemptive move. It's not about gaining faith energy from potential followers; instead, he aims to diminish the followers of existing faiths.' A smile played on the bearded man's lips as he acknowledged the masked man's cunning strategy.
'Well well well. He's been well-instructed. Either he has a mentor, or his experiences as a demigod are exceptionally enriching for his age,' mused the emerald-green-eyed man.
The masked man continued, "I want you to trust and have faith in yourselves. We possess the same fragment of Creation as these Immortals. In the eyes of Creation, we are all equal. These principles will guide my faction, the third faction that I'll name the Elder Ichor faction."
The masked man challenged Labh Salem's faith-centric society, urging them to have faith in themselves instead of worshiping the lmmortals.
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