When The Cute Godkiller Opens A Tavern [Stubbed]

Chapter 120 - To Whom Who Has the Right

”Some secrets must be kept. This isn’t one of them.” ~Shallies Mythernal, Former Goddess of Secrets and Veils

Whichever course of action Arun’dul chose—he specifically wanted a way to mitigate his nightmarish visions—Shallies had given him the same intended lesson. The young seraph had lost sight of his mana-channels for a long time, and while the basics had been ingrained in him through the centuries, he had to regain familiarity with it and his new core.

The Godkiller made it a point that the young seraph now held within him two cores, though one was cursed, meaning the other did its best to contain it and function as a substitute at the same time. Essentially, Arun’dul could only use one.

“But now, you have a firm bridge that you can traverse so you can regain proper control of the other,” Shallies concluded, leaving the young seraph in the corner of the tavern to meditate. “Until you can fully visualize the entirety of your mana-channels, that’s all you’ll be going to do. I don’t think that’ll take you a long time though.”

“I’ll do my best,” Arun’dul replied while keeping steady. “What happens after that?”

The young seraph had no intention of jumping straight into practicing The Perpetual Method. And Shallies agreed with that decision.

“We’ll see if you’re better at controlling your mana-flow while sleeping than Valor’el,” she said while brewing tea and coffee at the same time. “If not, then we’ll figure it out from there. Maybe a crude, dream-catching veil using mana–control will be enough to prevent your nightmares. I doubt it though. It’ll be an experiment. Since there are a lot of potential ways to deal with this problem, we’ll have to check which ones work best for you.”

“Mmm.” At that point, Arun’dul could only express his agreement with a grumble. He was quick to settle into his stride, focusing deep into his meditation.

Shallies left him be. She had other guests to handle. Guests that weren’t actually stressful to deal with, but the nature of their visit might as well be akin to another god making a visit.

A knock echoed from the door. Though loud and sudden, it didn’t bother the meditating seraph. Apple went and welcomed their morning guests.

Guildmaster Robert entered. Behind him were the Shalliesters Party members and their parents. A total of eight people. Shallies noted that Ren only brought with him his father.

The teacup fairy was quick to rearrange the seats to accommodate for the large group, allowing Robert to take the head of the table. This wasn’t a dining group. Rather, they had been called in for a formal meeting.

As the Godkiller observed, it was evident that her students already had an inkling why they were summoned in such a fashion. Mayor Schooner was merry and oblivious, showing excitement for what he assumed to be a formal review and presentation of the budding party’s performance, while the rest were just going with the flow. The only other person who seemed to be accurately reading the room, aside from the students and Robert, was Elesia, Grace’s mother.

Shallies cleared her throat and silence quickly took hold. At the same time, a veil subtly covered the entire tavern. One that was unperceivable from the outside, but quite obvious for the experienced adventurers affected inside.

“Why the veil?” Schooner asked, still rather enthusiastically. He did so to help point it out to Tayin’s parents, who were neither high-leveled class holders.

“The things I’m about to share are rather important,” Shallies started. “I’d rather not have anyone hear us outside.”

“We’re pretty isolated, Shallies. I don’t think there’s anyone outside—”

Elesia lightly held her husband’s arm. The full-fledged orc seemed to recognize the gesture, making him slightly raise his guard.

“Even the gods can’t eavesdrop through this veil,” said the Elemental Archmage.

Just then, Apple approached with one more table and a set of chairs, extending the long arrangement for a few more guests. With her mana, she combined all the segments into one, creating a finely furnished grand table.

Another knock came from the door. This time, it was Yoshelle, Vice Guildmaster Coraline, and Guildmaster Maxims of the Gaiamaxims Guild. They recognized the veil as soon as they entered, and realized that something important was happening as soon as they saw the people inside.

“How’s your injury, Guildmaster Maxims?” Shallies began, gesturing for him to take the seat closest to her.

“Healing,” he replied, feeling the wound on his stomach. “It’s not often I suffer a wound that’s difficult for myself or my healers to deal with.”

“Phey’lan had used up her miracles, and it’ll be a while before she can convince her god to let her use them again,” Shallies explained. “Otherwise, we would’ve fixed you up before you even left the raid.”

“I appreciate the thought, but I’ll heal just fine eventually.”

The Guildmaster took the seat while his wife took the one beside him. Yoshelle sat at the opposite side, closer to Grace. The two shared a knowing look and were instantly visibly nervous.

The parents, obviously, were quick to catch on.

“What’s going on?” Duram asked. Tayin’s father. A halfling with a rather muscular build. He worked on manual labor, carrying and delivering supplies throughout the safe areas of Cinterbrim Province. “This doesn’t look like a meeting for your mentees anymore, Miss Shallies.”

“Maybe our kids are joining the Gaiamaxims Guild?” Mallee guessed. Duram’s wife, who worked part-time at the Adventurer’s Guild.

“We’re not rich enough to qualify, I’m afraid,” James admitted. Ren’s father. He was a Builder like Yor’ylin, but more focused on mundane and practical structures rather than magical ones.

The three looked at Mayor Schooner, and the orc was quick to lean away, putting his hands up in defense. “No, I don’t think even us can qualify for their requirements.”

Maxims cleared his throat. “I’m afraid you’ve been misled, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve long since abandoned that requirement. And while it’s true that our current applicants and newly indoctrinated members are still financially well off, that’s simply because of the stigma left by my grandparent’s legacy.”

He then turned to Shallies. “We’ll be more than happy to accept the Shalliesters Party into the guild. Though I’m willing to venture a guess that this isn’t the reason why you all called us here today.”

All the while, Shallies had been having a staring contest with Elesia. Grace’s mother had been doing her best to make a Scan. She had been adamant to know to the point that she had long since abandoned her etiquette, though it was only Maxims and Coraline who caught the silent battle.

“There’s no need for that, Elesia,” Shallies started, calmly blocking the mother’s attempts one last time. “Please allow me to introduce myself again.”

Shallies closed her eyes and breathed out. Not because revealing herself would cause her any significant effort, but because she wasn’t looking forward to how they might react. Nonetheless, they were pressed for time.

She opened one of her veils, allowing for her Concepts to breathe out, appearing as strands of blue, pink, and gold, on her white hair. The aura around her changed. Warm and heavy, but not suffocating. Impossibilities became possibilities around her, and the shock on the faces of those that didn’t know were more about realization, rather than awe.

They had always known. It was simply because of Secret and Veil, that they didn’t understand that they knew right away.

“Godkiller Bernadette,” Elesia said, breathing out a sigh. She was quick to stand from her chair, kneeling down and bowing deep. “Please. I didn’t mean to be so rude!”

At that, Shallies quickly closed her veil and relaxed. “Elesia, please. Like I said, there’s no need for that. Take a seat.”

The silence that followed was extremely awkward.

Shallies allowed for the realizations to sink in. Even Duram and Mallee, who had minimal experience being class holders, recognized the gravity of the situation. One realization led to another truth.

Their children were the Godkiller’s mentees.

Maxims and Coraline’s heads turned from one direction to the other as they connected the dots. They even recognized their daughter’s knowing look. They made a silent question, and Yoshelle simply gave a nod. And as their widened eyes turned to Shallies, she simply gestured for them to remain quiet.

The Godkiller expected Elesia to be the first to realize the situation, but it was Mayor Schooner instead who came to a conclusion.

“If you’re telling us this, that means there’s something important going on,” he began. His eyes were low, refusing to make contact with her own.

Shallies didn’t like it, but she was used to this abrupt change of behavior. Some people would be able to bounce back, but for their interactions to return to what they had been before would be next to impossible. Possible, but extremely rare.

“There’s only one reason, Mayor Schooner,” she said. The Godkiller understood why the orc didn’t outright say it. He couldn’t. The declaration of its approach wasn’t something a mortal should proclaim in the first place. She had to be the one to say the words. “There’ll be a Divine War.”

Simple and straightforward. No preambles, no sympathies, no preludes.

The silence that followed this time was suffocating, and it didn’t take long for Maxims to try and disperse it.

“How long?” he started, clearing his throat. “How long do we have to prepare?”

Shallies gave him a scowl. While she did so as she would a Chef, the Guildmaster perceived it in a different way. He flinched.

“Sorry.”

The Godkiller sighed, noticing everyone else subtly trying to stop themselves from asking the same question.

“Some time after five years.” This time, she added more explanation. “The signs will start to appear soon, but there’s no possibility of it happening within the next five years.”

Schooner’s fists were trembling. He was visibly struggling to keep himself under control, while Elesia was trying her best to calm him down. James was hesitating to ask Ren his questions. Surprisingly enough, Duram and Mallee seemed just as unaffected as the kids.

That almost made Shallies raise an eyebrow, but she focused on the more important matter first.

“Did they know?” Mayor Schooner began. “Did the kids know before you took them under your wing?”

“They’re supposed to know,” Shallies replied. “They know everything.”

“But not their parents?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“And you’re telling us now because there’ll be a Divine War. Why?”

“Because it’s too early.”

The ideal would be to train the students so that they would be Favored class doublers with a lot of accolades before their parents knew of their relationship to the Godkiller. By that time, their responsibilities would already be set in stone.

Of course, Shallies didn’t mention those arrogant reasons. It would only cause Schooner to misinterpret it.

“Can’t they…” the orc hesitated. He took deep breaths and tried again, but he couldn’t form the words. “They’re too young.”

Shallies didn’t own the lives of these people. She didn’t own the lives of her students. This wasn’t the first time she had let go of a student because of this exact same scenario. Even so, it was the right thing to do.

Schooner was correct. They were both correct. It was too early.

Their parents had the right to know.

Just as her students had the right to speak for themselves.

“We’ll train harder!” Grace said, finally unable to stop herself. “You’ve seen how fast we’ve grown. We’ll make it in time.”

“We’re talking about gods and divine entities here!” Schooner rebutted, raising his voice.

“We’re just mortals,” James added.

“Then we’ll train even harder!” Ren countered, standing up and gesturing over to the mayor. “We know of techniques that only Shallies can teach. You’ve seen them in action. We can do things that even Hero class holders have trouble doing.”

“But there’s only five years left,” Schooner said, controlling his voice now that he realized he was in the presence of the Godkiller. “Even if you’re able to improve faster than anyone else, there’s no way you can become Favored class doublers in five years.”

Shallies had a lot to say about that, but she saw that the argument wasn’t the point. Instead, she leaned on a few words that she knew would make the most impact on him and Elesia.

“Grace, Ren, and Tayin, are absolutely gifted and hardworking people. Even more than a certain Biomekeeper I once knew.”

The silence that followed this time was calmer. Schooner visibly relaxed, his breathing steady as his eyes blinked with clarity. He looked around, remembering the house he was currently in.

“Catelyn was telling the truth,” he began. “She did participate in a Divine War.”

“Divine Wars,” Shallies corrected. “And she made it home each time.”

She looked at the parents once more. They were waiting for a promise. One that she wouldn’t be able to keep. So she gave them her honesty instead.

“I can’t say that the same will be true for your kids. But I can guarantee you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that they enter that war fully prepared, or they won’t participate at all.”

Schooner held himself. Shallies knew that deep inside, the orc was still unconvinced. But he also knew that the kids were no longer just kids anymore. He was outnumbered.

The orc took a bow. “Please, Lady Shallies. Take care of them.”

Elesia did the same, repeating those words. James, Duram, and Mallee followed.

Realizing that the discussion was over, Robert finally made a deep sigh. “I was so sure I would have to step in at one point.”

Maxims and Coraline made the same sigh of relief.

“Miss Elesia, could you please retract your Mana Missiles now?” asked the Vice Guildmaster. “I don’t think it’ll work on Lady Shallies even if you tried your best.”

“Sorry…” Elesia sheepishly smiled, dispelling the invisible spells into motes of mana.

“None of those were pointed at me,” the Godkiller commented. “They were there in case anyone tried to stop Schooner from strangling me.”

“I’ve lost my flame and fury decades ago,” the Mayor admitted, gripping his chest. “I can’t tell when was the last time I felt this enraged, Lady Shallies. And with my current occupation, that’s saying something. I’m getting too old. Too weak. I’m just glad the table stayed intact.”

Apple wiped a metaphorical sweat on her forehead, her soft chimes echoing as she giggled.

“Ah, bested by a teacup fairy. Never thought I’d see the day.” Schooner gave a hearty laugh, lifting the heavy air. “Alright. I admit defeat.”

“This is their choice,” Elesia added, looking at the Shalliesters Party. “All we can do now is fully support them.” She still gave Shallies a mean stare. “But from now on, we can eat here for free. We can find solace on the fact that we can dine on food prepared by the Godkiller herself.”

Shallies simply shrugged. “As long as you drop the ‘Lady’ part of my name.”

“I get to ask you about all sorts of divine things.”

“You don’t get to share them with others. You can’t anyway.”

“Fine.”

“Good. It’s a deal, then.”

“Yes, it’s a deal.”

Shallies nodded and turned her curiosity over to Duram and Mallee. “You two seem to know a bit more than the others.”

The couple looked at each other, confirming their resolve.

Mallee opened her Class Inventory, making Maxims and Robert alert, but Shallies quickly asked them to stand down. From within, the halfling pulled out a small box wrapped with a brilliant blood-crimson ribbon. It was tied in a series of complicated knots.

Though the box was completely mundane, Shallies quickly recognized the ribbon and its knots. It was a special technique meant to lock its contents for decades if someone were to pull the wrong end. At the same time, it preserved the box as though it was frozen in time.

“Kurfurul left this to our family generations ago,” Mallee began, much to everyone’s surprise. Tayin’s surprise, most of all. “She said it’s for you.”

Shallies accepted the box but refused to open it, storing it inside her Class Inventory, much to everyone’s disappointment this time.

“Kurfurul was a prankster,” she explained, turning to the halflings. “What are simple pranks to a goddess can be dangerous enough to destroy the entirety of Cinterbrim Town. I’ll open it somewhere safe. Thank you for keeping it for this long.”

“I suppose it’s our turn, then?” Maxims asked, smiling. “I didn’t know it was you, but we did have an agreement.”

“Yes, the tower,” Shallies began, smiling. With her attention now on something else, the parents and their children had begun their own discussions. They were lighter now. Calmer. “Before that, though. I should probably talk about the tournament.”

“Tournament?” Almost everyone asked at the same time, halting what should’ve been the start of their private talks.

At the far corner of the room, someone started coughing. All eyes turned to Arun’dul, who was desperately trying to catch his breath while massaging his throat.

“Choked at my own spit…” he mumbled, before realizing where he was. He looked back, still coughing slightly. “Sorry, did I interrupt something?”

At the far back, Grace stood up and frowned. “How long have you been there?”