Chapter 294
In the eastern continent, the most powerful kingdom had thrown its full support behind the religion of Björn. This belief system, once a fringe cult, was spreading like wildfire. Its teachings offered power to the powerless, and the cost? Blood. The ritualistic murder of others, in the name of Björn, granted individuals strength without the need for talent or hard work. For a kingdom/ Individual hungry for power and dominance, this was a tempting offer.
Reports of ritualistic killings were becoming commonplace, whispered in the streets like gossip. People murdered in their own homes, their bodies desecrated in sacrificial rites to gain power. And the more the religion of Björn spread, the more humanity’s fear of the children of the gods began to fade. Björn’s followers believed they could challenge the demigods themselves.
Only a week ago, Ikem received news of missing apelings who had ventured out on an expedition. Their bodies were soon discovered—used in a brutal ritual. The discovery ignited a wave of unease, but something more sinister was brewing beneath the surface. Rumors began to spread: the children of the gods, with their divine blood, made even more powerful sacrifices. It was said, though unproven, that the blessings of Björn were doubled when a demigod was offered in ritual.
This rumor, however unsubstantiated, was enough to fan the flames of fanaticism. Humans, convinced of its truth, now had their sights set on the children of the gods. Ikem, sensing the growing danger, sent word to his people scattered among human societies. He warned them of the rising threat and gave them a choice: return to the safety of the mountain or stay and face the danger on their own terms, Whichever option they choose he made sure to make it clear that he will always stand by them.
To Ikem’s surprise, not a single apeling chose to return. Instead, they were insulted—angered even—by the very suggestion that they should flee. While the apelings were known for their kindness toward humans, they harbored a deep, underlying pride in their divine lineage. Their bloodline, connected to the gods themselves, was not to be disrespected.
Under normal circumstances, this pride was kept in check, hidden beneath their civilized exterior. But the news that humans were hunting them, using them as objects to increase their own power, ignited a fury within them. Many apelings spoke of razing entire cities to the ground in retaliation.
However, Ikem’s warning tempered their rage. He reminded them that not all humans were followers of Björn, and there were still many who opposed the barbaric rituals. Acting in blind anger would only sow more chaos. If they were to strike, they needed to know who their true enemies were.
This decision, though measured, became the nightmare of Björn’s followers. The apelings, well-educated and strategic in their approach, began to operate under the cover of darkness. They infiltrated human society, silently seeking out Björn’s believers, one by one.
Night after night, the apelings moved like shadows. Their intelligence and methodical nature made them nearly undetectable. Each night, another follower of Björn disappeared, their presence erased without a trace. And the humans began to fear once more—not the gods themselves, but the quiet, calculating vengeance of the demigods’ children.
For the followers of Björn, it was no longer a matter of gaining power. It was a matter of survival.
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a dim light over the quiet town. The streets, once bustling with life, were eerily silent now. For weeks, rumors had spread like wildfire—followers of Björn disappearing without a trace. Some spoke of divine retribution, others of vengeful spirits, but none dared utter the truth out loud: the children of the gods had come to exact their vengeance.
A small group of Björn’s followers huddled together inside a decrepit stone building on the outskirts of the town. They whispered to one another, their voices shaky, eyes darting toward every shadow. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their fear palpable.