The two...or rather, three of us walked into a room specially prepared for our group. We sat down on the bed together and I looked over at Cassandra."Would you like me to let her take control, your Majesty?" Cassandra said with a smile."Do it. And don't interrupt us unless I ask for your input," I said.Cassandra nodded and her eyes changed back to the icy blue of Isabella.She frowned and cast her face downward."Mizik...""Let me speak first. Then we can discuss what happened. I'm going to just get this out in the open...I no longer have the ability or desire to remain completely faithful to only you. As much as I still want you by my side, things have become far too complicated. I am a new person. A new man. Things will change, whether you want them to or not.""I...I know... I've already accepted that as part of my punishment...""Good. Now then...you were always so smart, Isabella. What happened back in Albatross castle? I want to hear the thoughts of the one known as Rose.""W
The next day, I decided to visit the Cursebreaker before meeting with the Artificer.Cassandra was with me and Isabella stayed back. The two of us boarded the ship and were immediately confronted by Rastair."Good to see you, Ras-""MIZIIIIIIK!!!!!" She shouted as she hugged me."GET OFF ME, YOU DAMN GIANT WOMAN!""I'M NOT A GIANT!!!" She said as she pulled away. "Ugh...what is it!? Did something happen!?" I said."What!? Of course something happened! Iris already told me! You died, didn't you!?" Rastair said."Yeah, but I'm fine now! What about it!?" "Oooh...are you not in a good mood? That's kinda hot... Want me to give you a fun time? I'll make you feel better~!" She said with a sly smile.I could in my current state, but it might kill you. So no."Hard pass. For your own safety. Get stronger and we'll talk.""Ehhh...you're no fun..." Rastair said."You died on Delvandal, didn't you? When Rose destroyed it?" I said.Rastair nodded."I was just relaxing on Ripper Isle, sipping a g
As I reached the bridge, I saw Stella charging straight for me."MASTER MIZIK!!!!" She shouted."Umm..."She nearly tackled me to the ground and began crying on my chest."You're alive!!! My beloved Master Mizik is alive!!! I'm so happy!!!" She cried."Yeah, I'm fine... Can you please calm down?" I said.She slowly pulled back and dried her tears. She smiled joyfully."I'm so glad that everything is back! Even if that horrible curse is still upon you, it means I have the pleasure of serving my beloved Master! This is a joyous day for me!" Stella exclaimed.Before I could respond, I heard the voice of Faith again.[This woman is filled with a great adoration for you! She also holds amazing power! May I petition you to let her hold me, my Lord!?]By the gods...fine...[Aha! But is the Overseer not greater than any mere lesser god!?]Please stop."Stella...I have a request," I said."Ah!? Does Master Mizik find me appealing? I can serve you in all sorts of ways, Master!" She said.Sudden
While waiting on the final shipment of heart stones, I stood outside the Cursebreaker with Cassandra. We were also waiting on...the body for Virtus.The AI for our ship was a shy girl that had trouble talking to people. Unfortunately, I didn't know enough about computer programming to change her behavior. And Vakra refused even under the threat of death. So...we were stuck with her...A hour passed and Cassandra affectionately held onto my arm while humming."Having fun...?" I asked."Of course! I get to be with my darling Mizik!" Cassandra said happily.Then I looked forward and saw an eye staring at me in mid air a few feet away."Oh...damn it all..." I mumbled.It opened wider and Valthiem stood quietly with her mask on."Valthiem!? What are you doing here!?" Cassandra said as she readied herself."..."Then I felt that suffocating impending doom I had grown quite used to...Difar rose out of Valthiem's shadow and glared at me."Dammit...I had a speech prepared and everything. I w
After a month-long journey back to Excelsis...we finally returned.I couldn't believe how long it took to get back.We didn't have access to the divine transit, and as a result, it took much longer to get there.Of course, that gave me an idea. I wondered if I could potentially have a personal god or goddess to join our crew.Then I stopped and though about it more...Definitely a goddess. While more pleasing to look at, I could bring her even closer to me. And if she's completely under my control, she'll follow every order willingly. Best of all, someone like that is highly unlikely to betray me. I wouldn't have to enact vengeance upon her and remain on good terms...I almost smiled.That would be my next goal...find a goddess to join our crew to have permanent access to the divine transit.And maybe...Make new Enforcers...?It was too amazing. Our combat force would grow significantly from such a thing. We would be even stronger than before!I made a mental note to also have Iris t
As we walked back to the Cursebreaker, I could see Isabella constantly surveying the surrounding area for potential threats.However, many of the gods walking the streets recognized me as the one who razed Excelsis to the ground. The one who brought death and destruction to their realm.The result, was that they were absolutely terrified of me and made no attempts to approach.After all, many of them had actually been killed as a result of my actions.All the while I secretly remained on the lookout for a potential candidate. One goddess from this realm would join us on our ship. They would become mine forever and dedicate their existence to serving me and stopping the Corruption.But unfortunately, none of these would do. They were weak. I decided to ignore them and focus on something else.I had other plans, currently. I would be speaking to Iris and everyone about what she had to show them. They were valuable crew members, so I wanted to see what she had planned.Once we reached t
A few days later, things were finally beginning to look different in Excelsis.I could see flying metal constructs buzzing around in the air on insect-like wings, surveying the area. At the same time, many of the people of Excelsis were setting up decorations for a festival.Hilariously, they wouldn't know what they were celebrating until the day arrived.And as I sat on a bench nearby, Isabella sat happily next to me, clinging to my arm.Stella stood at my side surveying the area.There would have been other troops under her, but I chose not to bring them. The soldiers were specifically for the defense of the ship itself."Hmm..." "Is something wrong, Master?" Isabella said."You're having way too much fun calling me that, aren't you?" I said."Ehehe...guilty. I like seeing your reaction. But if I'm going to be a slave, I should play the part, yes?"I suppose so..." I said."I, for one, believe it to be perfectly natural to refer to his Majesty as Master," Stella said."Hm...right..
Finally, preparations were complete and the festival began.Currently the three...or four of us? Were walking through the city streets and looking at the different attractions.That is to say, the Albatross twins and Stella.I allowed the others off of the ship so that they could enjoy themselves for a bit. The Artificer assured us that the area was secure. He was sure that the Oracle's Faithful had completely abandoned Excelsis.On every corner, we saw a squad of six drones. Additionally, other groups could be seen flying around above.Still, despite all of this...Isabella remained ever vigilant. Always clinging to my arm and staying right next to me. Despite the Artificer's reassurance, she continued to protect me.Stella followed behind with a content smile on her face.After a short while of looking at the different attractions, I found Iris along with Carlos and Leiso.Carlos looked a bit bored while Leiso seemed out of place.Iris was playing a game at a stall featuring several