**Title: Chapter 16: A Member**
In a dimly lit room, Maric's eyes widened as he deciphered the ancient text, his mind reeling with the implications. "This seems to be an ancient deity name," he mumbled, his voice barely audible. A pang of self-directed humor pierced through Maric's panic as he inwardly lampooned himself for his initial confusion. "Wait... do I just read this with ancient Hermes language... shit... I'm so stupid," he chastised himself, frustration seeping into his thoughts. "F*ckkk!" Maric cursed aloud, his voice echoing in the room, his realization of the danger he was in palpable.
Responding to Maric's outburst, Sharron hurried into the room, her expression a mix of concern and surprise. She had known Maric for years, yet seeing him in such a panicked state was a rarity. "What's happening?" Sharron's voice cut through the tension, her worry evident. Maric, shaken by Sharron's presence, recounted the events that had led to his distress, a heavy silence settling over the room like a suffocating blanket. Sharron's reaction was swift and unforgiving. "Where is your brain... idiot, you idiot, Maric," she scolded, her tone tinged with both frustration and concern. As a former member of the Rose School of Thought, she understood the gravity of Maric's actions and the potential dangers they posed.
The realization of the peril he had unwittingly placed himself in weighed heavily on Maric as he struggled to catch his breath. "What should I do?" he asked, his voice trembling with fear. Attempting to ease Maric's anxiety, Sharron offered a semblance of reassurance. "Relax, maybe this letter is just a fake," she suggested, her words laced with uncertainty. Maric's thoughts raced as he considered his next course of action. "Should I go to Evernight Church today, Sharron?" he questioned, seeking guidance. "I don't think the Evernight Goddess will shelter you," Sharron cautioned, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Before they could delve further into their conversation, a blinding light enveloped them, consuming their senses and transporting them to an unfamiliar realm.
In the Pendragon mansion, Arthur, the King of Nothing, awaited eagerly, his plans set in motion. Having instructed Igris to place his sacred name in the book at Sharron's house, he now awaited the chant that would bind Maric to him. As the voices from the chamber of the star reached his ears, Arthur seized the opportunity, pulling both Maric and Sharron into his realm simultaneously, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Buy 1 free 1!" he mused, reveling in his fortune.
As Maric and Sharron found themselves enveloped in a serene tranquility, Arthur surveyed them from his throne, his gaze unwavering. Their minds became as clear as the starry sky above them, their thoughts flowing freely. The sight that greeted Maric and Sharron was awe-inspiring, the chamber adorned with rows of dazzling stars, its very essence imbued with a sense of otherworldly power. In the presence of the mysterious figure cloaked in starlight, Maric's voice trembled as he dared to speak. "The King of Nothing, are you him?" he whispered, his heart pounding in his chest.
With a regal air, Arthur acknowledged their presence. "Yes, you may call me that," he declared, his voice resonating with authority. "Why do you seek my audience?" Maric asked respectfully, realizing the gravity of the situation. "To be honest, I just coincidentally blurted out your name and didn't have any intention of seeking your majesty's audience," Maric admitted truthfully, knowing better than to deceive such a being. "You are very honest, and that is a valuable trait. However, our meeting was arranged by the stars themselves. It was fate for you to meet me right now," Arthur replied cryptically.
"Did fate bring us?" Sharron pondered silently. Being a Beyonder just below the demigod level, she knew that fate was intricate and often unavoidable. "If I cannot escape it, both of us should accept it. Moreover, this god seems stable and free from madness," Sharron thought to herself, recognizing the gravity of their situation. Sharron, recognizing the gravity of their situation, mustered the courage to address Arthur. "Your Majesty, I wonder if we both have the honor to become your followers," she ventured, her tone respectful yet determined.
In a moment of solemnity, Arthur bestowed upon them his blessing. "We are bound by the stars. From now on, you are both my followers," he proclaimed, his words carrying the weight of destiny. A sense of euphoria washed over Maric and Sharron as they accepted their newfound allegiance, their minds filled with a sense of purpose. As they returned to their room, the memory of their encounter with the divine still fresh in their minds, they were greeted by a beam of starlight, illuminating a golden crest logo bearing the words "Our organization."
Meanwhile, Arthur, having achieved his goal, reclined upon his bed with a sense of satisfaction, his thoughts already turning to the possibilities that lay ahead. The newspaper in his hands served as a reminder of the world outside, its headlines a stark contrast to the tranquility of his realm. "The Night of Bloody Demon, the Killer demon strikes again!" the headline screamed, its urgency a stark reminder of the chaos that plagued the city. With a newfound sense of purpose, Arthur formulated a plan, his mind ablaze with possibilities. The demon wreaking havoc in his domain would soon meet its match.