Terminus: Enigmatic Site Of Prayer III

[11:57] It was asleep...
Six months of rest...
Six months of idling...
And in that time? The nonmagus cultists had found themselves with trials and tribulations known to the Meranthean land.

Slaughtered nonmagi corpses littered with remnants of bone magic and undeath, once staining the land, was wiped away -- blessed even to prove resilient to its presence... the corpses of Delphina guards however, would defile even this, allowing one of their fallen to act as a sacrifice to the One Beneath It All...

The assumed 'tar' pit bubbled, hissed... Surged to and fro -- as something beneath the depths sought to rise beyond to the surface -- to swell at the substance before breaching. The hiss that'd erupt for the ears of all nigh, as though a nasal cavity... Or even gills were exerting air from beyond their flesh.

The very entity that the former cultists were worshipping...
It indeed existed...
It was indeed alive...

From the substance birthed... Light?
Surely, the irrevocable presence of Death was still here, but this...
This did not have an image to gaze upon... Instead, it was merely that of light without a discernable surface to the eyes that lacked a magical aptitude. To those practice in magus sensory however? They could see beyond such...

Otherwise? It was simply known by the sensation wrought beyond the metaphysical domain -- A weight that hung on one's shoulders.
"How disappointing…"

"The wrath of man would see no peace... Even in their declarations to enforce the very thing... They, in their slaughter they claim heroism."

The voice boomed out, but lacked a discernable source...
The graveyard of Delphinian soldiers and nonmagus worshippers around his assumed lair and shrine fed into the ire bubbling beneath the surface.
Something ancient was here...

Upon further inspection, the sheer depth of the deathly presence sought to reveal itself to be more Occult in nature...
Ancient even...
And now? Awake.
(Etheric Presence)
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[12:10] Galin would step over to the pit of bubbling tar, a vile and sinister presence lurked in it's depth that the young boy was not aware of. At least not until it made it's self known. His eyes jutted towards the tar as he heard the words. He looked to the black tar as his eyes gazed over it's surface.

"I agree, humans only see what they think is right, and do as they please. They are worst than the things they claim wrong, and are not true to themselves." He said feeling as though people were just as equally dangerous as those of the dark.


"Who is there? And why do you hide within?" He asked. The deception of his own appearance hiding just who he truly was. Though there was one thing not removed. He pulled his cloak to fit more comfortably giving a glimpse of the dark grey ring on his finger.

"Are you the tar or something else?" He asked. He'd spent time around demons, and even other creatures.He wasn't scared or timid about meeting another. Though he was cautious, the beasts were known to lash out first rather than incite conversation.
(Galia)
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[12:22] Within the looming moments, it'd begin to spell itself out for Galin. Something incorporeal sought past him... As though the very presence was simply passing through them. A chill of the occult clung to them, and had they known the presence well? It nature of the entity would reveal itself to them immediately.

It was not of the tar...
In a single motion, it separated itself from its lair -- unceremoniously and without being acted upon.

As it committed to such an act, the sensation of its passing lingered... As though one sought to examine the very apparel upon their body, then the details of their flesh-or-lackthereof…
Every last detail, down to their very circuitry -- as if it could feel it all out.

"I am known by many names... For I have existed beyond that of this century's age.

This Form is that of Transcendence... A step out of many with the creation of The Centricon."

The looming of light left the crystals of the pit, now wading over the grasses nigh. The air proved thick now... Heavy even.
Pungent of the transmundane, and even resulting in the rapid siphoning of lifeforce from the emerald blades underfoot.

Whatever this was -- It had forsaken a physical form in the moment. Its movement was swift and silent...
Inspection would reveal it to be a combination of castings committed to in tandem; an advanced casting likely developed over an exhaustive amount of time.

"Of this part of the land, I am known as Balar… But universally, I am the Harbinger Of The End... Unto you, traveler - I ask... Has humanity wronged you as well, that you'd desire a wish from me in spite?

Is such of your curiosity? Or is such an encounter mere happenstance."
(Etheric Presence)
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[12:44] Galin truly known as the fledling witch Galia a small girl, would feel the true depth of the occult within the demon. Her own touch of occult making this familiar. As she thought, the presence was that of a demon. Andd this was not a lowly demon either. His power far dwarfed her own, and even the demon she was pact with. It's power seeping in to her body as it passed her like a breeze. Though the breeze was not light, but heavy and foul. The boy wavered momentarily as they almost dropped to their knees from the power that surge through them momentarily as the demon learned of them.

"I see, you have great power." He said as he straightened his stance. His body trembling not of fear, but as a backlash from what had just transpired.


"Humanity has done many things, but I walk my path to make their end. My loyalty is to the Demon King. I am a witch at your mercy. We share the same goals." He said bowing his head in respect to the demon momentarily.

"My name is Galia, I am of Atrellya. What is it that you can offer to bring the end of the humans? And what is the Centricon?" She asked curious. Only a fledgling witch she lacked a lot of knowledge, only having recently made her pact in the last year.
(Galia)
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[13:27] One aspect of Galia saw extra attention -- a ring on their person would find an introspective veil of metaphysical essence swaddling it -- investigating its attributes before leaving fledgling witch.

"A Demon King of this age?"
The inquiry immediately drew a desire to know more...
And in those fleeting moments would find the mind of the individual poked at... Prodded even...
The less practiced would've wrought agony unto those they sought to force such invasion... But with so much time? An ancient could apply such endeavor with explicit ease... Even to tantalize those untouched by the Dark Arts to one's whims...

Though, such intoxication seemed far from its intentions...
Moreso interested in the active thoughts one may've harbored... To hopefully catch glimpses of details between the words one may've spoken.
However, the experience with demonology likely would've implied that they had experience dealing with demons...

Perhaps, their thoughts were more carefully guarded in their presence? Only time could tell...

"Intent on seeing to The End."
Clearly, this was not the same coven that recently interfaced with him mere months prior.

The sensation of a hand being rested on one's shoulder played out for Galia…
But nothing was there...
"I am aware of Atrellya's existence... In century's passing, my Heralds would find themselves under siege by their ilk... Desperate to slaughter and farm them, even delaying the pursuits of humanity's end...

You insinuate that even now, beyond their recent skirmishes, they persist."

Made an enemy by those audacious to wager enemies of those beyond their original scope.
The air was being subjected to an acidic display of stygian mastery... For the grasses ebbed and wades, snipping and snapping at their base on minute degrees... Splintering up for naught but ash and dust amidst a seemingly aquatic-esque wade incurred unto the atmosphere.

The air tainted for a mauve twist of eternal night...
And soon after, chunks of loose rock and debris proved enraptured in a faceless veil of the metaphysical.

A declaration of alignment to an ancient enemy was clearly leaving this entity unappeased. Yet, despite such? There did not seem to be any immediate 'smiting' taking place by this Dark Patron.

"Yet, given you have not acted with the same brazen thoughtlessness of your predecessors... I offer you an answer to such query."

"Unto those marred by Meranthe's sin, it is my power to undo...

Unto those powerless hungering for ascension beyond their limited flesh? It is within my power to invoke their latent potential and beyond...

Unto those that seek knowledge lost to time... That of ancient's claim, it is mine to spread...

All and more, simply in trade of tribute... or prayer... I care not which."
Was such to imply of this supposed Patron's divinity? An immaterial cost for boons? Surely such would find the ire of many across several walks of life...

And for that of a witch? A tribute to a Patron would likely draw the ire of the coven itself, though so would prayers unto a Patron other than whom they had bound their soul to prior.

"The Centricon is a bonding agent... A piece of me created through a ritual, to allow one to call upon me while I am away. The creation of one through the sacrifice of one mortal brimming with suffering or Hatred, bound with a piece of my essence emboldens my potency and in turn? Allows those without knowledge of the alchemic nor arcane to cast in spite of such incapability... Through me..."

It was with this, that the entity had answered the questions asked of it...
Now, the metaphorical ball was passed back into Galia's court; what was their next move?
(Etheric Presence)
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[14:10] What the demon found in her mind was nothing much. She hadn't been allowed to delve in to the book freely just yet. She'd simply lacked much knowledge, most of what she did know was from the demons themselves rather than the Moonfall Coven. Perhaps she was still being monitored herself. Given her arrival it was something that couldn't be cast aside. The demon may have picked up familiar and unfamiliar faces or masks. Her life of struggling. And her own dream to unite the demons and those of the darker aspects of life to form a nation and truly work together to finally end the humans once and for all. And her chosen pact. Though perhaps a certain imperfect was there. Though she didn't know him personally or have said a word to him, Varrach had been around scarcely.

"The demon king, The abyssal dragon." She responded through her male façade. Clarifying the one she called the demon king. All who knew of him knew of that name throughout history. The ruler of Helheim indeed. She didn't like what she heard about the history of Atrellya and the demon. With his display of power she certainly felt began to feel fear as the earthen debris began to float around her. Perhaps he would kill her for affiliation, it was simple to do so. In the world they lived in something like that would certainly get you killed. She flinched stepping back almost falling in to the pit when her foot hit the edge. The debris from the falling rocks swept up by the demon's metaphysical display. She hardly managed to regain her balance. Stumbling forward after she did. This would be when she noticed what appeared to be the surrounding ground and vegetation appeared to be breaking down.

"Why is it that none of us can ever work together." She said though mostly to herself. Her heart picking up pace as she realized the circumstances she may have thrown herself in to. She couldn't see him and his voice seemed to carry in every direction like the wind or the atmosphere it's self. She was relieved to hear him speak, the blissful words continuing to roll through the region. She listened as he explained what The Centricon was. It sounded like a way to make cambions, but.. different. It sounded almost to good to be true. However there was one problem, she couldn't pray to him. Her religion beliefs bound her to only one deity, and it was whom she spoke of not long ago.

"What is the ritual and tribute? Is it possible to correct history and align ourselves for a greater purpose?" She asked wanting to push the demon in to aligning, but not wanting to ignite it's wrath. Her goal was unification. And if she had to work on her own to achieve it she would, Though hr path was not an easy one. Especially with problematic history in the way.
(Galia)
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[14:40] Union.
To count the many magi and demons that declared such a desire across the decades proved a folly task... By now, it was an ideal that had grown stale to the mind and tongue -- yet, the concept was likely beneficial nonetheless.

"The number of those that have claimed such pursuit unto me: To align forces towards a greater purpose... and perished to the forces of Meranthe… Whether it be yet another fledgling faction vying to showcase their prowess? Or the very numbers they were once aligned to... Is as numerous as flecks of dust scoured across the land itself.

What makes you so special, that you will be any different...
Any different than the prodigal children, the demons... The necromancers nor even creations of man's ire?"

It was a matter of indifference by this point. Their existence would come and go, all-the-while, this Patron would persist to see their future generations and hear the rabble yet again, unachieved: An agonizing existence.

The titles of 'Demon King' and 'Abyssal Dragon' were unknown to the entity... Thus, warranted no discernable reaction.
To her initial question? Was offered no response -- it was presumed to be rhetorical.

To the questions concerning ritual and tribute?
"There are many rituals... Speak on the context of whichever one you are inquiring..."
Surely, it likely knew... Though, it did not care to dig further where it considered little fruit to harvest... Making Galia -work- for it, so-to-speak.

"As to the subject of tributes? Those of your mana shall suffice. Though, be warned, witch... Should your patron find offense? You shall be struck down twofold for your transgression against the very hierarchy of Hel..."

Even Hel had a hierarchy, and with the understanding of this entity's nature? It was clear that in some capacity, it sought to climb the ladder in -some- claimed fashion.

"There is also the possibility that, even a mortal such as yourself, can bring about union of such magnitude... If you truly are such a historical occurrence? One that truly incurs about The End? Then perhaps, it was fate that brought you here...

Time will tell..."
(Etheric Presence)
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[15:29] Galia giggled as the demon asked her what made her different. It may have even seemed weird coming from the body of the boy. She was nothing special in power of right of skill. However, given her pact agreements she no longer sought to rely on power to achieve her goals.

"Nothing, nothing makes me different. I am weak, I am small, I am mortal, I am.. fish." She said as her gaze became a bit more serious.

"But.. I will not be the one to fight on the front." She admitted. She'd learned her limitations. She was not interested in dying before achieving her own goals. There was also the possibility that she'd still fail. However she could plant the seed and start the machine. Those that have tried before must have tried with force. Instead she wanted to use strategic thinking. And it just so happened that it may be within reach. She'd studied her peers, she'd even won over demons that were no more than brutes when she met them.

"Force is not the answer. I am not a champion, but I am a gatherer. I may not even be here to see it through, but I can plant the seed and get it started. Unlike me, you have years to expend. You would see it grow. I do not aim for something quick, I do not expect it to be tomorrow, but I've already started. Even if you don't assist I'll ask you again. Even if it's after all is done." She said.

"And I'm not alone, it is the pact." She said, having had her demon agree to assist her in her plans with very detailed explanation. In truth she may have got more out of the agreement than he, especially since his own aligned with what she already wanted. She appeared naïve, but if one took the time to notice. She was a slow roller, that worked with precision. Her mentality was her weapon.

"And if I am to be punished then what I represent contradicts it's self." She said as she looked at her feet.

"My loyalty explained, my alignment in that benefit. The end of the humans, the end of the world as it is known.." A sigh escaped their lips for a moment.

"And the ritual that you spoke of to about the Centricon. What is required for one to do so?"she asked

(Galia)
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[15:47] So, they truly were interested in committing to the invocation of another Centricon?

Surely, a brow could've been raised to their insistence... However, if one sought to push towards the accomplishment that warranted one's existence? Then, nothing would deter this Demon Patron from enabling them with the very knowledge to accomplish such.

If one had invoked a pact with one demon? What was to say they couldn't invoke a pact with another...
"Present to me a mortal worthy of sacrifice..."
The claim seemed so simple albeit morbid.
"Through their unmaking, I shall file pages of their pressurized flesh, scribe text with their circuitry, and cover with their cambionized skin...

Their organs shall be recrafted by my bidding, to survive the endeavor... And writhe in agony with every evoked casting... Magnifying its power overtime.

The words of such ritual will be invoked through you upon presentation... And with the bestowing of my flesh upon such an act? Shall I birth a new Centricon…

With you, as its wielder..."
It seemed easy enough...
But, they needed a sacrifice... Likely of magus ilk. Surely, the exact specifications of such magus did not matter, did it?
The nameless Patron did not mention of such.

"Upon casting your mana through it, the piece of me that exists within it, shall act as a beacon... Unto it, I shall encroach...
Thus, your castings through it, will be of mine own."
(Etheric Presence)
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[16:15] Galia would listen and as she expected it required a hefty price. A sacrifice of mortal flesh. Creating something more profane, likely even than her demon blade. For something more sacred than the promise of a demon blade. This demon was indeed powerful, but not only that succeeding many that she knew of with elder knowledge. Just what secrets would the book hold. She had to know. She'd already been planning to make a living demon book, she'd even asked her superiors if they could. Though this book would drown out the promise of a fledgling book yet to be filled. Instead she was told of something ancient, something with history. Her eyes closed for a moment as she thought of how she'd secure a sacrifice. Not much was to be thought of. She already knew the answer on how, but who?

"That sounds like it could change a lot on this path." She said mesmerized by the thought of actually grasping such a book? No a tome of power beyond what was accessible. In the right hands it could truly bring upon the end of days. Her eyes looked towards the tar, probably not even aligned with his own path. After all, she couldn't see him.

"I will find a sacrifice, and it will be done." She said happy that the demon hadn't turned her away. She wondered if he was of one of the three great clans.

"Your book will usher in the end and unite the demons. I will return when I find a suitable sacrifice." She smiled. She was happy to have stumbled upon this place. The Demon was not going to be disappointed. And this entire scenario from the tome to having multiple pacts already aligned with what she'd been studying.
(Galia)
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[16:42] Was this entity... This sirenian... Truly intent on following through? Perhaps then, it was to be officiated then...
However, to bind them to... The cult...
The very cult that was slaughtered across the grounds present -- would likely prove pointless...

Besides, there was another Patron to take into consideration...
What was their relationship in all of this. Surely, no Patrons desired to shared worshippers nor followers -- and this entity was no exception.
"The creation of the Centricon is relegated strictly to those attuned to my voice... If it is a pact you wish to create? Then present your arm forth, and cast your mana loose from your circuitry.

It is this, I shall take as payment to following through in such endeavor... Sealing this pact with your mana as tribute."
It was ritualistic, but an endeavor that would bind the entity to not one, but two demonic entities...

One that claimed that status of Kingship... And another -- that sought that of Godhood.
Had one sought to reach out, it was very likely that the siphoning of mana from their circuitry that would ensue would prove damning to their status as a combatant... At least, for some time. Perhaps, the consequences would not prove too severe?
(Etheric Presence)
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[16:56] Galia would hold out her arm as she still remained in the shape of a male. Though her flesh, her blood, and her mana was still the same. She'd only been under the influence of a potion and a little dye to change her hair color. expected that the entity would stab in to her arm so she closed her eyes. Not really wanting to see what happened next.

"I'm ready." She said, feeling as though this ritual was deeper than the last. She went through various steps and materials. And in the end she received her ring, She knew that this was just an initiation to start the process between the two. And so that she could proceed with the true sacrificial ritual. She exhaled in anticipation of the pain.
(Galia)
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[17:12] There was no ceremony to take place...
Especially with all of the cultists around the pit dead... Even Delphinian soldiers laid slain around the pit -- likely due to a conflict betwixt another coven and their military forces to halt interactions with the entity here.

Instead, the pact was initiated through one's passive casting...
There was no discernable source aside from a vague direction but the matter of where did not matter here. They casted their arm out, but did not bleed forth their mana... Perhaps they were still a fledgling magi to boot? They were still young...

Thus, where it was not simply presented freely? The Demon Patron sought to 'help'. Assuming there was no resistance, their cast-out arm would find the etheric presence passing around, even into her arm. It sought to permeate the surface of the skin, seeping for the circuitry beneath...

An advanced cursing of the occult could manage to enthrall nonmagi and magi alike, of various backgrounds and capabilities... This would be no different, for the mind and body would be invaded by the forces of the transmundane. It acted upon the flesh, and soon after? The circuit... As though to sternly encourage if not trigger her intent to cast essence forth.

With a swelling of mana present at circuitry points, namely the mana nexuses within the palms? It would bled loose... Casted forth, and siphoned away... However, the evocation of such mana from another without their direct relinquishment of mana relied on them actively succumbing to the effort -- unwilling to resist, offering their payment by one's taking of it, as opposed to presenting it preemptively.

The cost would be the same nonetheless...

The mild occultic possession that played out throughout the effort, would cease almost as swiftly as it came...
Galia's payment, was made; the pact between this Demon Patron and them - sealed.

And through the consumption of such, the true name of this Patron would become known to them.
(Etheric Presence)
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[17:12] Etheric Presence's voice (to Galia): Usque Terminus.
[17:36] Galia was so worried about pain she forgot to release her mana. As the presence washed over her she would not resist it. Instead she'd allow him to take his fill. The girl simply staid motionless and offered herself. Even going so far as to release her own mana. The power seeping from her as she began to succumb from the drain. The small girl would drop to the ground as he took what a great portion of her mana abruptly. Probably even more than he intended to thanks to her last minute choice to follow his instructions. Truly a fledgling mistake. Though she was alive.

She inhaled as she lay at the side of the pit. Her eyes channeled towards the sky as she heard the name. Usque Terminus. The true name of her patron. He had bestowed upon her a gift. And she'd hold on to it. Storing it within the chasms of her mind, which she would also have to learn to protect. She remained on the ground for a few moments before rolling to her knees. Breathing heavily as she felt like she'd placed her body under the stress of a great strain the entire day.

Making her way to her feet the teen wobbled and stumbled backwards from the pit until she was able to catch herself and hold steady. His aspirations aligned with her own, and it was all that mattered. As she said before.

'Whatever it takes.' She thought forcing herself to stand up straight.

"Thank you Balar." She said in respect to the demon. While not saying his true name. Such was not going to be thrown around freely. It was something demons treasured, Which was why she thanked him. She looked in to the tar with her right eye, not having visual access to the left. Though she looked at the pit only for a moment before turning away.

"Do you require anything else? I must rest now." The male voice coming from her said. Her voice sounding far dryer and fainter than before.
(Galia)
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[17:38] Etheric Presence's voice (to Galia): Go forth into the land, and do which what you sought out for...