Luis' words and presence disconcerted the old man. What had happened stunned him. He sat up with difficulty, his gaze reflecting disbelief.
—Who are you?
Luis gave a faint smile as he watched Reimond closely, analysing every detail of his expression.
—I will say it only once: you are strictly forbidden to divulge what is discussed here without my consent—He paused and exhaled calmly— My name is Louis, though in ancient times I was known as 'The God of Creation', founder of the most influential sect on the continent, ruler and absolute ruler.
As he finished his words, his eyes radiated a crimson glow. His hair rose in a spectral breeze that seemed to come from nowhere, creating a palpable sense of power.
—I will ask you one last time: what happened to cause the sect to decline to this state? I want every detail. That is an order.
Reimond fell to his knees, subdued by an invisible pressure that crushed him to the ground. He felt no fear. On the contrary, his heart was pounding with unbridled excitement: at last, the real leader had returned.
For centuries, rumours had spoken of his death, of his disappearance without trace, or even of his transcendence to a higher state. But now, against all logic, he was back. Unrestrained tears streamed down his face. All the pain, helplessness and wounds he had carried for years welled up with devastating intensity.
—My lord... I'm sorry... a thousand times sorry... I have failed to protect the legacy you entrusted to us.
He collapsed, weeping incessantly, begging for mercy for his inability. Only after some time did he manage to compose himself and begin to speak.
—Since their disappearance ten thousand years ago, a war broke out that consumed all the sects and lasted for five thousand years. They betrayed us. Hidden clans emerged from the abyss, taking advantage of the chaos to attack without mercy.
He paused, looking up, his voice heavy with regret.
—After that war, my ancestors spent two thousand years in hiding, struggling to survive. In the end, they had no choice but to surrender. To avoid total extinction, they accepted a treaty imposed by the king, pledging to surrender eighty percent of our wealth annually and to swear absolute obedience.
Reimond exhaled sharply, as if releasing centuries of accumulated pain.
—For the last three thousand years, this is all that remains of our sect. We have been forbidden to recruit new disciples, and many have perished in mysterious circumstances or defected to other orders.
Luis stood still, letting each word settle in his mind. Too many years had passed. He thought his wounds would heal quickly, but in reality, he had spent ten thousand years restoring his body, soul and spirit. Only he knew the real reason for her disappearance. Remembering her stoked a searing rage.
—Do you know who were the traitors who sold us out after I left?
—I only know what my father told me: all the sects abandoned us, except the Crimson Sect. They tried to help us because of our blood pact, but it wasn't enough. In the end, they were forced to surrender and swear allegiance to the king.
The words resonated in Luis with mixed emotions. He remembered his best friend, leader of the Crimson Sect. The two had sworn a blood oath to protect each other, going so far as to promise that Louis would marry his friend's daughter or descendant as a symbol of the alliance between their orders.
Knowing that his friend had kept his allegiance brought him a glimmer of relief, but also a deep sadness. If the Crimson Sect had sworn allegiance to the king, it meant only one thing: his friend was dead.
—That is all I know, my lord. If there are hidden secrets, I do not know them. I only know what my father confessed to me before he was killed with poison by an infiltrator.... A thousand apologies for not being more helpful.
Luis exhaled slowly.
—Don't worry, I'll find out the rest on my own.
He knew what occult sects might have sprung up in his absence. He also remembered precisely what happened ten thousand years ago. He would take revenge on the traitors, on those who attacked him when he was trying to recover from the Dimensional Battle.
From what Reimond said, the history of that battle had been erased. And now, the sects were swearing allegiance to a king.
—Describe the world to me today.
Reimond swallowed, preparing to answer.
—In the celestial calendar, we are in the year 3000. The continent is divided into seven kingdoms, each with sects protecting their territories.
He looked up and continued.
—Each realm is structured in seven levels. The first level is the highest. We occupy the lowest. However, no one attacks us, because there is a pact between the kings. Every thousand years, they organise a combat tournament. According to the victories won, territories are redistributed and the rank of each kingdom is established.
He finished his explanation and lowered his head, awaiting further instructions.
Luis meditated in silence. He would have to calculate every move with precision. His revenge would require patience. But one thing was certain: a river of blood would flow across the continent.
The room was suffused with a suffocating energy. The air seemed to vibrate with Luis' presence, his return weighing on every stone of the weakened sect. Reimond, still on his knees, felt that the fate of his people was about to change irrevocably.
—It seems we have a lot of work ahead of us. Listen carefully to my command.
—Yes, my lord.
Louis pondered for a moment before continuing.
—From this moment on, I will once again assume leadership of the sect. To others, you will say that I am a descendant of a lost member, one who has returned to restore what was taken from us.
His voice was firm, commanding, as if his words echoed beyond time.
—Your current power is in the mid-range, low level. You specialise in potions, so, as of today, you will hold the position of potions master in the sect.
With a fluid wave of his hand, three ancient books appeared and floated in the air before gently descending to Reimond. Their covers were adorned with glowing inscriptions, marked by the wisdom of forgotten ages.
—These volumes contain unique knowledge of the art of potions. Study them with dedication and you will strengthen your skills. Do not worry about what you need. Ask for it, and you shall have it.
Reimond held the books reverently, feeling the weight of responsibility.
—Thank you very much, my lord.
Louis narrowed his eyes.
—Don't call me that. From now on, just call me 'leader' or 'master.
—Yes, my lord... I mean, master leader... or rather, leader.
Luis let out a faint smile. This old man is a curious combination of solemnity and awkwardness.
—As for your sons, they will be recognised as honorary members of the sect. I will help them overcome their limits to become true warriors.
Reimond, moved, prostrated himself humbly. The emotion in his eyes was palpable. With the return of the master, we will regain the power that was taken from us.
Luis nodded.
—Tell me, how is the sect in terms of infrastructure?
Reimond hesitated for a moment before replying.
—The facility is in ruins, and we are forbidden to recruit new members. The cult is on the verge of collapse.
Luis let out a slight sigh.
—That's easy to fix. I will recruit new disciples myself. If the king tries to prevent it... I will simply destroy it.
The naturalness with which he spoke those words took Reimond's breath away.
—From now on, the sect will obey no king, only me. Only to me. Understood?
—Yes, leader. Your words are law.
Luis smiled enigmatically.
—Soon you will see the sect reborn. Just don't be too surprised.
His laughter rang out with confidence. Restoring the sect was only the first step. He also had to protect it from future enemies and ensure that no one else would try to erase its legacy.
—Now go and tell your children everything we have discussed. When you have finished, bring them back.
Reimond bowed his head in respect and ran off with renewed energy. Never had he felt so much hope. The God of Creation has returned.
He knew the road would not be easy, but he was ready to walk it to the end, no matter what the sacrifice. From this moment on, a new sect capable of shaking the whole world will be born.
Luis watched him walk away with a quiet smile. I have returned home. This is the place I worked hard to forge.
Despite the betrayals and attempts to erase its existence, he would rebuild everything from the ground up. But first, he had to restore the structures and strengthen the defence.
He closed his eyes and concentrated. A good show wouldn't hurt.
His body began to radiate a crimson glow. Dark shadows emerged around him, slithering like living beings, enveloping the space in a chaotic, majestic dance.
—«Universal Repair Protected».