Chapter 381
On this particular day, nothing unusual seemed to be happening. The priests were gathered in worship before a statue of Vorenza, as they often did. They were accustomed to their goddess remaining silent. But today, Vorenza paid them heed.
In a brief, fleeting connection, Vorenza imparted a simple directive: the bustling city above. It was her desire.
The connection severed as abruptly as it began, leaving the priests in stunned disbelief. Their shock soon gave way to jubilation. For the first time, they had received a sign—an answer—from their goddess. Without delay, they rushed to inform the Chief.
The Chief was an anomaly within the current ratman society. A survivor of the mist’s corruptive influence, he had gained its so-called gifts. He had also consumed the flesh of the hybrids, enduring their corrupting effects. Yet, unlike most others, he had fought tooth and claw against the violent and unethical impulses the corruption provoked within him.
This inner struggle set him apart, earning him a rare mixture of respect and fear from the council. His resilience in resisting the overwhelming temptations that others had long succumbed to was enough to solidify his position as leader.
Inside his office, the rhythmic thuds of fists against a hardened surface echoed through the air—a sound like a relentless drumbeat. It was his way of channeling his rage and suppressing the impulses threatening to consume him.
The door to his office burst open, and a group of priests clattered into the room, their mechanical legs clicking against the floor. Steam rose from the Chief’s heated body as he glared at them, his imposing presence enough to make the intruders hesitate.
The leading priest recoiled slightly, but the clinking of his spider legs steadied him as he gathered his resolve.
"We have received a word from the goddess," the priest said, his voice trembling with excitement.