672 The Game of Souls
Elysium Haven was a melting pot of cultures and races, attracting travelers and adventurers from far and wide.
It was a hub of commerce, where merchants peddled exotic goods from distant lands, and artisans crafted intricate wares in their workshops.
The aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the scent of herbs and spices from apothecaries, creating an olfactory tapestry that lures visitors deeper into the heart of the town.
The central square was a focal point of activity, where performers showcased their talents, and townsfolk gathered to exchange stories and news.
In the evenings, the square came alive with the warm glow of lanterns, illuminating the faces of those who partake in the nightly festivities.
Ren and Evie wasted no time and headed straight to the town's mayor. Convincing him to sign the agreement proved to be a breeze, given Salister's Kane's renowned reputation across the human continent.
"This felt surprisingly straightforward," Evie remarked, her eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "I expected more quests with the mayor before we could secure his signature."
Ren nodded in agreement. "The real challenge was dealing with the Angel. Once we managed that, it was just a matter of getting the signature and reporting back to Salister Kane."
With the mayor's signature in their hands, Ren and Evie swiftly returned to the church.
They utilized a [Teleportation Crystal] this time, a convenience they hadn't enjoyed earlier due to Elysium not being marked on their map.
Now, with the location accessible, they effortlessly traveled back and forth between places, saving valuable time and energy.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow upon the intricate stained glass windows of the church. Its hues danced upon the polished wooden pews, creating a mosaic of colors that illuminated the sacred space.
In the dimming light, Ren and Evie stood before Salister.
Salister looked upon them with eyes that sparkled with gratitude and something more. "Ah, my brave young ones," he said, his voice resonating with a deep, melodic tone that filled the church. "You have returned, and by the grace of the gods, you have fulfilled my last quest. Few have succeeded where others faltered."
Ren nodded. "It was a challenge, but we managed to persuade the mayor to sign the agreement. Your trust in us was well-placed."
Evie added, "Elysium is now officially part of your plans. We hope it aids your cause."
Salister's eyes gleamed with joy, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You have no idea how much this means to me and the future of our land," he said, his grin couldn't be contained. "With Elysium on our side, our defenses will be bolstered, and we can face the impending threat with renewed strength."
Salister placed a hand on Ren's shoulder, his touch gentle yet firm. "Your bravery and unwavering dedication have not gone unnoticed, my child. I have faith that the gods have chosen wisely in entrusting this task to you. I have no doubt.
"Now, with Elysium secured, our plans are finally in place. The pieces of the puzzle are falling into position, and we stand on the precipice of hope."
Salister turned away from Ren and Evie. His figure was shrouded in an air of mystery. His gaze, once filled with gratitude, seemed to shift, becoming distant and cold.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," he said, his voice echoing through the hallowed halls of the church, "I have matters to attend to."
As he spoke, an unsettling darkness seemed to coil around him, casting eerie shadows on the walls. It was as if the very essence of the room recoiled in the face of this newfound malevolence.
The air grew heavy with tension, and Ren and Evie exchanged a glance.
In the blink of an eye, the darkness vanished as if it had never been there.
Salister's demeanor changed when his back faced Ren and Evie, his face twisting into a wicked smile. His eyes, once warm and kind, now glinted with a sinister gleam.
"Is everything alright?" Ren asked.
Salister chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down Evie's spine. "Oh, everything is more than alright, my dear adventurers," he replied, his voice laced with a disturbing mix of amusement and malice. "You've done your part splendidly. Now, the real game begins."
With those ominous words, Salister went away, his steps echoing in the silence of the church.
His departure left Ren and Evie in a heavy silence, the weight of Salister's puzzling words hanging in the air like a lingering ghost.
The atmosphere, once tranquil and holy, crackled with eerie energy as if an unseen specter brushed past them.
"What did he mean by 'the real game'?" Evie whispered, her voice barely audible above the hushed tones of the church.
Ren explained with a laid-back tone. "Salister's endgame is approaching. He's gathering all his contracts, and once he has enough, he'll initiate his ultimate plan: a power grab for rulership of hell. He'll call upon his contracts, altering their terms to demand their souls within the next 24 hours, ripped away by his hellish ritual."
"That gives us 24 hours then, until the next event will happen," Evie muttered.
Ren nodded. "Indeed. During this time, he'll perform a dark ritual in his lair, causing unbearable agony for those whose souls are bound to him. If anyone survives, Salister will send his minions to hunt them down.
"At this point, the players might choose to ally with him, becoming his new lieutenants in his quest to conquer hell. But if they oppose him. They might need backup. They could consider calling in NPCs like Balance and Denric for assistance.
"If Salister succeeds in this dark finale, everyone who sold their souls to him will perish. He'll ascend to become an archdevil, open up the netherworld, and with all his forces, he'll make a play for rulership in hell."
"What are we going to do in the next 24 hours, then?" Evie asked, not one bit worried about the outcome of this quest.
As long as Ren was by her side, she felt like everything would turn out alright in the end.
"We'll wait," Ren told her. "We'll take this time to gather supplies and upgrade our equipment. Once we're inside the Netherworld, there's no going back until the quest is finish."
