Well, at least that's over with

(And we are at last back to Matthew)

I considered the events as the party rejoiced in their victory. 'Well, the Abomination had most certainly been more powerful than I expected. I also now know the skill gap between my true form and the party, though I imagine the fight would be different. Worst case scenario, I would still likely win, though I would have to bring in some spirits or such.'

As I finished thinking, I took in the celebrations of the group. I could quickly notice that both Oliver and Natalia seemed to be less genuine in their happiness than the other two. 'That's strange. I can guess Oliver is conflicted due to his knowledge of this being at least partially my fault. But what confuses me, is Natalia. I would have expected Silvia to be the less excited one with the situation at hand, but why would Natalia be troubled?' I decided I would watch her, though most certainly subtly.

In the meantime, they all decided to begin searching for clues as to what happened and what that creature was. I was momentarily concerned before Natalia and I were instructed to rest, relieving me as Natalia was the only one who could find out anything. As I expected, there was no evidence of my or any other's involvement, though unfortunately that was actually too little proof of the Abomination's presence.

Silvia was especially skeptic, "I don't understand how a behemoth like that could not have any sings of its presence before we got here."

Oliver was the first to speak against further investigation, "We don't understand what it was, for all we know that was a mutated version of the Bear King. And most tracks or such it may have left are most likely overgrown by now."

To my surprise, Natalia pressed for nothing further as well, "I personally don't feel like there is much more we can do right now. The bear king is either dead or gone, we don't know any more. If it shows up again, we can fight it then. At the very least, killing that Abomination will most certainly fulfill why we came here."

Grutrod grumbled in annoyance, "If only it had left some stuff behind so we could get compensation from the guilds." I refrained from asking anything about the "Guilds", as I believed that would be suspicious to not know about.

In the end, it was decided we would go back to town to recover and regroup, as well as warn about the emerging threat. While returning, I spent some time to consider the timeline of my plans from here on. 'What am I doing after Wodegta? I don't have a next step after that, do I? Well, I will need to spread my "faith", so I need someone I can trust to either go and spread or to stay and watch. On the other hand, I am required to deal with the champions of both light and dark, so I need to figure out how to fight them at some point, preferably before they come to me. That brings us back to the Hornet Empress... What do I know of her?' I was startled out of my thoughts as the HUD responded to them.

Character Profile Opened

Hornet Empress
Race: lvl ? Hornet Empress (?)
Class: N/A
Favored Element: N/A

Best Stat: Magic Defense
Faction: Dark
Power Ranking in Faction: 7th (Behind Orchid)
Political Ranking in Faction: 6th (Behind ???)
Connections Known: None
Base Location: Near Deepnar Woods (Approximate)
Power Comparisons:
1v1: Moderate Victory against User
Sub-Faction v Sub-Faction: Immense Victory against User
Relation with User: User Unknown

I blinked a few times at the HUD, confused as to where this information was coming from. 'She isn't here, so it can't be God's Eye. The information isn't the same anyway, what is this?' The HUD was quick to respond.

The Character Profile System Allows The User To Access Subconscious Information Or Information Previously Discovered About Key Characters.

I was intrigued, yet confused, 'It is quite useful, but why hasn't this happened before?' The HUD of course answered my questions.

The Character Profile System Was Recently Unlocked By Request Of-

...

Name Withheld

gOod eNoUgh

And at last, the strange second voice returned, preventing any useful understanding on the HUD as usual. I let out a sigh, alerting Natalia that something was up.

She turned to look at me, "Is something wrong?"

I was quick to recover, "Ah, no, nothing is wrong! I was just... thinking about what comes in the future."

She gave a seemingly disappointed nod, "Makes sense. Anything in particular?"

I didn't know what Oliver had talked with them about so I assumed he had said something, "I am trying to see what designs my god may like for his church, but he is rather indecisive." 'Not entirely a lie, as I am my god and I am indecisive on the church design.'

The whole party turned swiftly around, and Oliver let out a wince. 'Ah, it seems he had not spoken with them about this... That is... Unfortunate.'

Silvia was the first to question me, "Church? Are you talking about like going to another town or?"

I glanced to Oliver, who gave an apologetic shrug, before I spoke. "No... I'm sorry, I had believed Oliver had already spoken with you about this."

Grutrod raised his eyebrow, "about what?"

I looked to Oliver with a questioning expression, wondering how much he was comfortable with talking about. It seems he decided to cover for me on that though, "During the dinner last night, Matthew gained a promise from Norman that he would fund a church of Moged-Ruun."

This new subject was enough to get the party back to its normal rigorous conversation on the way back to Wodegta.