Tree of Aeons

269. The Divine Traces

269. The Divine Traces

Year 265 (Part 2)

Ednas visits the world of Satrya

No. Ive had it with god's control over me, and Im not keen on it. All of this sounds like itll take away time from me. Colette objected to the idea.

Well, what was the idea?

I rejected the offer to adopt the World Faith System, but I realize, the ability to have an audience with both Bach and Mozart, was way more powerful. Through them, I could gain knowledge of the past. Of history and of how things came to be.

Sure, they were not willing to share a lot, but even if they refused to tell us that, the mere act of asking questions about the system, and understanding the mechanics of the system would allow us to make projections and plans. So, among the senior leaders, we thought of creating even more people like me-

Level 250. Its a crazy, crazy number. Of course, by telling this, I reveal my power level to everyone around me. 

Its an act of trust, of course. But at the same time, I believe it is also an act of intimidation. The rest of the domain holders didnt even reach level 200. My fellow domainholders of the other worlds refuse to share their levels, but from the weight of our presence, I was fairly sure they didnt exceed my levels. 

We approached the heroes first. 

I remember Bachs words that even heroes who meet the necessary thresholds could get it. I wonder how this is so, and whether- perhaps, are heroes robbing the gods of the faith values, therefore they decide to remove the heroes once their usefulness is over? 

At some level, faith values make their control over the world a zero-sum game. Heroes, who, given a certain level of independence, could create their own faith with their god given powers, and at level 250, rise to the point where they ascend. Their followers would compete in the same pool as the old gods. 

Thats a horrible way to look at things. Kei acknowledged. Prabu looked at Colette. 

Sure you dont want to do it?

Colette looked at the growing child sitting on her lap. No. Not at all.

Kei sighed and spoke to me. To everyone looking, it seemed like she was talking to the air. Who else?

We need someone who could have a religion built around her. 

Roon, Johann and Ezar rejected it. All three of them didnt want to be a god of any sort. Stella thought it over, and decided that her void abilities seemed more useful than whatever divine shenanigans this system was up to.

This WFS enables an old god to do everything alone, all that matters is the faith cost. Stella said. Because the old gods are solitary existences, they exist above and beyond their old societies.

As I mulled it over, I realized Stellas observation is true. 

The old gods gained immortality, the means to open pathways through the stars, summon heroes, and tremendous combat ability.

Whereas the experience system is intricately tied to the [class], and later, the [domain]. This allows for a far higher peak, but much more narrow scope of abilities. In short, the gods chose width and breadth of abilities, over depth and focus. 

A pantheon, essentially, a team of domainholders with a wide variety of [domains], should outperform the WFS. But if there was only a single person, the World Faith System was truly the best choice forward. 

I believe the WFS is a good choice, in situations where we need a backup Aeon. Stella answered. A lot of what we achieved today is because of the society change created by the Valtrian Order, backed by Aeon. If we want to plan for a situation where we may have to survive without Aeon for a while- one of us would need to take on the WFS, to bridge that gap.

Its an insane idea, to raise someone up just to be a temporary Aeon. Kei countered. A level 250 warrior domainholder- per Ednas calculation, should be very- very strong. Were talking about a literal god able to deliver as much power as a full team of level 100+ heroes .

Edna. Stella suggested. She may not need it, but I believe if theres anyone worthy of a religion, or at least a mini one, it should be Edna.

My void domainholder wanted Ednas Order of Knights to become a quasi-religious institution with faith in Ednas powers. Edna would be elevated into a patron deity of the Knight Order, and a group of Valthorn priests would have to start the process of making her into a saint or a goddess.

An order of Templar knights, in worship of a Martial Goddess.

Edna squirmed at being made into a goddess, but ultimately agreed. On one condition. Lets do it outside of Treehome. I- Id like to be a mere mortal at home.

You stopped being a mortal decades ago. Stella countered. 

I mean, you understand. Edna glared. Stella chuckled.

Alternatively, the other possibility was to elevate Kafa into some kind of lizardfolk god. Or god of the swamps. Or something of that sort. 

It was a long way to go, for someone like Kafa. He was barely level 150, while Edna was already close to level 200. It was a lot more sensible to try it with Edna, but, in many ways, we could do both. We would start to include both of them, as minor deities of our pantheon of gods. 

***

First was Aeon, the great tree sheltered all that came after. To nourish the land, for them to grow. Then came Edna, our guardian protector, defender of the weak, and the shield of the Tree. She was later joined by Kafa, warrior protector of the lizardfolks. 

Edna squirmed. Everyone did. But the drafted story, the tale of a god, would be weaved.  I really dont want this to spread on Treehome. Edna said with her hands in her face. It was incredibly embarrassing. 

I didnt like religious talk. Its cringeworthy. 

I hope they made better, less cringeworthy versions of the mythos in the future. 

Edna sighed. We should just add all the domainholders to the myth. That way all of us get a chance to gain faith.

It was a fair assessment, and so the priests went back to the drawing board. 

***

Well, rather than dwell on that stuff, time for you to go visiting.

My turn, I suppose. Edna smiled at Stella, then at the two men that would accompany her on their visit to the other worlds. Ready, boys?

Roon and Ezar shrugged. Ezar tried to joke. Its my first time! Be gentle!

It wasnt. He made many trips to other worlds, but its their first time as the lead explorer. Edna laughed. When youre on the other side, no one can hear you scream.

Ezar paled. Roon just tapped him on the shoulder. Youll be fine.

Stella smiled. Off you go.

***

The world they visited was immediately filled with the stench of blood and war. Edna could feel it in the ground, in the air, and feel the presence of battle. 

Roon and Ezar glanced at each other. Roons senses were the strongest of the three, but if Edna could feel it, it must be quite near. 

Why not scout it out? Edna proposed. 

Roon nodded, as his body turned into a shadow, and then vanished. Edna looked at Ezar, and smiled at the new domain holder. Any thoughts about your first trip as an explorer and representative of Aeon?

Horrified. Ezar answered. 

You should be. How we act, and what we do, shapes the natives impression, and vice versa.

The brawler nodded, as they walked. There were trees here. There were markings left by blades and swords. Arrowheads were embedded into the trunk of trees. The trees have been used for practice. Edna took out a black helmet from her magical storage, and wore it. It gave her the ability to see the astral paths in space. This world was also connected to a few others. Stella or the Void archmages would need to be here to investigate. 

Edna frowned, as there was the clear tale of demonic invasion. There was a bright path in the sky. The demon king should be arriving on this world any time soon.

Roon was back. Demons. As usual. There are local defenders. Pretty rough fighting, from what I can see. Demons appear to be the Sabnoc-variant. Ive already spotted a few demonic encampments. The variant appears to have taken up Demon Knights as their form.

Oh. Demon armies again. Edna frowned. Thats a tough one, generally.

Smaller, demon armies, actually. More like demon knight packs.

Ednas eyebrow arched. -packs?! Thats somewhat unusual behavior coming from the demons-

Ezar sat and frowned. That should make it easier, isnt it. Small packs means less bodies to punch, its a lot easier to just get rid of them.  

Roon nodded. They seem to have fairly high combat strength- for demons. Each pack seems to be at least a champion-level threat. The demonic leader looks to be somewhere around level 80 to 100.

Ednas eyebrow arched again. So this is a Sabnoc that only spawns champion-level packs of armies?

It wasnt entirely unusual, Edna thought. There was a time when the demons only spawned dragons, and those packs of flying demon-dragons could easily be considered champion level threats. 

Ezar laughed. They wont last very long. A few punches and were done.

Lets just go visit some and see. Keep our domains hidden. 

Ill try. Ezar said. I dont have much practice!

***

The group of three arrived in what looked to be a fortress city defending itself against the demons. The fortress looked fairly battered, with its massive stone walls that looked like theyve taken damage for some time. 

Theres like six thousand people in that city. Roon commented. Almost all humans. 

Edna smirked. Ive won the bet, then. Well, what else are we seeing?

Ezar looked at the battlefield. On one side, there was a group of thirty demonic knights. They rode on large demonic horses that had no face or eyes, but had sharp fangs. Its hooves were massive, and in some way, they looked more like bulls than horses. 

All of them looked to be waiting for a sign.

On the other side, were a group of human defenders, dressed in similarly heavy armor. A few of them looked heavily injured. One of them rode to the front, and stood holding a large steel sword. There were about a hundred of them, and yet, in a straight battle, it was fairly clear that they would lose. The demons were more powerful. 

Come get me, foul beasts of the dark. The knight roared, and charged alone. 

Edna, Ezar and Roon collectively squirmed. Hes going to kill himself charging alone like that-

Then, only one of the demons rode to meet him in battle. 

-what. The three domain holders could not believe what they were seeing. 

The demon brandished its dark blade, and that same blade clashed against the steel sword of the knight. They fought each other, and yet, it was clear that the human knight was losing. They exchanged about twenty blows, and the human knight retreated back, injured. The demon had somehow landed a few hits on the knight.

Yet, the demon didnt chase. Instead, it returned back to its pack, and waited. 

This scene repeated itself as the second knight confronted the demons.  

-what in the hell is going on here? Roon looked, and tried to sense- Theres great magic at work in this world.

The three didnt feel it, because their domains had protected them. But once Roon mentioned the presence of magic in the air, Edna and Ezar easily found it woven into the land itself. She looked at Roon and concluded the magic at work was out of their understanding.

Not just that, it even felt like divine intervention.

We need a mage here, asap. Edna pinged back home. Stella responded.

All archmages on duty. WIll get back to you in a week.

Edna rolled her eyes. Since when I couldnt override their duties!

Treehome defense. Stella countered. Is it really that urgent?

Its some divine shenanigans in this world. I want it looked at. 

Stellas eyes brightened somewhere on Treehome. That means we are close to the gods! And no- if its divine shenanigans, Im not sending any non-domain holders over. 

Edna paused, contemplated Stellas reasoning and then sighed. Fine. Well ask the natives. 

Roon looked at the city. I can sneak us in. Easy! But let me just check who should we disguise as-

The ranger activated some kind of surveillance skill before concluding that there are merchants in this world, and immediately altered the disguises to match. Alright- lets get in. 

The three snuck into the fortress city easily, even as the battle against the demons went on outside. Inside, it was very quiet, as if most of the citizens had evacuated. 

Roon quickly approached one of the soldiers who walked alone, and asked. 

Hey there, soldier.

Yes? Eh? Theres a merchant? All merchants should evacuate the city. The Combat Procedures will end soon. 

Roon pretended to be blur, and took out a little bit of coin. He had taken a look at the coinage used by the city folk, and managed to pilfer a few for use. Yes- about that, can you tell me whats happening? Like- its my first time encountering this Combat Procedures, what- whats going on?

Edna and Ezar hid nearby, but their eyes listened in. The soldier laughed. Oh. I thought everyone knew by now, but in any battle, the attackers and defenders must first have ten rounds of knightly one-on-one combat, known as the Combat Procedures, or some people call it the Ten Jousts. If the attackers win less than three battles, they cannot proceed with the attack. If they win more than three, they may proceed to the next phase of the battle, known as the Assault. Thats where the attackers may attack the city.

The three domain holders couldnt believe what they were hearing. It was absolute nonsense. But- but why do we stick to it? Cant- cant the demons just march in without care?

The soldier looked at the merchant named Roon like he was an idiot. Is your village not protected by the Great Hawas Divine flames, or the Divine Protection of Proper Combat? Even the dark demons are bound to it.

Edna glanced at Ezar. They were close to the god Hawa. 

What- what happens when they break it? 

They get weakened by divine curses, and burned by the divine flames. Weaker creatures will die.

-but, why does god not just crush the demons?

The soldier stared at the merchant. That is blasphemy. The Hawa church will have you skewered if that ever gets out. 

Roon acted horrified. Ah, my apologies. Another coin for your silence?

The soldier looked at the coin, and laughed. Very well, very well. I heard nothing. But you should leave. Most of us are leaving before the last of the ten Combat Procedures are over.

***

Edna, Roon and Ezar glanced at each other, wondering how the rules of this world operated.

Most of the citizens fled, but Edna noticed there was a group of knights tasked to defend, rather than escape. They all had the resignation that they will die today. 

Do we just watch? Roon glanced at Edna. He was fairly alright just letting the natives die.

She gulped, closed her eyes. No. Well step in. 

The group of thirty demon knights charged against the walls of the city, and the walls held, for a while. The demons took a while and destroyed the fortified gates, and then charged into the city where the knights waited. 

But let us watch where we can. At the last minute. 

At the last minute. Roon and Ezar said collectively.

***

It was going to be a bloodbath-

Then a burst of arrows and the group of 30 demons were slain. Roon, Ezar and Edna arrived before the group of shaking soldiers, who were all prepared to die. 

They were shocked, but not immediately thankful. Instead, they asked. Who do we owe the favor to, and what do you need for saving us?

The three realized this was the best time to extort the knowledge, and demanded it. 

***

The world was bound by a great divine magic of Hawa, known as the Bindings of Hawa. 

Each city with a temple of Hawa, a lord or ruler of suitable rank, and sufficient number of knights may activate the [Combat Procedures]. These combat procedures apply for a period of a week, and can be activated once a month, per city. The Combat Procedures force all combatants to engage in a multi-stage battle, first with the Ten Jousts, then the Assault on the city.

[Knights], [Priests] and [Lords] who do not obey the combat procedures after activating them will be inflicted with a divine curse. Also, in order to fulfill the rules of the [Assault on the City], there must be defenders. Otherwise, the [Combat Procedures] will be canceled, and the [Lord] and also [Priests] that cast them will suffer another divine curse. 

This was how cities throughout the world slow the demons attack, because the Bindings of Hawa could be used on the demons as well, and during [combat procedures], interfering parties will be punished by divine magic. Because of this, the demons were forced to play by the gods rules. 

In this world, [Knights] are essentially Hawas warriors. The knights of this world are an order of warriors who believe in Hawa, and as a martial group, they believe in strong fortified cities, stone temples.

[Priests] of Hawa bless each and every city, and the Hawa priests of this world are particularly good at blessing stone walls, and knights. [Knights] who survive multiple Jousts are awarded special skills by the system. 

The [Lords] of this world are naturally knight-priest focused as well. Many are either promoted Knights or Priests, so most Lords eventually set up knight branches of their own, and build fortified cities.

***

There must be a source for such powerful divine magic. Edna mused, resting in the home of the defenders. They were clearly glad not to die, so were more than happy to host the three. A few left the city to deliver the message that they have been saved. 

After interrogating the surviving soldiers, they eventually realized that they needed to visit the cities of the world. 

There are divine relics in this world. Roon concluded after summarizing all the interviews. A few of the kings control powerful divine relics, but the soldiers have no idea whether they are linked to this Divine Law.

If the gods could do this, why dont they do it everywhere? They could essentially force the demons to obey certain laws of engagement-

There might be some kind of Faith-Point cost to maintain such a system, and its only realistic solution if its not too far from the actual god. Roon answered. 

-We should just ask Stella to send us closer. Skip this world and find where the gods are. Ezar countered. 

I think we should talk to the most senior priest in this world. If they can put us in an audience with Hawa, that would significantly help our cause. The knight concluded while she looked over a map of their region.

This world was filled with many small kingdoms, with just a collection of a few large kingdoms. The land seemed fairly hostile, with multiple monsters, and there were even living dragons on this world. 

Roon paused. We should have Lumoof here, if we want an audience. Aeon should be the one facing this Hawa.

Agreed. Edna answered. But we should get information before we get to that stage. Stella will make the preparations back home, we need to get things ready. Lets fan out, and infiltrate more places. Theres at least six different kingdoms with these divine relics.

-are we stealing them? Ezar looked unsure. No, right?

No. Just investigate, send information back. Well match it to what knowledge we have. The Order collected information on Hawa, Gaya, Aiva and Neira over the decades. If there were some matching information on the Hawa faith of this world, it shouldnt be too hard to line them up. 

After some interrogation of the locals, the three also found that the locals referred to the world as Satrya. Edna initially wanted to call it Hawaworld, but then decided against it. Its likely this wasnt Hawas main world, because Hawas presence should destroy whatever demons. This wasnt Hawas homeworld, but we were close. 

Then, just as Edna thought they were done with the unusual affairs, one of the soldiers revealed a strange piece of information. 

Sometimes, the heroes of this world were selected from the locals directly by Hawa, instead of summoned from another world. 

The immediate implication of this was that the gods could select [heroes] directly! They didnt need to go through the complicated summon mechanism! The Hawa locals referred to the chosen champions as [Hawas Champions], and would receive a selection of Hawas Battle Relics to battle against the demon king. 

We must see the relics, and speak to Hawa.

***

It wasnt hard for someone like Edna to get enough money, and collecting it from the dead was even easier. 

As she traveled across the kingdoms of Satrya, she witnessed even more demons. In cases where the local defenders did not invoke the Combat Procedures, or ran out of the relevant materials to invoke it, the demons could easily assault the city. 

As a result, the demons were incredibly fond of night strikes, and especially strikes on cities that should have been safe. 

Then as she entered one of the more heavily defended cities, she saw warriors that probably could give the demon knights a good fight, and some.

Knights equipped with divine relics. They were not stronger than Edna, that was for sure. A quick survey of their abilities suggested they were in the level 80s, but Edna felt the presence of divine blessing. 

Those are the Hawa Knight Templars. They are blessed by the High Priests and granted divine powers. The traveler next to Edna explained to her. It seemed those who believe in Hawa generally have a high level of faith in the god, and thus appeared to do so. 

Ednas eyes noticed that the individuals themselves didnt appear to manifest divine powers, but this was the first time she had ever encountered someone with divine relics, so didnt have a good idea of how they stacked up in battle. 

But if this world had [Hawas Chosen]-

They have not selected the candidates for this centurys chosen. The traveler answered as Edna probed for more information. The war with this generations demon only started two years ago, and itll be some time before the five or six chosens are awarded an audience with Hawa itself.

Five or six? 

Sometimes. The traveler shrugged. He seemed to be a fairly knowledgeable merchant, so Edna kept him talking. The demons will come and linger for five to six years. Even the King of the Demons has not descended yet.

It hasnt. Edna paused, as the pieces came together. Back on the worlds where heroes were summoned, the gods summon them after the demon king arrives. If the demon king hasnt arrived on Satrya, it naturally follows that Hawa wouldnt bother to choose its champions. But the gods clearly have a choice of adopting a different set of procedures for its closer worlds. 

What everyone thought was a normal procedure may just be something they had to do for faraway worlds where they had little information. 

***

Edna arrived in one of the supposedly largest cities on Satrya after two months of travel. In truth, she would have covered the distance within a few days, but she did the long way to learn from the locals. 

Hawas faith was ridiculously powerful in this world. Each city had Hawa temples, almost everyone believed in it, at least nominally, and many truly believed in Hawas blessings. The priests themselves also appear more powerful here, with high ranking Hawa priests wielding powers not normally seen in priests, as if borrowing them from somewhere.

Milady, welcome to Museo, home of the royal family of Museo, and one of the seven Relic cities of Satrya. Relic Cities were names given to the seven cities that hosted the Seven Great Hawa Relics. The one on Museo was home to an item known as the Chalice of Eternity.

Edna could feel it in the air itself, the sensation of divine presence. From the intelligence that she gathered so far, the Hawa Temple of Museo was an institution that had power not inferior to the royal family, and the Chief Priest of Museo was a man of incredible faith. 

It would be difficult to gain access to the Chief Priest via normal means, since he was busy, and would not normally entertain guests. 

What would Lumoof do, if he was here on this case? Edna sat in her inn, thinking to herself. 

She considered her options. She could barge in. In terms or raw levels, nothing she saw so far even came close to her, but the presence of divine relics meant she didnt have 100% certainty. 

That would probably cause offense, and she would rather not do so, especially if she wanted to maintain a working relationship. 

After thinking for a while, she decided the best way was to visit the temple, and ask for an audience directly.

Spaizzer

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