บท 220: Danger
(3rd Person POV)
Throughout Elder Bane Asylum, patients awakened simultaneously, clarity shining in formerly clouded eyes.
Miser Albertson sat up in his bed, hands trembling as he touched his face. The fog that had imprisoned his mind for years had vanished. "I'm... I'm actually thinking clearly?" he whispered, scarcely believing his own lucidity.
"You too?" A familiar voice drew his attention. His roommate, an elderly half-demon who'd spent over a century in these walls, watched him with newly focused eyes.
Miser stared at his long-time companion, recognizing for the first time the wisdom in those ancient features. "It's like a curse has been lifted," he managed, voice thick with emotion. "After all these years..."
The old half-demon's weathered face broke into a gentle smile. "Perhaps the gods haven't forgotten us after all."
"We should escape while we can-" Miser started, but his roommate raised a gnarled hand.
"Listen," the elder demon said softly. Through the walls came the unmistakable sounds of movement and hushed, coherent conversation. "We're not alone in this miracle."
They made their way to the day room, finding it already occupied by other patients - all showing the same transformed awareness in their eyes. Near the nurses' station lay an unconscious nurse, peacefully slumped in her chair. And there, standing before them all, was a familiar face.
"That's the actor," Miser breathed. "The one who's been filming here."
The old half-demon's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Yes... and I suspect he's far more than just an actor."
John gazed at the gathering of healed patients, a gentle smile playing across his lips. They didn't yet understand that Dionysus had granted them this miracle, but soon they would know the truth about their divine benefactor.
---
Arthur stirred in his bed as divine energy pulsed through his consciousness. His eyes flickered open, mind already reaching for his domain. In an instant, he materialized in his newly expanded divine space - a magnificent ballroom that had cost him 2,000 Divine Points just three days ago.
The investment had left him with only hundreds of points, but the benefits justified the cost.
Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings, their light reflecting off marble floors that stretched beyond mortal perception.
This space could host thousands of followers simultaneously, allowing direct divine audiences. More importantly, it enhanced his ability to channel divine energy and monitor his growing congregation.
Arthur settled into an ornate chair, willing a television into existence atop a gilded table. The screen flickered through images before settling on John, who stood before the asylum patients, spreading Dionysus's gospel with passionate conviction.
"Well done, John," Arthur murmured, watching his faithful follower work. "You've learned to balance showmanship with sincerity."
His divine point counter ticked upward by 20 as new believers embraced their faith.
The conversion rate wasn't as impressive as it had been with his early followers - John, Crystal, Ada, and other seniors still generated significant divine energy through their unwavering devotion. Most new followers only produced about 0.02 divine points or less, their faith still tentative compared to the deep connection his senior followers maintained.
Still, 20 Divine Points in one night wasn't insignificant. Arthur smiled, knowing these newly converted patients would likely strengthen their faith over time.
The stronger their belief grew, the more divine energy they'd generate - a perfect cycle of devotion and power.
***
The morning news hit Horn City like a thunderbolt.
Alissa appeared on Hellfire News, her usually composed demeanor showing clear concern. "Breaking news: All patients from Elder Bane Asylum have escaped their confines," she reported, gripping her papers tightly. "Many of these individuals have violent histories. We urge parents to keep close watch over their children. If you spot anyone in asylum attire, contact authorities immediately. Do not approach them."
The news sparked immediate panic. Elder Bane Asylum's reputation loomed large in public consciousness - three centuries of operation had birthed countless dark rumors.
Stories circulated about elderly patients who'd mastered forbidden magic during their decades of confinement.
Television crews descended on the asylum within hours, their vans creating a media circus outside the ancient building.
Live broadcasts interrupted regular programming as reporters competed for the most dramatic coverage.
Along Horn City's busy streets, crowds gathered before television store windows, their faces reflecting in the screens as they watched events unfold.
"How could they all escape at once?" a shopkeeper wondered aloud. "Must've been planning this for months or even years."
"Those patients aren't right in the head," his neighbor added nervously. "They could be plotting chaos across the city right now."
A young demon clutched his Batman comic tightly. "Just like when Arkham Asylum's inmates escaped and terrorized Gotham!"
"Don't be ridiculous," an older demon scoffed. "The Nightstar royal guards will round them up before any real damage is done."
None of them realized that the "dangerous" patients had already changed into ordinary clothes, quietly beginning their new lives.
While many had embraced Dionysus's teachings through John, others simply sought a fresh start, their newly healed minds focused on building peaceful futures far from Elder Bane's shadows.
John led the newly healed patients to an abandoned warehouse Arthur had quietly acquired months ago. Inside, those whose faith proved strong enough received their sacred scrolls, golden light materializing before their eyes.
Not all followers could manifest these divine scrolls.
Throughout Angel City, thousands who'd pledged themselves to Dionysus still lacked the spiritual connection needed to summon their scrolls.
Some divided their devotion between multiple deities, while others harbored lingering doubts about Dionysus's divinity.
More concerning were the suspected spies from rival faiths, infiltrating their ranks under the guise of conversion.
These uncertainties explained the gap between Arthur's actual following - nearly 24,000 - and his confirmed faithful of 20,000.
Senior members maintained strict security protocols, protecting knowledge of the sacred scrolls and hidden sanctuaries until newcomers proved their devotion through genuine manifestation of divine connection.
***
Meanwhile, across Angel City, the tale of Joshua's miracle spread through taverns and bars. Bards wove the story of water transformed to wine into songs that captured imaginations and sparked curiosity about Dionysus.
The police, pressured by Solarus high priests, intensified their hunt for cult members. Yet their quarry had grown more sophisticated. Where once followers had proclaimed their faith openly, now they moved in shadows, gathering in secret and dispersing before authorities could act.
This increasing elusiveness frustrated the ACPD, and the Solarus high priests' mounting dissatisfaction only added to the tension. Their demands for arrests grew more insistent, even as the cult seemed to vanish into Angel City's fabric.
In the private chamber of Solarus Temple, High Inquisitor Thaddeus gathered his council around a marble table. Candlelight cast long shadows across ancient tapestries as he spoke. "The Cult of Dionysus grows beyond our initial estimates. At this rate, they'll soon rival The Scarlet Flame and The Gilded Accords - established thorns in our side for generations."
Templar Elder Nash leaned forward, his weathered hands clasped before him. "My spies report approximately fifteen thousand followers already. Though getting exact numbers proves... challenging."
High Priest Eryndor's robes rustled as he shifted uncomfortably. "From five thousand to fifteen thousand in mere months. Most disturbing is their reach - they're not just drawing from the desperate in underprivileged areas anymore. They've infiltrated Halo District, Starlight Canyon, even Seraph District itself."
"What of their meeting places?" another priest demanded. "Surely our agents have located their hideouts?"
Templar Elder Sol's expression darkened. "These cultists prove craftier than expected. They speak in riddles within riddles - when our people solve one, it only leads to another false trail. They're learning, adapting their security with each passing week."
Near the chamber's grand fireplace, Elena methodically polished brass ornaments, her movements deliberately slow and careful. To the council, she was merely another servant - invisible, irrelevant. Perfect cover for gathering intelligence that would protect her fellow followers.
บท 221: New Entertainment Product
(Elena POV)
"We have no choice. We must seek the help of at least one champion, along with several sacred knights. This cult must be eliminated." The words cut through the chamber like a blade.
My hands froze mid-polish, heart skipping a beat before I forced myself to continue cleaning. Inside, I prayed desperately that the other high-ranking members would reject such an extreme measure.
Champions and sacred knights - the mere thought of such powerful figures targeting our faith filled me with terror.
In my years serving the Solarus Temple, I'd always regarded champions with awe and admiration. Their power was legendary - a single champion could level entire city blocks if they wished. The stories of their feats had once thrilled me. Now, hearing them discussed as weapons against our faith, that same power turned my blood to ice.
"I believe that is our only choice." High Inquisitor Thaddeus's agreement confirmed my worst fears.
"While we're mobilizing such forces," High Priest Eryndor added, "perhaps we could request the champion's aid in dealing with the other troublesome cults in our city as well."
Thaddeus shifted in his seat. "We must be cautious in how we approach this. Champions are proud, easily offended. Still..." he paused thoughtfully, "I will make the request and see what can be arranged."
The other priests and templar elders murmured their gratitude, praising Thaddeus's wisdom and dedication to purging heresy.
The moment I could slip away, I rushed to my chambers, hands trembling as I summoned my sacred scroll.
Kneeling before it, I clasped my hands in urgent prayer, spending 3 Faith Points to send warnings through the divine network to all scroll-bearing followers.
After confirming the message had sent, I collapsed against my bed, heart racing. "Please," I whispered to the empty room, "let our brothers and sisters escape before the champion arrives."
The church's dungeons held many dark secrets - I'd heard enough whispered stories during my years as a sister to know what fate awaited cultists who fell into Solarus's hands. The thought of our followers facing such torments made me sick with worry.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Two days after the Elder Bane Asylum incident, Horn City's initial panic had begun to subside. With no signs of the feared patient rampage, citizens gradually returned to their normal routines.
Meanwhile, Arthur's divine power had surged dramatically - 528 new Divine Points flowing into his reserves. The Faith Point reward system had proven remarkably effective, motivating followers to not only expand their numbers but deepen their own devotion. Even recent converts were showing stronger faith after experiencing the sacred scrolls' benefits firsthand.
In his office, Arthur browsed the Divine Shop's extensive catalog, considering his next investment carefully.
[Divine Shop
Foundational Divine Items:
Soul Collection Vase (2,000 DP)
- Stores excess divine energy
- Preserves follower prayers
- Emergency power source
Mind Link Mirror (3,000 DP)
-Connects to multiple followers simultaneously
- Shows follower locations
- Enables mass communication]
[Divine Tools:
Authority Crown (4,000 DP)
-Strengthens divine commands
-Increases follower loyalty
-Improves blessing effectiveness
Domain Crystal (5,000 DP)
- Establishes divine territory
- Creates worship zones
- Strengthens local influence
Sanctuary Sphere (8,000 DP)
- Creates undetectable safe zones for followers
-Doubles divine point generation during prayer
-Shields against Lesser Exalted Mortal detection
-Automatically conceals divine energy signatures
-Generates basic sustenance for inhabitants]
Arthur leaned back in his chair, considering his options. With 528 Divine Points currently available, he couldn't afford any of these items yet. However, the rate of point generation suggested he might reach the required amount sooner than expected.
"I need that Sanctuary Sphere before the champion arrives," Arthur muttered, closing the divine shop interface. Elena's warning about an incoming champion had complicated matters significantly.
Based on the information, this champion is approximately at the 'Exalted Mortal' level, a ranking Arthur had only learned about a few weeks ago.
According to Elena's reports, champions who reached this level could devastate entire city blocks with their power. While their exact capabilities remained uncertain, the threat was serious enough that Arthur believed the Sanctuary Sphere could provide crucial protection - at least against champion at the lesser stage of this level.
Arthur had already ordered his followers to evacuate Angel City where possible. While hundreds had departed, many remained bound to the city.
Levi Strauss couldn't abandon "Levi Pictures" in the middle of producing "Cool Hand Jake." Others were equally tied down - established careers, ongoing missions, and stable Faith Point income kept them rooted in place.
Shaking these concerns from his mind, Arthur focused on tomorrow's milestone. July 7, 1274 would mark the launch of his company's first video game console.
The Hellfire Entertainment System - H.E.S. for short - had been teased just a week ago. The commercial on Hellfire Network had given viewers only tantalizing glimpses of what was to come.
His game team had completed their flagship title, "Music Legends Quest."
They'd also enhanced several Hellscape Center arcade favorites - "Tetris," "Space Invader," and "Ping Pong" now featured improved graphics beyond their arcade versions.
***
At 11 AM, the Hellfire press conference began. Camera flashes illuminated Arthur as he stood on stage beside a sleek black console and television set.
"Today, we launch an entertainment product that will revolutionize how people experience their TVs," Arthur announced, gesturing to the H.E.S. on the presentation table. "Think of it as a specialized computer, though more focused in scope. While it can't match a computer's versatility, it offers something entirely unique."
Major network cameras tracked his every movement as he lifted a small rectangular cartridge from the table. "This may look simple," he said, holding it up for all to see, "but inside lies an entire world—"
"What do you mean?" a journalist called out, pen poised over notepad.
Arthur's smile held a hint of mystery. "Let me show you." He slid the cartridge into the H.E.S. with a satisfying click.
The television screen flickered to life. First came the Hellfire logo, drawing curious murmurs from the assembled press.
The words "New Game" appeared as a familiar melody filled the air - a stripped-down version of Queen's "We Are The Champions," its notes transformed into simple electronic tones that somehow retained the original's triumphant spirit.
The assembled journalists stared at the screen with a mix of confusion and skepticism. The technology might be novel, but its purpose remained unclear.
"What exactly are we looking at? Seems like a low-quality cartoon," one journalist called out, adjusting his glasses dismissively.
"Those familiar with our arcade machines will recognize this," Arthur explained, lifting the controller. "This isn't just animation - it's a video game. You control what happens on screen."
To demonstrate, he pressed start and selected James as his character. The simple electronic melody of a transformed Nirvana song filled the room as James wielded his guitar against approaching enemies, the colorful pixels dancing across the screen with each attack.
The press corps fell silent, their earlier skepticism giving way to curiosity as they watched the character respond to Arthur's commands. The home viewers, visible through the live broadcast monitors, leaned closer to their screens.
"Entertaining, isn't it?" Arthur asked, met only with contemplative silence. He chuckled, recognizing their struggle to process this new form of entertainment.
"You, sir," he pointed to a journalist in the third row. "Why don't you try it yourself? Tell us what you think."
The chosen reporter approached cautiously, accepting the controller with visible uncertainty. "What do I do with this?"
Arthur guided him through the basics - which buttons made James jump, attack, move. After a minute of fumbling, something clicked. The journalist's posture changed, his initial stiffness melting away as he became absorbed in the game.
When his character finally fell to an enemy, Arthur reached for the controller. "Your thoughts?"
The journalist hesitated, his professional detachment warring with unexpected enthusiasm. "I... well... it's quite..." He cleared his throat. "I had... more fun than I expected."
His fingers lingered on the controller as Arthur tried to take it back. "Actually, how much does this device cost?"
Arthur suppressed a knowing smile. The first conversion to video games had begun.
---
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For advanced chapters, go check p@treon.com/NewComer714.
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