Terminus: Soul Claim - Jase Valkynia

[15:24] The man remains waiting for someone to show up with folded arms.
(Jase Valkynia)

[15:34] It was simply... One of those times.
The late evening beckoned the closing of some shops amongst the marketplace, with some farmers heading in for refuge. Yet another day of labor to further develop the relatively poor island nation.

It was not less for wear though -- For a surprising number of guardsmen were populating the square, likely in expectation for... Yes, him!

The nonmagus president of Antefinem was making a trip to the square, this time, without his typical entourage as he would've during the day. He was expecting a visit it seemed, happening across a public bench that would claim a man wearing shades with folded arms.

''Ah, you've returned. Apologies on our last encounter being rather... Swarmed... And, well... Much, if I might add. This time, I imagine it'll be a lot smoother. Quieter, even...''

They took a seat, before watching over some of the late-shift crop workers reaping the golden grains midst the sunset's glow.

''Beautiful... Isn't it... To think, they were once barren, and our lands impoverished for a time, until the Patron awoke. To hear our pleas, and bless us with prosperity... It is... Truly a testament to what He is capable of...''

Perhaps, attention could be turned to the statues erected as of late, rather small and human-like, yet to gaze upon them? Would reveal the visage of their proclaimed deity -- A frightful expression of Terminus himself, intended to dissuade would-be thieves. When enchanted with runic symbols, it seemed to spike disinterest in even the most motivated of banditry.

He allowed for silence to take the scene, before turning his head over to the other side of the bench -- To Jase.
''So, you are a mercenary, yes? Do you come with a guild? Or are you independent? ... I will let you further divulge, as you wish.''
(Etheric Presence)

[16:00] The scientist continues waiting with folded arms, he watches with interest the small changes in the area. Did something happen when he went away?

No, it was just the president taking a walk. Nothing to be worried about apparently, how interesting.

"I see, it's good to see you again, Mister President. Not sure if your knight delivered my message."

He watches the crop workers, his face shows no emotion as he listens to the president and watches the golden grains.

"Indeed, beautiful for farmers. I see the appeal of this place for non magi and people like them."

People who aren't like him, people who do not look for war and progress. Peaceful people.

"I represent The Last Circle, an organization. We have 3 fighters with us, and 4 more allied fighters from a mercenary corporation."

He pauses.

"Our leader wanted me to talk to you directly, our interest is to incorporate Antefinem into our forces. Your island and the magi fight that you already have, then turn this place into a mercenary guild and also expand.

We will bring golemancers and more if negotiations are successful, the reason of me being here again is that our leader wanted me to negotiate with you."

(Jase Valkynia)

[16:11] The President sat in silence with a subtle nod as the magus scientist spoke. Their eyes shifted for the sight of the workers in the distance -- The cogs in their mind turning as the possibilities fluttered to the main front.

Until, finally, Jase offered their final pause.
''To make Antefinem into a mercenary colony? It certainly would be an interesting venture, however -- As far as profits go? I am afraid that the freedom of our people comes first. This is our Patron's sanctified cradle, and to offer room for desecration of that fact? Would be against Antefinemite Law.''

The President shook his head as he mentioned this, further mulling over his next words.
''This place can house and even sponsor your guild without issue, but to surrender its very governmental structure to it? Such simply can not be, nor will it be enabled by any sovereign political ally of Antefinem's people.

Though, if I might ask... What were these negotiations of yours, that you wished to propose?''

The President's head shifted to acknowledge Jase more formally now, still sitting yet at peace with himself. Relaxed, despite the clear power difference between them both.
(Etheric Presence)

[16:27] The scientist slowly nods, he could understand their point of view. It was their land after all.

"I understand, it's truly a pity that we apparently can't work together."

He pauses for a moment.

"If we were allowed to take control of your colony, your people would be allowed to stay and continue with their rituals. Even if a temple were built to show our good faith, we have the funds."

Yes, they had a lot of money. All collected for that exact moment if things worked properly.

"My presence before was merely to stop Emmeline from taking control of your lovely colony, as you can guess had you refused to offer them support they would have attacked Antefinem and forcefully taken control of it. And that would be against my organization's plans, we could not allow that."

Political allies, when they are mentioned the man clasps his hands together.

"If you mean Fortuna they are already paws of the invisible empire, I would not count on them or Emmeline as their little feud seems to have ended. With that said I would like to make another offer, we would like to buy Antefinem's lands but keep the current occupants...would that be better?"

That was their final offer, if negotiations didn't work he would just leave for the day. He didn't expect them to actually work, but he had to try, right?

"Mister President, if you are keeping tabs on the mainland. Other cases of lands being sold or captured through negotiations are already happening, first Crownforge then Oasis.

You're a smart man, each time they would place a small army out of the settlement that was going to be captured. Which is why I beg you to reconsider and think about something, what will happen now that the Emmeraldi B line does not need Antefinem and what will they do if their little bet for the crown fails."

Yes, anyone who knew Emmeline's history would know what would come next. And she would definitely not be the only one, many had their eyes on the island already.
(Jase Valkynia)

[16:47] There was some time allotted to truly offer consideration. Though, there was clear disapproval of the concept. This land, was the only land left untouched by authoritarianism known to Meranthean ilk. The only place that offered refuge for those whom wished to choose their leaders beyond physical or magical might. Though, there was a clear disadvantage. It was obvious, that should another force advance upon them, they would be forced to pry for forces that they simply did not have.

It was for this reason, that they relied on allies...
But for how much longer?
In a time of such need, could their Patron truly spare them? Did it even matter to the grand design?

''If you were to buy the land that we live upon, but keep the occupants... What would stop you from simply -taking- your money back, given the occupants would still be here? It feels like a loophole that ultimately buys us into slavery to yourcompany, as opposed to living alongside you.

It would feel more fair, if this were a land being rented from us, from afar... But you carry a force capable of imparting your desires against the will of others -- Even if, only typically applied when in the acquisition of coin.''
The man's words did not seem to be falling on deaf ears however, for the expression of the President was indeed worried. It would seem they were having an effect on them.

Perhaps, it wouldn't be long...
But there was so much to consider, and with elections coming up? What would that mean for the people of the land? What would that mean for their future?
Of course, even if the mercenary company respected their wishes to allow them to stay -- What was to stop them from desecrating their religious sites anyway?

''You offer me a very undesirable conundrum, mister Jase. Protection from any foreign power that occupies a land, is hardly distant from slavery. All it requires, is a subtle push -- And to think, you believe this likely from multiple parties in worse flavors from the mainland? This simply will not do...''

The man shook his head, lowering it, before clasping their hands together, and massaging the bridge of his nose; it was almost as though he were praying... Or at least, in deep contemplation.

Troubled, but be an understatement -- given his perspective on things.
(Etheric Presence)

[17:10] The scientist nods and patiently waits for the President to finish talking before opening his mouth again, unlike most diplomats and negotiators his way to do things was not through words. Jase Valkynia would rather have people reflect on what he was saying instead of convincing them with words.

"I'm a man of my word, I have no reason to take the money back. It would obviously be given to you or or your current leadership, that said this is not our interest.

We would like to add one of your priests to The Last Circle, you see we have a rather democratic leadership ourselves. Which is why we would rather add your forces to the Last Circle instead of just conquering your land or buying it, that would be stupid in our point of view but sometimes people only care about money or brute force."

Negotiating in Meranthe was hard, most people would just bring the heavy guns to a discussion at the start. He was not that kind of man, he would rather keep his cards hidden until he REALLY needed to show them.

"It would not be simple protection, we would like one of you to join the circle. I'm sure that you have heard tales of knights gathering around tables and having discussions, this is what we are.

In time we hope to recruit and expand, Antefinem will not just exist but thrive again. As of right now, I'm the one representing the Last Circle but as more allies join us we will have more seats and make choices together which is a lot like your voting system...right?"

Yes, they would still have a president. Except that said president would vote for them in the council.

"And if negotiations go well here, we are planning to conquer a land in the future. Believe me, we have the troops for such a feat and the resources.

Just imagine, more temples for your patron in the mainland instead of just existing here? Not sure if we made it clear, but we only need the land and the political power that the position of your island will bring."

Maybe more information would be needed?

"You will also get an alliance with Kindlehelm and Crownforge, maybe even more instead of just being on Fortuna's hand until they tire of you. Do you know how many royals they have?

If one wanted to rule a land they could just come to your colony and as you stand right now, you wouldn't be able to fight back. The Last Circle has allies in Fortuna, Delphina and Gloomlight which would allow us to call for help from any faction if this lovely island were to be attacked...and as you know no big faction wants to fight another right now due to the invisible empire controlling them all."
(Jase Valkynia)

[17:31] There was a startling realization...
Even if he succumbed to such matter of thinking -- He would become the last nonmagus leader in Meranthean history, if he had enabled this to happen. It was certainly something to worry himself with, especially if his people would undergo yet another hardship as the history books had claimed so long ago.

After all, what difference would this 'Last Circle' offer, than any other faction that led with magus powers? Thus, it ultimately boiled down to two options in the nonmagus President's mind.

Deny Jase Valkynia outright, and potentially face the wrath of them, or their compatriots in due time...

...Or...

Accept their offer, and know that despite their initial attendance in their upper ranks, that their way of life would officially be over. Hardly even a footnote in history, for it would be unmade by the very magus hands they fled from over 40 years ago.

Though, there were all of the benefits...
Perhaps, a nonmagus ruler would never be, as they once were...
But at long last, they would have a reliable military.
The risks were never gone, never had they truly faltered... But the attention? It was... Much.

Would it be worth it?
The hands in front of them, massaging at the bridge of their nose formed what was now, much more formally... Prayer.
He was... Praying on this? Here? Now?

''My lord... I know you can hear me... I ask of your guidance. Your cradle falls prey to the eyes of magus ilk beyond our borders, and I... Know not what you will...''

They held themselves there...
Silent, even... Before taking a deep breath, and lowering his hands. Would Jase respect the moments allotted for prayer? After all, -he- was their visitor.

''I need to know that our people will keep their freedom, and prosperity will flow into the land of Antefinem. If such political reform is to occur, there must be one constant...''
The President seemed firm on this... He was sacrificing a lot with this judgement call, standing up outright now, against the falling sun, leaving the stars soon to be the sole illuminator of this scene.

''Above all else, even if the commoner of our land is pushed to the wayside in terms of politics...

Our Lord remains above all else, with no replacement.
Our Spire, our temples, our clergy remain...
There will be no substitute -- for there will be no subjugation.

The faith shall not be imposed upon, and never shall it be unwrit from Antefinemite Law. Only that, of governmental reform will be impacted upon.

Just as our land has been prior, it shall continue to be...
If this, can not be abided by... Then such dealings can not, and will not be permitted to continue.

Does this make sense to you, Mr. Valkynia?''
The expression of the President was stern, for at the precipice of the coming electory cycle? A proposition sought to unmake it whole.
(Etheric Presence)

[17:53] The scientist folds his arms and waits as the president performs some kind of prayer or ritual, once again he wonders if the man was a warlock or priest too. But he was no spirit shaman, that much he knew.

"They will be allowed to keep their lands, I will only make use of the public area of the tower and the buildings currently abandoned. We will also move our headquarters here with your permission, and announce that the Mercenary Guild is officially open drawing even more people to our ranks."

That would interest them, right? Numbers and money, both factions needed it.

"That is acceptable, your clergy will have a voice in the The Last Circle and an agent of your choice. Antefinem gets to decide which of your members will be the one to join The Last Circle, I believe that the next voting for president could decide that, right?

I happen to not have any faith and worship spirits, one of our rules is that no faith can be forced upon anyone. Due to previous interactions with The Republic, most of us dislike forcing things upon others."

Now, he only had one last request to make.

"If your people and your patron are okay with it, allow me to be your face politically. Diplomacy and government all that shall be left to me, we may also ask to build a big guild here but other than that no changes should be made and your clergy will lead the locals.

In time, we will discuss with the one that your people elect if the raid that we are planning will still be a go and we can expand. Now, do we have a deal?

To make it simple, I would have the same power as your current president. We will also have to discuss changing the name in the map to Antefinem Mercenary Guild or something like that, but that is pointless"

Terms made it simple for them to understand, he didn't care about the non-magi or their plantations. His greed was all that mattered to him, if allowed they would expand.
(Jase Valkynia)

[18:08] --and it was that greed that was noticed by powers unknown...
Perhaps, Jase would notice it...
Like a weight resting on their shoulders...
Like eyes gazing upon them from the skies above...

It wasn't a physical object, nor a person in sight to represent such a presence -- Yet, to a magi, it was undeniably there.
Vast...
Peering for their very soul, tingling at the mind as it had during their previous visit.

The Occult was present here and now...
Yet, it was clearly not of the nonmagus President...
Could this had been...

The presence of the Occult transcended for something much more morbid...
An evolved brand... Death, itself.
"What a unique yearning I find burning within you..."

The voice was not of the President's, nor was it one that the few abroad seemed to react to...
As though, it were solely in Jase's head... Because it was...

"A prospect... With an urge for power and conquest. A hunger for more... One, capable of driving forth the Vision..."
What was... This voice talking about?

"You seek expansion... Though, to do so upon my hallowed grounds, I shall seek tribute.

Have your ilk, the tribute, I desire?"

This, was not the President talking...
It was... Something else.

The President however, seemed to be quite stern, still -- contemplating the words Jase previously mentioned...
Hesitant, contemplating still -- As though, having second thoughts.
This was a big decision for him, of all people.

... But this voice? It cared little for politics...
It was one borne from an ancient...
One that dabbled beyond coin and borders, but rather mana, and souls...
This was their Patron...

(Etheric Presence)

[18:19] The spirit shaman does not react immediately to the presence, he merely remains waiting for it to continue making itself known.

"An aspect of Mortyl? Or perhaps something else?" He asks with interest before lazily stretching himself.

"I take it that you are the telepath jammer? The thing I felt another time?"

The man does not answer the comment about the tribute, instead he pulls a knife and makes a small cut on his wrist.

"I have a spirit patron already, and know how the old spirits do this business. You want mana or blood?

Either way, I happen to have the blood of Jokul and one of the old gods. Mana too, it's also touched by the holy due to me being a spirit shaman."

He pauses for a moment as the blood drips touching now the floor of Antefinem.

"Now, do we have a deal? I'm okay with giving that tribute to you, maybe more than most give normally as long as youkeep your word and let me take control of your island at least publicly and politically."

As for in private and on the island? They could do as they wanted, he did not care this was just the starting point of the conquest.

"This saves us both time and resources, right?"
(Jase Valkynia)

[18:31] Such was a typical moniker -- An Aspect of Mortyl, a remnant of Memoria...
Neo Balar: The Lost God

The matter of one being clamed by another Patron did not stir the foreign presence.
The President, whom was entirely oblivious to the exchange taking place, looked on with horror.

From their perspective, it simply looked like they were referencing the air, talking aloud to themselves. Surely, they would've figured the possibility of their Patron communing with them, but the cutting into their own skin? That was entirely un-Antefinemite of them. It drew strange looks.

"Your blood is worthless to me."
The tribute did not satisfy this particular Patron it'd seem.
"Be it a permanent carving of mana reserves, from the masses of your ilk, or your soul... There shall be no less."

The price, was steep... For the Patron could care less for the political landscape abroad, so long as it didn't impose on their own endeavors. This attempt of conquest however, would bring tribulations to such...
A worthy means of leverage was required.

Though, it could beg the question of how one would steal away hope of an afterlife, and the nature of the Patron, perhaps, it did not matter given the circumstances at-hand. The President, whom was putting the pieces together was beginning to backpedal on their previous steps in their conversation. Was he aligning himself to the Patron's desires?

Of course... Antefinem was originally established around a religion! Even if the government proved separate, the very originator of their faith likely ensured it somehow. It was rare it reared its head in view like this, perhaps as a result of Jase opting to show up without a larger party... Or the nature of their request.

''I.... uh... Don't think... Uuuh... Perhaps, you are confused? If you are one to commune to our Lord, he has never been one to desire blood sacrifices. Though, perhaps I could refer you to one of our clergymen for clarification?''
(Etheric Presence)

[18:45] The scientist spins the knife on his hand and watches as the blood drips, to his surprise the blood was worthless to the entity. What an interesting spirit, if it were to look Neo Balar would notice that the spirit shaman had no shadow.

"I see, the same as I watched Emmeline's child do before."

Interesting, not his favorite type of offering but mana would do. There is a pause as his mana covers his body, his circuits flaring up and releasing just enough to be drained by the entity if it wanted.

"You see, Mister President. I happen to be a simple man, I had mercenaries and soldiers ready in case someone else had been faster than me." He'd say before placing his hand on the ground, this territory belonged to the spirit, right?

"But I thought that it would be rude to come with them here, I'm no soldier. I'm a scientist and arcanist, it's way easier to just go straight to business instead of hesitatingor threatening others."

He pauses for a moment before turning to face the sky, this time he uses telepathy only.

"Just tell me how to do it and it will be done, as I'm the negotiator you get at least for now one mana only from me. I don't think the others would be okay with donating unless they were sure that this place will be our base of operations, I'm okay with donating permanent carving mana reserves from my soul if that makes up for the others not being willing to do it right now.

Just tell me how to do perform the ritual and make the offering, or tell one of your clerics to tell me how to do it."
(Jase Valkynia)

[19:06] The President was thoroughly confused, though, they knew by now -- This was outside of their hands.

The Patron however, did not harbor such concerns such as explaining every aspect nor nature of every matter to every individual. Only that its Vision was enacted without digression...

Jase's position was made clear -- He would not promise sacrifices of mana from the rest of the numbers of this foreign party. However, there seemed to be mild confusion in the nature of the sacrifice -- unto this? They would clarify...

"The conditions in which I shall offer you refuge upon these lands are concrete, and absolute.

If the collective of your numbers are not to surrender a permanent carving of their mana, each and all...

Then, you will have your eternal soul surrendered to me...
Live out your life, as you so wish -- without intervention to my Vision... But in Death, I shall claim you, to do as I wish. Until the end of Time herself..."

Absolute conditions, from an entity that was claimed to be... Just that...
An embodiment of The End.
It provided the Patron with everything it desired, for with dominion over another's soul? It'd transcend even the manipulations of the mind...
It was insurance, in true totality...
After all, they could have their conquest and live their life as they so wished... So long as it didn't interfere.

"Do you understand, mortal?"
It was time to decide...
Was the path to conquest without risk, worth one's soul? Or would the negotiator have to persuade their compatriots to surrender their mana as well, to satisfy potential concerns for what fate would lie in their afterlife?

It was time for Jase to make the decision for themselves...

In the meantime though, the President nodded their head... Confusedly.
''Uuh, yeah... I will get one of the clergymen at once... To... Help you with whatever it is you are... Doing...''

They started on their departure, leaving only Jase, in their communion with a Patron that did not announce its presence to the others of his surrounding followers.
(Etheric Presence)

[19:23] The scientist pauses for a moment as if shocked, not because of the conditions but the fact that the entity wanted him after his death? Someone actually wanted him after his death?

"That's..."

He pauses for a moment and covers his face with a hand, he was holding back laughter. It was not out of disrespect but surprise, to think that someone actually wanted his soul after death.

For someone who didn't want to reincarnate that was a bonus, he was going to throw himself in the Astral Sea before deciding to become a spirit shaman. To think that he would abandon the pact of a sorcerer only to have his soul claimed in death, just what he wanted.

"Apologies, that was just hilarious. I mean the irony, for someone like me that has no plans to reincarnate this is perfect."

Yes, there was only one life for him. Only one person that he could love, there was only one Jase Valkynia and only one Aluya...he didn't need more.

"Then a deal is struck, entity of death. We shall dance this tango until I eventually get myself killed in a stupid way, until then let's see how long I will last and if you can benefit from this trade."

His greed would not be denied, not after the witch tried to control it. No one would ever stop him again, he would not play by others' rules.

It was his choice always, and right now he was willing to do that pact. The spirit shaman was going to make a contract with another spirit, fantastic.

"I understand, now how am I supposed to do it? Is my oath that my soul is yours after my death, enough?" He'd ask with interest not sure if he would have to do like Aurelia did or something else.

The president was waved off as the man waited for the entity's answer, was his oath enough? Telepaths would tell that he was telling the truth, and if more would be willing to donate mana to the entity only time would tell but it was a possibility.
(Jase Valkynia)
[19:46] The earth quaked, and air stirred...
So, it was a deal then?

The light of torches and lanterns waivered somewhat, as nightfall came ever-the-slightest bit sooner. It was in the absence of light, that the transmogrification spell bore the least amount of resistance to its castor. The ancient entity was carving out a section of untamed land nigh the Antefinemite marketgrounds.
Dust and debris spilled into the air, suspended in a faceless miasma of occultic mana. Though, there was an off-presence, a voidic sort that sought to ravenously consume at any and all mana-presences unlike itself.

Foliage found itself swiftly suckled away of its lifeforce, with trees twisting in on themselves before rending to naught but dust. A clearing was being made... And amongst it? Shining leylines across the earth -- Mauve, with flakes of lavender radiating off. Runic inscriptions lining the inner circles, with a grandiose star within the center. It was a runic transmutation circle that oft demanded the attendance of five participating magi, with a space in the center.

Though, there were no other prominent magi here, aside from Jase...
The instruction was unspoken, yet came in the form of a telepathically implanted urge:
To approach -- To step into the center of the formulating circle.

If they were to comply, they would bear witness... A massive hand formed from the shadows, disembodied yet hovering above... Soon followed by another... Before the darkness coalesced for the length of two appendages. Against the night sky? It rose from the night, a vantablack silhouette against the stars...
Two crimson hues shining back now, no longer an enigmatic presence...

It was wholly revealed...
An ancient immortal that towered over any man...
An eldritch entity that had seen generations of man, time and time again...
Civilizations rise, and fall...
This...
Was Terminus...
The End, Made Manifest...
The End of The Cycle.

The Patron of Antefinem: Revealed, to Jase, at least...

Standing now, it bore four arms... Its upper left, bearing a more familiar sorcerous brand, while the right? A much more ancient variety of runic inscriptions -- The Patron's Brand. Together, they propagated one another, and with the anatomy afforded to it? Likely bestowed it with abilities that wildly surpassed practictioners of any particular magical focus.

How old could it had been?
How much did it know?
What could it offer?
Why did it not care to interfere with Jase's own endeavors, so long as they did not interfere with it's own?

What... Were its own intentions?

None of these questions came with immediate answers.
"Step into the circle... Lay your form at its center... And know, that claim of your soul, shall now be mine..."

It wouldn't be too much longer now...
Clergymen of the Acentitus Mundus were exiting the tower, at the behest of the President fetching them. They were likely to attend the ceremony should Jase parake.
(Etheric Presence)
[19:53] As an arcanist and druid student the man was familiar with leylines, having made his choice already he complies positioning himself in the circle. He remains still as the shadows and the strange entity manifest, his mana too remains at max for the offering that was going to be made.

''Now, I may have mischalculated but I'm definitely earning my name as a spirit shaman here. Look at the size of that thing." He thinks frowning, sweat dripping from his forehead when thinking about the spirit that he was going to make a pact with.

"Well, spirit. The deal is struck, stay true to your word and I shall stay true to mine."

The spirit shaman closes his eyes already in the circle and opens his arms preparing for what was coming, as a spirit shaman he was aware that rituals were a thing but on this scale?

Damn, he really was insane, uh? His part was done, the patron could claim what he wanted.
(Jase Valkynia)
[20:33] While it spoke with confidence...
With clarity...
With claim over such absolute dominion? It was as much of the scientist when it came to such enigmatic endeavors as any other.
The exception being is supernatural attributes... And seemingly boundless lifespan.

It was, for that reason -- That any and all curiosities before it, would find itself inevitably grasped by its hungering intellect. All that truly separated it from all? Was time...

And for it? Time, was cheap. Humans, such as Jase, could not claim the same.

It wouldn't be long before the clergymen advanced, now circling the grandiose circle of inscriptions, before carefully taking their steps forth. It was as though, they feared to provoke their very patron, by misstepping or worse, scathing the very inscriptions marring the soil.

Five individuals found themselves within circles surrounding the center-star.
Five articles of Willpower readied to see the incantation to completion, despite lacking the magus capacity of greater counterparts -- Though, unbeknownst to them? It was wholly unnecessary.

Terminus looked onward, its lower-body left untransmogrified from the amorphous shadows below -- appearing more cloud-like, as opposed to fully developed legs.

"Super ipsos principatus huius terrae, dominium super animam huius mortalis invoco."

A long-since dead tongue was uttered from its maws. One originally borne of Hel, yet unknown by few of the masses, if not the esoterically inclined or even few sorcerers themselves. The shine upon the sorcerer's brand illuminated a bright sapphire, in tandem with the Patron's brand...

Though, as the glowing intensified? So too, did the inscriptions around Jase...
The language was repeated by the clergy, having taken their places. Had they the slightest clue, what powersthey were promoting? Invoking upon even?
Perhaps, they hadn't a need to know... Only that it was being done.

"Lex existentiae decretum meum sanctificet - nam tale ad iussu mortalis se tradentis venit."

Could Jase feel it? A tug upon their mana reserves, with the ignition of the Patron's brand. Though, it dug deeper... An ethereal invasion of magical presence sought to investigate their anatomy. Though, it'd find the heart... Yet, somehow, transcended such.
The magus circuitry of one's anatomy ultimately led to the Heart Circuit, for it was the source of the most visceral of magical castings. It was for this reason, that it acted as the anchor of the Soul... One such bearing that laid protected by a divine barrier. Perhaps, it was for this reason that most never saw it attacked by magus antics. Yet, such potent occultic magics dared to intermingle with the accursed venom of Death. Its influence glided against such barrier, carving at it, as though to weaken it from influence.

Many times had such an entity come close to manipulating with the souls of those abroad, but few times had one allowed themselves to lay vulnerable to his influence. This time, little stopped him... For it was entirely at the behest of the target of his antics.

It would come across as an icy sting at one's core, for the divine barrier was under attack. One's soul was being pulled upon, and the Godseed at Terminus' core pulsated with glee.

Both hands rose throughout the incantations, finally clasping closed with a thundrous boom. Essence seemingly ripped from the air, suckling mana passively from Jase amidst the casting. Even those nigh seemed to be slowly growing fatigued, for raw vitality was being drawn upon to fuel such a ritual.
(Terminus)

[20:36] A blinding light blared from betwixt parting palms, revealing a spherical construct taking shape. It was mana...
It was essence...
It was... Materia, taking shape from seemingly naught.
Yet, all throughout such ritual, it was painfully tugging at the soul of Jase, as though to strive to rip it from his very vessel. It would never be... The Will of a magi, was simply too strong to be overwhelmed while they still lived.

Though, perhaps there was a reason that Marqui opted to carry out such endeavors, like this... Terminus, was following in their footsteps, and the Valkynia was enabling it to pull off such transcendent feats.

"Vicissim, servitium meum offeretur, dummodo Visionem impedire non possit."

A promise made, in such tongue -- before a pulsation sought to rupture at the very air, to immediately dispel the transmutation circle below... And toil the participants of the ritual meters away from where they once stood. Perhaps, Jase would be hardly phased... Or not...

But one thing was certain, there lied a shining conjuration with Terminus' grasp...
And the pull upon their soul seemingly subsided for now -- They were returning to normal, albeit a tad bit woozy. Their mana was not siphoned away however! Perhaps, it would all play out as they desired! What could possibly play out to their detriment?
The hand of the sorcerous brand shifted away, allowing for the hand of the Patron's brand to cradle under a levitating spheroid of glimmering white light.

"Here, lies the physical manifestation of your soul's ownership... It has yet to mature, given time..."
A massively bold claim, yet what reason had it to lie? Perhaps, there was a chance it had failed in its endeavors? Perhaps, it was only a vapid claim!
"Upon your death, I shall see it filled with your soul, for now... It shall belong to me. Not the Astral Sea... Nor any other deity...

Until time itself ends...

In turn? I shall offer boons, should you provide me with the essence to satisfy...
Jase Valkynia of The Last Circle."
Had one failed to pledge themselves to another patron or deity prior? Then, Terminus' influence over their person would prove a strong claim, especially had they lacked resistance throughout the ritual. Though, there was always the chance of a botched attempt... Perhaps, Jase could hope on that, especially if the claim of a soul bore consequences during their lifetime.
(Terminus)
The spirit shaman does not resist the ritual, it was painful and otherworldly but despite all that his greed was stronger. He can power until it's finallly done, tired after such a strange and odd experience he does not understand the strange language used by the ancient entity or their clergy but the words would be remembered.

"We have a deal, that said I have no interest in reincarnating. We shall see how things go from here...entity."

He says after being able to stand up, he was still woozy but he could walk back to his boat where his operative had been waiting. It's not through his mouth no, it's his thoughts for only the entity to hear.

"Someone else has my shadow, and you will have my soul after death. One of my rules is not to make pacts with spirits that would derange anything previously or newly made, I'm a man of my word after all."

And besides, he would need an ace in his sleeve if the other pact went bad. A soul was nothing if he was able to pull what he had done, the only thing that he would need to do was avoid Unreality just to be sure.

"Clergy, I take it that you will talk to your president and work on the changes that will soon happen. I will need to discuss with your knights too when possible, as it stands right now they have no purpose but I hope to change that."

But at least for now, I will go home and rest. Make an announcement making it clear that the island's leadership changed from the president to the chairman of The Last Circle Jase Valkynia, and a mercenary guild will soon open here."

He was exausthed, dead inside. But it had been done, who was laughing now?

He was not the joke that people thought, soon they would see that.
(Jase Valkynia)