Chapter 382
"That won’t work," the book-holding priest said, his tone calm but firm. "Our past actions have already tarnished our reputation. The people trust us as little as the Chief does. If we are to undermine him, we need someone above reproach—someone respected, admired, and ambitious."
The first priest tilted his head, intrigued. "You have someone in mind?"
The book-holding priest fixed his gaze on him, his meaning clear without needing to say a word.
"Sknull," the first priest said slowly, his voice almost reverent. "Skag second-in-command."
The other priest nodded. "Sknull is perfect. He’s ambitious, He wasted no time laying his claim once it was confirmed that Skag was dead, a hero to the people, and he doesn’t hesitate to challenge the Chief’s authority. He’s always been at odds with the Chief’s leadership, and unlike the fear the people feel for the Chief, Sknull has earned their love."
The first priest waved the others away, signaling that only the book-holding priest should remain. As the others filed out, he turned his full attention to their new plan.
Sknull, the war hero, had a history of returning from battles with hybrid corpses in tow. On one occasion, he had even captured a hybrid alive, claiming he intended to keep it as a pet. His daring exploits and contributions to advancing the ratmen’s technology had cemented his place in their hearts. His use of resources to aid engineers in experimenting with hybrids, even against the Chief’s objections, had made him a symbol of progress and innovation.
The first priest smirked, the wheels of his plan turning. Sknull’s hunger for power and his discontent with the Chief’s rule made him the ideal candidate to tip the scales.
"We’ll approach him carefully," the first priest said, his tone measured. "Sknull is ambitious, but he’s also cunning. He won’t trust us easily."
"But we’ll offer him something irresistible," the book-holding priest replied, his voice filled with anticipation.
The first priest nodded, his chilling smile returning. "Yes, the Chief’s position and Life. His authority will be our gift to Sknull—packaged neatly as a divine mandate. In exchange, Sknull will serve our goddess’s purpose."