83 Lesser Deity (1/2)

”You know it's called the Forbidden Chamber for a reason, don't you? What, curiosity got the better of you? You also know that curiosity killed the cat, don't you?”

The being that emerged from the ground while erupting deep green flames spoke to Clay, directly to his mind.

”W-What are you?”

Clay was more cautious than before, and he woke up from the curious feeling he had earlier. Now, he only had one thing on his mind, retreat and never come back.

However, as if he hadn't heard Clay's question. The being moved. His movement was natural as if every physical phenomenon bowed down to him. Fearing that if they moved, it would offend this being. He moved closer to Clay and examined him.

As he went closer to Clay, Clay had a good look at what this being looked like. It was basically a Lich; however, it was filled with deep green flame inside that each of its movement felt eerie and frightening. Its eye sockets had nothing but a brighter shade of green as eyeballs. If one were to compare him to anything, then Ghostrider would have come close, if he quit wearing biker leather and switched to a ghastly deep green flame.

It also wore a torn robe at its seams and edges as if torn from ages of not changing from it. However, its garment did not diminish its ruling aura. Clay felt that just breathing required his permission in his presence. A good thing that Clay at least had enough strength to resist this urge to ask for permission.

”Hmmm… How curious. You seem to already be beyond the threshold of ascending, yet you still haven't ascended. What's preventing you from ascending, hmmm?” The being spoke again and made Clay even more curious.

”Ascension?” Clay was curious as well, so he asked.

”Yes, ascension. Although, it took me almost 3 millenniums to finally ascend, I still achieved it. You look young, but you must be older than just 25 years old right? Let me guess, you've been accumulating strength until even 6 millenniums to make sure you ascend properly? You're one of those cautious ones huh?”

Clay was even more intrigued by this being's topic. Clay wanted to test the waters and asked cautiously, ”So you're a god?”

Burst!

The flames that floated around the being Clay suspected as a god erupted again as the deep green turned brighter from the eruption.

The god looked at Clay musingly as if it pierced through the veil of knowledge.

It then said, ”I see. I know why you're here. You want to seek my help in ascension do you not?” It paused and stopped floating around as it moved its face closer to Clay before floating back and continuing,

”You catch my drift, don't you? So, my proposal is, after I help you ascend, you will help me mend my soul to its full capacity. This way, we both win. What say you?” The lesser deity proposed.

Clay who was oblivious about anything that the lesser deity was talking about could only keep quiet for a minute before asking, ”What do you need to mend your soul?” It was a crucial question and the follow up was even more important. Especially the catch. Deals like this always end up in tragedy for the agreeing party.

”Well, in this world, I helped these little children to cover the sun so they can bloom, and I could help them ascend so they can help me later. However, since you are here already, and I wouldn't have to wait for them to be fully ripe for ascension. I'll have you help me instead and instead of needing the souls of the inhabitants of this world, I'll only need the 6 little kids.

”If you help me recover later, then I'll help you ascend to godhood. However, we must make a contract about it for your and my sake. What say you?” The lesser deity proposed again.

This time, Clay at least understood why there are 6 Grand Liches and even the reason for the Sun to be hidden away. It was the work of a lesser deity. Even Clay could not do something like this with his power. He could make an illusion but hiding the Sun through a god's power is a different story.

But wait, I saw the Sun outside the atmosphere, then does that mean this god's method was also just illusion? He couldn't help but ask, ”How did you hide the Sun?”

Gasp!