บท 13: The Serpent Goddess
The Seraphic System
Chapter: 13
Notice: I've started up a pa/ t reon with four chapters in advance, details at the bottom of the chapter if you're interested I'll keep posting regardless
Thanks for all the support. I hope you enjoy.
(The Serpent Goddess)
Gazing up at the towering structure I stood before, I reached down in my pocket for my phone and compared the image Shanu had sent me after forcing my phone number out of me.
I confirmed with a quick glance down at the picture. I nodded to myself. Yup, this was the Mansa Mandir, the temple of the serpent goddess Shanu had told me to travel to.
It was impressive. The Mansa Mandir temple is a marvellous architectural wonder, decorated with detailed carvings and vivid colours immediately noticeable from a distance.
Due to being nestled in the mountains, its surroundings were oddly lively with lush greenery and trees, and the towering structure was made to impress whoever gazed upon it.
There seemed to be quite a few worshippers. I watched numerous of them enter and leave the Mansa Mandir, all looking around at the impressive carvings in awe and worship.
Right, I should get moving. Shanu never told me how to get in contact with the goddess. Seems like a bit of improv was going to be needed. Hesitating now wouldn't help. I felt a small tongue lick my face as Galadriel slithered up from under my shirt.
[AN: if some of you are confused I changed Kai's familiar since a Kitsune was a bit generic.]
I normally kept her in the hotel room I was currently using as my residence, since she was too weak to do anything but hold me back in an actual fight. Shanu had suggested that I bring her along.
When he first saw her he had been confused about what species of snake she was, but I couldn't exactly reveal to him that she was from an entirely different world. Instead, I attributed it to luck and claimed I had found her during my travels.
Vague, yes. There was a good chance he knew there was a deeper reason but he couldn't exactly deny it, technically I wasn't lying either which I was now pretty sure he had some ability for.
Shanu's wisdom on the animal species as a whole was surprisingly knowledgeable. I guess being thousands of years old does that, and his inability to identify her type immediately led him to assume she belonged to a super rare species.
Which was a fair assumption, given her unique circumstances. Shanu had informed me that Manasa may be more inclined to pay attention to me if I was accompanied by Galadriel. Due to her adoration for all snakes.
Taking a brief scan around the temple, I noticed oddly enough there weren't any magical formations. Shanu had finally taught me what was embarrassing enough, something most high-class beings can do.
Nevertheless this either meant they had complex formations that I simply couldn't sense or they didn't feel the need to place any. Either way was troublesome. It could also be some sort of other protection that I had no idea how to sense.
I guess it didn't matter since I wasn't here to fight for once. With a sudden burst of speed, I appeared closer to the main entrance, just out of sight from the worshippers parading around.
Slowly I started strolling over towards the temple, somewhat hesitant only for the large doors to open and a man simply wearing a robe around his waist with his bare torso exposed. There were some intricate patterns made of ash on his torso. They seemed to have some significance.
He simply took a glance around before walking straight towards me.
{Name: Swami Harish}
{Title: Priest Of Manasa}
{Race: Enhanced Human}
{Power level: 6000}
My eyes widened, this was by far the strongest human I had encountered. Unheeded by my stare, he simply walked straight up to me before smiling at me.
"Hello, friend." He spoke his words full of kindness and friendliness.
"Yo." I smiled back, instantly going into the friendly persona I had created ever since gaining Mastermind Maven.
It was easier to gain information when your opponent felt at ease.
"I don't mean to be rude, but you're currently on holy grounds. Would you please state your intention, I haven't a memorable face like yours worshipping our goddess before." He spoke with the same gentle smile.
Bullshit, I'm sure he had sensed my magic, which I still hadn't found out how to suppress completely. I could suppress most of it to make me seem like a low-high-class being like I was now.
"I'm here to learn more about her, I have a personal interest in snakes, you see," I said with a friendly smile as I mentally commanded Galadriel to slither out.
Right now, I was playing the role of a polite teenager since I still looked around 14-15 years old. His eyes focused on her as the beautiful snake slithered out from my clothes.
He gazed in awe at my snake, captivated by the ethereal mist trailing from her as she understood my intentions and happily showed off. The mist seemed to reflect the night sky, charming anyone who looked at it.
Even I was briefly stunned, Galadriel hadn't shown off this much in front of me before. She seemed to preen under my awe and completely ignored the priest who was staring at her.
I would have missed the brief flash of green light that briefly turned his eyes into slits if I hadn't regained my bearings. It had been quick and barely noticeable by human standards.
His expression turned into surprise before his demeanour suddenly changed and he gave a subtle nod. I had a pretty good guess at what had just happened.
Looks like I gained her attention.
He smiled again but this time seemed much more serious.
"It would seem you've gained the attention of my goddess. Would you follow me please?" He said but it felt more like a command, but we both knew it was a request.
I nodded once and followed the priest inside the temple as he walked through various rooms. I had my guard fully up as he didn't say anything. Eventually, he led me to a secluded room deep within the temple and turned to me.
"Please enter, I shall be waiting outside." He announced.
I internally frowned but flashed him an appreciative smile and slowly walked towards the door. I pulsed my magic out almost rhythmically, trying to detect any sort of hostile magic.
There was none, I guess I should just go get this over with. I had sneakily sent a message to Shanu of my arrival before entering just in case, I wasn't betting on him providing any more aid but I could be a card to play.
As I entered the room, I was greeted by a meticulously sculpted statue of the goddess in question. Positioned before the statue was an intricate altar adorned with intertwining snakes, their heads bowing reverently towards the figure they cradled.
The room itself was spacious, its walls crafted from pristine white stone and adorned with accents of vibrant green metal. There was a weird circular pool around the sculpture.
I walked in slowly and tried not to make too much sound with my footsteps as the entire place was shrouded in a serene atmosphere. Just as I reached the edge of the strange circular pool, the water began to shine.
I remained unsurprised when water bubbles began to rise into a humanoid form. There wouldn't be any other reason for having an inconvenient pool just sitting in the middle of the room.
A strange powerful energy erupted from it and nearly forced me to kneel under its weight. Luckily I was used to enforcing gravity with the gravity bands I had purchased so I was used to readjusting under intense gravity.
I'm guessing the pool acted as some sort of doorway, perhaps to her divine realm or place of residence. I wasn't too well versed but I had come across the term "divine kingdom" while I was researching Namara.
The water that rose turned golden as what I could only assume was divine power oozed out of it. I have to admit this felt a bit dramatic, I felt like deadpanning but held myself back.
The golden light began to die down and a curvy female form appeared from within the light which I had to stop myself from reacting from. Down boy. I mentally commanded.
She emerged, her hair a stunning blend of white with silver highlights cascading down to her knees, gleaming with a healthy shine under the light. Fiery red eyes with orange-slitted pupils gazed upon my form.
Her perfect face and pull lips pursed. She wore a cyan belly dancer-inspired dress, revealing her flat stomach and accentuating her hourglass figure.
I was inwardly cursing at the timing at which puberty had activated. It took immense restraint to the point I suppressed any visible reaction, even resorting to my usual cold expression.
Her bare foot gently took a step forward, the water acting as a platform as she gazed at me coldly. A quick appraisal and my breath nearly hitched.
{Name: Manasa}
{Title: The Serpent Goddess/Daughter of Shiva}
{Race: GOD}
{Power level: 100,890}
What a bullshit power level, thirty thousand more power than even Tiamat. That was another level of power and she was now the most powerful being I had used my skill on. I felt Galadriel peek out from under my shirt.
I guess it should have been expected since the Hindu Pantheon was known to house the most powerful gods but still...
Manasa's fiery slitted eyes snapped over to Galadriel and finally showed some reaction other than the cold apathetic expression she had been wearing. Shock, that was what Manasa looked to be experiencing.
She was suddenly beside me, standing as if she hadn't crossed the room in a millisecond and looking at Galadriel who slithered back. Obviously intimidated by the powerful goddess.
The goddess's eyes softened at Galadriel.
"What a beautiful little thing." She spoke softly. Her voice was unnaturally melodious.
The goddess extended her arm and gently tried coaxing Galadriel to go over to her, while I observed in silence, slightly annoyed at her blatant attempt at stealing my familiar. I was thinking about what path to go from since I needed to tread lightly.
I didn't know what type of goddess she was. Galadriel retreated behind me. I think she could feel the goddess's intentions and my lips twitched into a small smile at her loyalty.
Unfortunately, the goddess didn't feel the same way. She had a gentle frown on her face. The atmosphere was quickly turning awkward. We hadn't said a word to each other since our meeting.
"Gree-" I started only to be interrupted.
"Silence." She narrowed her eyes. I regarded her coldly.
Galadriel came to my defence with a hiss.
"Why have you come to my temple?" She questioned.
This certainly wasn't the first impression I wanted to have.
"I have come to ask if it would be possible to borrow your stone, lady Manasa," I said with a humble smile.
She gave me a thorough look for the first time, and the faintest blush graced her flawless cheeks. I stopped myself from smirking at that. I had been regretting my choice in picking allure but it was times like this I realised it had been one of my best choices yet.
Regaining her bearings she raised an eyebrow.
"You mean this weak thing." She said while raising her delicate hand to show a green rock. I didn't waste time and used appraisal.
[Manasa Stone]
Manasa's Stone is a mystical artefact infused with the essence of Manasa, the revered Hindu goddess of serpents. Adorned with intricate engravings depicting serpents in fluid motion, this stone radiates an aura of divine energy.
Abilities and Passive Effects
- Summon Snake Construct: The bearer gains the ability to summon and command serpent constructs imbued with mystical energy.
- Weakening Aura: Hostile serpents and practitioners of dark magic are weakened in the presence of the talisman, their powers diminished in the face of its divine influence.
- Enhanced Magical Understanding: The bearer's comprehension of magical principles is enhanced, allowing for greater mastery and manipulation of mystical energies.
"Yep," I replied nonchalantly.
"And why should I consider lending you my stone?" She asked with a delicately raised eyebrow.
I rolled my eyes, I could see where she was going with this. I'm starting to think maybe I should just go without the Manasa stone. It would only be needed if Namara appeared himself.
If I wished, I could simply temporarily trade Galadriel to her and summon her back after I have the stone, but that would make an enemy out of an extremely powerful goddess. I already have too many of those.
"Perhaps because it's temporary? By the way, you described it, you don't hold the stone in high regard and probably have no use for it. Parting with it for a day or two is nothing." I said with an innocent smile as her eyebrow twitched minutely.
She had made the mistake of mentioning how little value it meant for her. A mistake when negotiating. Manasa probably could have gotten a lot more if she didn't mention how little she cared.
It wasn't her fault, she was a goddess. I bet she is probably used to getting her way and rarely has to deal with bargaining, especially with a mortal. She seemed to understand she let her hand slip.
"I still don't see why I should give something I created to you with nothing in return?" She stubbornly said, which was kind of adorable.
"What is it that you desire?" I asked her.
I made sure to phrase it so she was on the back foot in this conversation. I had something she wanted. By the way, her face scrunched up cutely I think she understood that.
"The beauty that hides tucked under your shirt, I've never seen anything like it and as the goddess of snakes, I know every species of snakes in existence, yet this one's kind has evaded even my domain. Which gives me information on every type of snake species, even any of those unfortunate enough to have gone extinct!" She said almost frustratedly at the end.
Yeah, I had guessed that's why she had been so fascinated, I don't claim to know how the domains of gods operate but having a snake that's essentially an anomaly to your domain must be quite surprising.
"Not for sale," I said blandly. I couldn't help it.
"Then I suppose we have nothing else to speak about hmph!" She spoke and turned away.
"Not even if I tell you that your stone would be used in killing a Deva? That's only if it's used though" I asked with a playful tone.
Shanu had told me she had a certain hatred of all Deva.
Which would be true if I used it. Which I'm hoping it won't be. This was my plan B. Not ideal since I'm sure she won't be happy after finding out but in that case, I also wouldn't have used the stone, so it wouldn't be me lying either.
She paused, then turned back around, her expression more serious. "You want to use my stone to kill a Deva?"
"Well. If I need to use it, yes." I carefully worded my statement.
She looked thoughtful.
"Fine, colour me interested. How about we make a wager?" she said with a cute huff, crossing her arms and pushing up her large bust.
I kept my eyes firmly on her beautiful fiery ones with more effort than I would have liked to admit. Which seemed to annoy her a bit.
"Sure." I gave her an easygoing grin.
"If you win I shall give you the stone. If I win I will take this little beauty." She said with a cute smile.
I couldn't help but let out a scoff.
"Seems a little unfair, my rare familiar for some barely worth it rock. If you end that with a favour to call in, I'll agree to your terms." I replied with the same smile she wore.
She scowled lightly.
"Fine."
Her scowl turned into a vicious smirk. A snake came out from her shadow. A fucking large snake that looked like it could eat an elephant slithering over to me. Letting out hisses that sounded downright dangerous.
The snake was completely black with demonic green eyes. It glared at me with hostility.
The goddess wore a light smirk as she looked at me challengingly. The snake opened its maw and let its large fang which dripped with an unknown liquid hang beside my head.
I wasn't too worried, since I doubted a goddess would resort to catching me off guard to try to kill me, but I still kept my guard up around the elephant eater of a serpent glaring at me.
"Let my cute little pet inject some of his venom into you. If you survive, you win. If you die, I win," she said, her smirk turning more twisted with each word she spoke.
Was it bad that I found it kind of hot? I observed her for a few seconds and understood. So that's her angle is it?
"Okay then," I said unbothered.
"Are you sure? My cute little pet's venom here contains neurotoxic and hemotoxic properties which induce paralysis, convulsions, and ultimately, death. It also amplifies all your negative emotions, which would surely cause a cute angel such as yourself to fall," she said while curling a strand of her silky white hair.
I felt myself relax, I had her figured out. Admittedly, I had been cautious due to her immense power, even slightly intimidated. I had fought battles that seemed impossible to win but she outmatched me so much that nothing I could do would affect her, but I think I've got her figured out now.
I appraised the dripping venom from the serpent's mouth as she wore a smug smile. She probably thought the threat of falling would scare me off as it would do for essentially every other angel.
Divine Venom of Malevolence
Key Characteristics:
- Neurotoxic and Hemotoxic Properties: The venom is a deadly concoction of neurotoxins and hemotoxins, designed to wreak havoc on the victim's nervous system and circulatory system simultaneously. Upon injection, it targets the body's vital organs with ruthless efficiency, inducing paralysis, convulsions, and ultimately, death.
- Amplification of Negative Emotions: A particularly insidious aspect of this venom is its ability to amplify the victim's negative emotions to a fever pitch. Whether it be rage, hatred, envy, or lust, the venom stokes the flames of these dark passions, driving the afflicted into a frenzy of unrestrained emotion.
- Corrupting Influence: In addition to its physical effects, the venom exerts a corrupting influence on the victim's psyche, twisting their thoughts and desires to align with the most base and depraved aspects of their nature. Under its insidious influence, even the most virtuous soul may find themselves succumbing to the allure of forbidden desires and malicious intent.
I nearly let out a whistle at the description, she wasn't lying about the venom's effects, this venom was probably the deadliest I had ever been in contact with.
This was going to hurt like a bitch. I was pretty confident that my newly evolved skill toxic resistance would be able to combat it, my poison resistance had evolved after being under the effects of the angel killer into this.
[Toxic Immunity] (LVL: 37/50) {Apprentice}
[Toxic Immunity is a skill that elevates the user's poison resistance to unparalleled levels, granting them mastery over their own bodily defences. With this skill, the user transcends the limitations of conventional poison resistance, achieving a state of complete immunity to all forms of toxins and venoms]
[Passive effect: Resistance to all toxins increased by 60% Resistance to all Divine Toxins increased by 30%]
Each time a skill evolved, its rank decreased, but the resistance it offered doubled compared to when it was at the Adept Rank. It was a good trade in my opinion. If not a bit broken if I could find a way to abuse it. Which with my download skill was possible.
I still wasn't entirely sure about the mechanics of skill evolution since I had only done it twice now, but it seemed like accumulating a certain combination of adaptable skills that could potentially rival a fully maxed version of the class if used together was the key.
Once that was achieved, the skill evolved into something significantly stronger with a much greater potential. Back to the main focus, I stared at the smug-looking goddess who had been watching me have my little internal monologue.
I felt the familiar feeling of competition, I'm sure she felt like she had scared me away like any angel naturally would. Unfortunately for her, I wasn't an ordinary angel.
With that thought, I watched as her face morphed with glee as my arm shot out towards the large serpent's black fang. This was reckless and illogical but even with my new intelligence at the end of the day, I was still the same person.
I allowed the fang to bypass my physical immunity as the light that began to protect me dissipated. A sharp sensation pierced through my arm as a large amount of the serpent's venom began to enter my body.
While this happened I stared at the Serpent Goddess face that was morphed into horror. The serpent itself retracted its fang quickly and even its demonic eyes looked at me worried.
The face of the goddess was priceless, the utter bewilderment and confusion. Turns out she wasn't as evil as she seemed. I had suspected she was trying to simply scare me out of it.
I would have relished the sight of her expression much more if I hadn't suddenly collapsed in pain. She appeared frozen at first, but her bewilderment and confusion quickly transformed into genuine concern.
Her form didn't even flicker as she materialised beside me just in time to catch my body. This was fucking intense. My body couldn't move. It was a hundred times worse than the Angel Killer bullet.
She laid me down and started performing dozens of spells within seconds. The amount of magical energy expended within that time was more than I could produce at my max.
The fiery red eyes of the goddess shimmered with guilt as everything around me ignited, and my emotions intensified, plunging my world into darkness. I barely saw Galadriel slither out and lick my cheek worriedly.
I think I might have made a miscalculation.
My mouth was drier than a desert, while the magic within me vibrated erratically, beginning to feel strange. Each bone in my body felt as though it had been thrown into a grinder.
This was a different level. I guess it should have been expected from a goddess that held dominion over all snakes, which included their venom. My muscles felt like I had swapped places with Atlas, bearing the weight of the sky. Forcing me down.
If I had been hit with something like this when the assassin attacked. I had no doubt I would have been killed. I was barely holding on. Panic which I'm sure was induced by the venom tried to overwhelm.
Briefly making me wonder if I was going to die. Had I been too confident in my evolved skill? Would I look like a fool as I died a simple nobody on the ground? I could only hope my toxic immunity would catch up and neutralise it soon.
I'm going to fucking punch that bald stone deva in the head for making me think this was a good idea. I should have just taken my chances and gone without the stupid stone.
-{Manasa Pov}-
Manasa sat beside the shivering form of the young angel who had foolishly accepted her challenge. Manasa cursed in Sanskrit the language of the Hindu gods at the stupidity of this angel.
The chances of him falling was essentially 100%. Despite what many people thought of Manasa and how she normally acted with others she wasn't a bad god. Not like many others at least.
She had no intention of killing the young angel who had sought her stone. Manasa shook her head, she shouldn't have underestimated him. The unique species of snake I somehow didn't know about was making her displeasure known to me.
Alternating between hissing threateningly and worriedly licking the young's angel's face in a vain attempt to awaken him. She ignored it for now as she watched his writhing form intently
He had risen without any fear and she had seen the glint in his stunning hazel eyes. A strong defiance at being underestimated. Even she had been mesmerised at the sight.
Casting a few more basic scans of his body, she was shocked. She had been ready to instantly administer an antidote to stop any further damage, which would have at least been a crippled body. Yet somehow his body was fighting back.
The organs that should have been torn apart were being regenerated every time damage occurred to them, this alone would have normally simply forced him to suffer longer.
Which would have been true if his body wasn't somehow growing immune to it. Every second the damage the poison caused lessened by a noticeable degree.
This was overshadowed by the sheer vitality I sensed within his body. Just who was this angel? This rapid regeneration with his body adapting at speeds that left even her stunned.
Quickly shaking her head at the multiple questions that formed, she started using her divine power instead of the magical energy she had been using. Divine light bathed him and cured him of all his ailments in seconds.
The angel's rapid breathing calmed down and the horrid black veins covering his entire body disappeared. She simply hoped he hadn't gotten too much mental trauma from the experience.
She gently stroked a strand of his hair out of his face before simply staring at his face.
Manasa looked away with a small blush.
-{Kai Pov}-
I woke up and instantly noticed my head lying on something soft. Blinking, I looked up into the bashful face of the goddess who had challenged me. She stared back at me with a small blush on her pale cheeks.
A lap pillow from a beautiful goddess? Satan, where exactly do you want my signature? My eyes closed again and I heard her squawk of indignation.
My eyes opened again when my familiar, who had eyes filled with relief, sprung on my head, circling around me protectively and giving me many affectionate licks on my cheek.
A few minutes of calming Galadriel down and I finally looked up at the silently observing goddess.
"So, it would seem I've won huh?" I spoke after a few minutes.
"Wh-WHAT?" She shouted incredulously.
"If I survive I win, I'm alive," I said with my eyes still closed.
"That's not fair! I helped you purge the poison!" She looked flabbergasted which was cute.
"I didn't ask you to do that for me, I appreciate it. Still, I won." I spoke calmly. I didn't even feel the need to act smug.
She stared at me before giggling. The Manasa stone appeared in my hand and I made sure to keep it held firmly. After that experience, I was feeling exhausted.
As much as I was enjoying the lap pillow I needed to go and get started on the preparation for the heist, at this point I wanted to get this done with.
I tiredly grinned. "Thanks, O beautiful Goddess, I'll be back to return the stone so-"
I had begun getting up but I suddenly felt her two hands grip either side of my head and force me to stare into her fiery eyes. Our faces were inches apart as her breath tickled my face.
"I'll be awaiting you and your snake's return." She said before kissing my forehead. A pulse of what I could only assume was divinity flowed through me for a brief second.
Blessing of Manasa acquired
Blessing of Manasa
The Blessing of Manasa is a divine gift bestowed upon those deemed worthy by the serpent goddess herself. This blessing encompasses abilities and protections, designed to safeguard the recipient against harm.
Passive Effects:
- Toxin Protection: The Blessing of Manasa confers upon its recipient protection from toxins and venoms. Whether it be the venomous bite of a serpent or the toxic fumes of a deadly plant, the recipient is shielded from harm, their body bolstered by the divine essence of Manasa.
- Affinity with Snakes: Those blessed by Manasa find themselves imbued with a natural affinity for serpents, forming a deep bond with these creatures of the wild. Serpents, both mundane and mystical, are drawn to the recipient, recognizing them as kin and offering their loyalty and aid when needed.
- Summon Serpent: Through the Blessing of Manasa, the recipient gains the ability to call upon one of the goddess's serpentine servants in times of need. Whether for guidance, protection, or reconnaissance, the summoned serpent acts subservient to and heeds the call of the blessed.
- Divine Communication: The Blessing of Manasa enables the recipient to establish a telepathic link with the serpent goddess herself, allowing for communication over vast distances.
My eyes glazed over as I read the description, and when I looked back up at her, I was left utterly baffled. Multiple pings rang out as my toxic immunity levelled up faster than any other skill yet, and all she offered in response was a small smile.
[Toxic Immunity] (LVL: 175/200) {Master}
[Toxic Immunity is a skill that elevates the user's poison resistance to unparalleled levels, granting them mastery over their own bodily defences. With this skill, the user transcends the limitations of conventional poison resistance, achieving a state of complete immunity to all forms of toxins and venoms]
[Passive effect: Resistance to all toxins increased by 80% Resistance to all Divine Toxins increased by 50%]
Holy shit, Toxic immunity had just become my first skill to ever reach the master rank. I wasn't even sure if there was a rank above that.
"…"
Well, okay then. One second she's arguing and now she's being weird. I mean I appreciate the blessing and all it's just strange. I'd rather not push my luck any further.
Galadriel slithered and wrapped around me under the protection of my shirt.
Time to make a graceful retreat before things get even more complicated. Maybe I can send the stone back in the mail or something.
"I'll think about the favour later." I called out as I rose to my feet. Swiftly walking away and ignoring the way I stumbled a few times.
Leaving her behind with a lingering sense of bewilderment.
Were all gods this weird? Ignoring whatever the priest waiting outside had to say, I quickly exited the temple.
My body felt like it was about to give out and I needed to get some rest. I sighed, realising I needed to visit Shanu first before having some rest.
Unfortunately my regeneration didn't transfer over to my mental state.
-{Shanu Pov}-
Shanu finished another piece of paperwork. He smiled as he approved the construction of a hospital. He hadn't heard anything from Kai yet but he hoped all went well. Manasa wasn't likely to kill him.
The doors to his office opened and Adheer walked in and dropped some more paperwork on the desk.
"Adheer, how is the search for the infiltrator going?" Shanu asked.
Adheer bowed slightly before answering.
"The filthy outsider is on his last legs master, all his hideouts have been destroyed and as we speak he is being worn down. All exits to the city are being closely monitored. He should be captured or killed within a few days." Adheer reported dutifully.
"Assign two hundred more of my men to the hunt, I want this rodent out of my home today," Shanu commanded.
Adheer nodded fervently.
"It shall be done." He replied.
"How are the reports on Namara's mansion?" Shanu questioned.
"Our informants have stated there have been no changes in the magical formations or the guard routine. No sight of Namara entering or leaving. We believe he is not present within the mansion." Adheer reported.
Shanu nodded. He was glad, things would be much harder for young Kai if Namara was present in his home. Shanu had to wonder what Namara was up to.
His old friend had become unpredictable these days.
Hopefully, he wasn't up to any nefarious plans again.
The doors to his office exploded open. Adheer was on alert standing guard in front of Shanu who sighed.
"Yo, gramps." A voice Shanu had become accustomed to called out. Kai stumbled in looking really tired, looks like he is barely stopping himself from passing out.
Adheer scowled.
"You dare!" He roared only to stop.
Kai's leg drove straight up into Adheer's balls. He dropped, as if he had been shot, fell over and let out a pitiful groan.
"Rule one of the women's defence camp, is to always aim for the balls. Gotta know these things Adheer." Kai spoke as he leaned against the desk for support.
Shanu rubbed his head. Kai opened his hand revealing a stone.
"So you were able to acquire it?" Shanu said discreetly, shielding his balls. Kai looked downright unhinged as he glared at Shanu.
"Yes, I was. After surviving her test." Kai replied.
"Oh? What was this test?" Shanu inquired
"Oh, you know, just surviving the Divine Venom of Malevolence. Nothing much." Kai spoke and Shanu gawked.
His appearance suddenly made sense, Shanu thought.
"She seemed to be quite obsessed with Galadriel too." He commented while falling into a chair.
Adheer was still on the ground, actually, he may be dead.
"I see, apologies. My young friend, I had no idea she would go this far, this behaviour is not what I expected from her." Shanu bowed his head in an apology.
What a brave child, it was times when Shanu admired his bravery. To be forced through something like that and survive. What horrible tragedies did he experience?
"Well, she actually said it to scare me off but I took it as a challenge. I didn't need to accept but that smug look pissed me off. So I stabbed my arm on her snake's fang and injected the venom." Kai said nonchalantly.
Just like that, the respect Shanu felt plummeted.
"I knew I would survive, I will admit it was quite a bit more kick than I expected it would."
[Editor: Light work, no reaction]
"…"
"How have you lived this long?"
-END-
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