a god-teir quest.

Alex waited quietly with his eyes downcast. Not because he felt any sort of shame in his current predicament, but because he had been fetched as the sun was rising, and by the time he made it to the hall of worship for the Avatar and chaos god the sun had risen just enough that the light was coming directly through the large entrance door and the golden throne was simply blinding to look up at.

(No doubt it's theatrics.) Demon grumbled.

(They can hear you.) Alex reminded her.

(The concubines can't.)

(I wouldn't bet on that.)

"Welcome to the seat of Change, Alexander, formerly known as the Lionheart." Two voices coming from the mouth of the Avatar.

(Definitely theatrics.) Alex could feel Demon rolling her eyes.

"On the contrary, little kitten, formerly a mighty demon, servant to the gods of a far off land before your fall." The two voices continued, "This is simply the product of our unity on this moment. At this moment we are not much different that the two of you; two souls, one body. however, we are not in conflict with ourselves, and thus we can share this form without the strife the two of you have endured."

Demon shut up, even her thoughts toward inward into introspection while her senses sharpened on their words. Alex simply remained quiet, waiting for an answer to his question from the day before.

When neither Alex or Demon had anything to say the two voices continued from the mouth of Ryu-Shi, "We have determined a suitable solution to your problem, and a way for you to earn it as well.

"Deep into the northern grass lands, far to the east of the Giagis Mountains there is an ancient and abandoned city. It is an exact match to the city now called Praenomen, and in the library there you will find a device build to store knowledge, and on this device you will learn what we believe is the best solution to your issue."

"HOWEVER, you will need to get a crystal key that matches the drawing we have in order to use this device, and you will need to bring us one as well. If you find only one, it must be given to us, if you find more than one you may keep all of the rest. Will you accept our quest?"

Alex was perplexed, if what they said was true then there was a way to save information that wasn't a book. Also if such a device existed and this city was an exact duplicate to Praenomen then there should be a similar device in Praenomen's great library. Furthermore...how many such cities were there?

"One hundred." The two voices from the throne answered.

"I'm sorry?" Alex's rambling thoughts were broken.

"There are one hundred such cities scattered in many lands on this world, identical in fact. Although their purposes are many each of them hold a library from the time of the gods that can only be accessed with the device we are sending you to acquire."

"And the knowledge we need is only found in this one?" Demon piped up.

"Quite so, kitten," the face could not be seen due to the morning glare from the throne, but there was no doubt it held a sadistic smile from the derisive tone, "We're sure that had you done experiments on demonification yourself you might be able to answer your own dilemma, however there was a researcher in this particular city who took great interest in the process. His research notes are your goal, the access device is ours. A fair trade is it not? Knowledge for the Sphinx, and a divine key for us?"

Alex bowed his head, "That is a fair trade. Assuming we can survive the journey and find this city."

The two voices laughed, "All the orc tribes know the location of the city, it is a taboo for them to approach it."

Alex cocked his head, "You're suggesting that we get an orc tribe to guide us to a taboo city for the sake of your quest?"

"Nonsense, you're only inferring that because you don't know were to look on your own. And no, we're not going to draw you a map. You're a mercenary, try being a little resourceful."

Alex sighed in thought, but Demon nudged the back of his helmet, "Take the quest, Master, it's the best offer you're going to get."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Master. As much as it makes me want to vomit this is your first time anyone has given you a clear lead to understanding your curse."

Alex sighed again, then bowed, "I accept the terms of your quest."

"Excellent!" The two voices cheered. a hand motion and one of the women descended the dais to hand Alex a scroll.

Alex unrolled it as Demon peered over his shoulder, it had a drawing of a thing like a dagger, but some sort of crystal for a blade.

(I've seen one of those before.) Demon thought to Alex, (Didn't know what is was for, wish I had stole it now that I know what it's for.)

(You know how to use this thing?)

(I have a general idea. I think I know what the library device looks like too, seen them being used before.)

Alex rolled the scroll back up and slipped it into a side pocket in his pack. "Anything else I you need to tell me before I set off?"

"We don't think so," the two voices spoke, "and if we forgot anything it will be entertaining to watch you figure it out."

Demon shifted uncomfortably in her basket. Alex rose and turned toward the door, the light before him even as bright as the glare from the throne. "I will succeed in this task." And he walked out.

"Oh, we believe you will."