The hustle and bustle of the nearby citizens of Revelcroft went silent as they stopped in their tracks. The distant sounds of the city were still present, yet the Guild district remained distinctly silent. Every breath they took was as loud as a scream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tension bogged the air as June stared down Perrim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It had been brief, but his sudden appearance had startled the Althori. Yet his pride as a member of the supposed divine family refused to yield. June also didn\u2019t back down, unwilling to show deference to these maniacs claiming to be gods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perrim\u2019s glare grew harsher when June didn\u2019t show any reverence. \u201cWhat manner of creature are you, mortal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The way he had said mortal told June all he needed to know about the man, the meaning being synonymous with any slurs back on Earth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it failed to draw a rise from him. Instead, he responded with civility and diplomacy. \u201cIs that how you greet strangers here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The veins on the side of Perrim\u2019s head bulged from June\u2019s apparent disrespect or lack of veneration. \u201cBut we are not strangers, are we, Joon Mai-kall-sun?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perrim\u2019s horrendous pronunciation of his name sounded like a child learning to speak for the first time. A smug smile crossed Perrim\u2019s face as June just raised a brow, slightly amused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah\u2019s voice then echoed in his mind, putting a pause to his response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please don\u2019t do anything rash. I can see what you\u2019re planning, and I\u2019d recommend against it.<\/em> Perrim may be an arrogant asshole, but he\u2019s still a descendant of a Progenitor of Syrova. As a Progenitor yourself, it\u2019d be best to seek cooperation for the benefit of all. Remember that the Dwellers are our true enemies. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides, didn\u2019t you want to remain anonymous? If you pick a fight with this man, you\u2019d be announcing \u200cto all of Syrova that a new Divine being is among them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She had a point, and he would have left things alone had this man not shown up. But there were some things that he couldn\u2019t let slide or condone. This confrontation was inevitable, seeing as his morals were in direct contrast to the Divine family\u2019s, so it was best to address it now rather than later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve got this, <\/em>June said to her with a smirk before speaking out loud. \u201cI guess we aren\u2019t, Perrim.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim\u2019s smile vanished instantly, transforming into a sneer of fury marred by confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n June chuckled internally. Perrim sure as hell didn\u2019t expect him to know his name. Perrim marched up to him, trying to use his size to intimidate him, but he\u200c didn\u2019t back down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He suspected that by now, most people would have fallen to their knees, begging for forgiveness. But he\u2019d never do such a thing, not to mention for such a person. He stared only up at the man, indifference written on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOn your knees! Grovel like the mongrel you are, and maybe I won\u2019t tear you limb from limb!\u201d Perrim snarled, his Aura billowing from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who had stopped to watch the altercation immediately backed away. The strength of Perrim\u2019s Aura immediately clued them in to who he was if his armor hadn\u2019t already given it away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n June stood his ground and, with precise control, projected his Aura at a certain level, masking it to replicate Perrim\u2019s strength. For now, this was how he\u2019d hide, out in the open, by disguising his true strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind him, Quin, Layhanna, Matil, Urzenkeil, and Merriam had gathered on the steps of the Guild house. Quin had subtly erected a barrier of her own Aura, following \u200chis lead and disguising her strength as well, and protected the buildings behind them. All but Quin\u2019s faces had become ghostly white as their Auras clashed in the middle of the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Neither of them let up, but it was Perrim who wavered first. The shock in his eyes was apparent to June, and the sliver of doubt and confusion caused his concentration to slip. His Aura fizzled out as sweat beaded down his face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n June retracted his Aura when Perrim\u2019s Aura disappeared. \u201cDon\u2019t you have other, more important matters to see to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The woman named Nepherani approached them as fast as she could, at the pace of a snail from his point of view, and struck out at him, a dagger in her right hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He contemplated how best to respond to the attack. It had surprised him a little that Nepherani had even moved to strike him after having seen and felt that his Aura matched her uncle’s. He could only attribute it \u200cto fear and anger, pressing her to act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Kinetic Essence, he caught the blade just inches from his throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKnow your place! You are nothing more than a mortal amongst gods!\u201d Nepherani shouted, her face twisted in a vicious sneer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOnly by title and birthright, he really isn\u2019t a god, is he?\u201d June said before Perrim backhanded her, sending her flying a few feet to land hard on the cobblestone road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnough! I don\u2019t need your help!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim turned to him, composing himself as he took a step back, his face a shroud of calm confidence. \u201cI am a god, unlike you, mortal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYet, I can\u2019t help but notice that you aren\u2019t the Divine Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim snarled like a wolf, yet restrained himself. \u201cThat title is reserved only for the most esteemed and worthy man of the Divine family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n June nodded in understanding. \u201cAhh, I see. So you\u2019re neither esteemed nor worthy, gotcha.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSILENCE!\u201d Perrim bellowed with a swipe of his hand that generated high wind pressure strong enough to knock over buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The loose pieces of their clothes flapped wildly in the gale, but his little tantrum affected neither of them. June had erected a barrier around the two of them to prevent the hurricane-like gusts from destroying the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their eyes remained locked on each other the entire time, and he could see the slow, creeping doubt and fear gnaw at Perrim\u2019s conscience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the wind settled, silence once again hung in the air as June lowered his barrier. \u201cAre you done? Cause if you are, would you mind leaving us in peace? We were in the middle of a meeting before your rude interruption.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim\u2019s scowl returned, and the look in his eyes told June that his pride and anger had won out over his fear and doubt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim straightened and glared down at him. \u201cMy Divine Lord has dispatched me with an urgent quest to investigate an unknown pulse of energy that occurred in this kingdom the night prior. According to the Steward of this city, you might be involved somehow.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd how did this Steward of yours come by this information?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m the one asking the questions here,\u201d Perrim snapped. \u201cNow, were you responsible for that pulse of energy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPerhaps. What of it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim\u2019s hand flew forward and grabbed him by the collar of his sweater. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with me! The Divine Lord would like to have a word with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, he failed to budge June from his spot as he stood rooted in place. \u201cIf he wants to have a word, then \u200cyou can tell him where to find me. But you\u2019d better be quick about it. I don\u2019t plan on staying in this city long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHeretic!\u201d Perrim roared before landing a clean uppercut that he let connect, launching him straight into the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we go, <\/em>June thought as he caught himself with Wind Essence, floating in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am no mere messenger!\u201d Perrim shouted as he rocked towards him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A spiked mace as black as the Abyss and a large golden round shield that radiated sunlight appeared in his hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From the very beginning, the mongrel was nothing more than a heretic whose blasphemy only fueled Perrim\u2019s fury and hatred of him, building to a point of no return and exploding in a raging inferno. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There were two moments there: first, when the heretic appeared, and second, \u200cduring their conversation, when a creeping voice in the back of his head told him not to engage the worm. To just leave and seek another route towards completing the Divine Lord\u2019s quest. But he couldn\u2019t let his transgressions stand. This heretic shall die for blaspheming him and his Divinity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n He flew up towards the heretic, his Eternal Morning Star and Shield of Radiance appearing in his hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDie!\u201d he shouted, bringing his Eternal Morning Star around in a mighty swing, aiming for the heretic\u2019s head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The air around the weapon shimmered as it snuffed out any light that was near it when he infused it with Dark Essence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With this single blow, he\u2019d smite the heretic\u2019s existence from the Imperial history books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, a dull-gray shield appeared in the heretic\u2019s hand, and he blocked his attack. The clang of metal hitting metal rang out in the sky, and a boom followed, accompanied by a furious gust of wind from the impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He had put all of his strength behind the attack, yet it hadn\u2019t even left a single dent on the heretic\u2019s shield. But his attack had at least achieved something, launching the heretic back and beyond the city limits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A clap of thunder sounded, and another gale buffeted the area as he shot forward using Wind Essence to propel himself, chasing after the careening heretic. He caught up with the heretic in no time. Seeking to end the fight here and now, he swung his Eternal Morning Star down, this time infusing it with Death Essence, and aimed for the heretic\u2019s head again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A sickly green glow coated his mace as it descended on the heretic, but to his utter shock, the heretic stopped mid-air and launched at him, his ugly gray shield leading the charge. Unable to slow his momentum, his attack missed completely. He brought his Shield of Radiance around and blocked the heretic\u2019s pathetic attempt to shield bash him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Channeling Light Essence, he cycled it into his Shield of Radiance. \u201cBeam of the Divine Lord!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A beam of golden light shot forth from his shield and slammed right into the heretic. It sent him flying down to the ground as he channeled even more Light Essence and added Fire Essence into his attack. Golden flames spewed forth from his shield and spiraled around the beam\u200c to the heretic. He\u2019d cleanse the worm with the holy fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having depleted half of his Soul Essence, he stopped channeling his Essences and floated down to where the heretic was. That should have done it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But to his horror, the heretic was still alive. And what was worse was that he had sustained barely any damage beyond his slightly singed clothes and a few minor burns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perrim hovered in the sky above the heretic in disbelief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How was the worm still alive? <\/em>Perrim thought as the heretic spat a wad of blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A confident grin crossed the heretic’s face as they locked eyes with him. \u201cMy turn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna had been in a perpetual state of terror ever since exiting her Guild house to find June staring down an Adjudicator of the Imperium. The moment her eyes landed on the Adjudicator, she bent at the waist and remained silent, praying to the Divine Mother and Lord that June would show a modicum of respect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the words that left his mouth cast that thought right out of her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She didn\u2019t know what was going through his mind, but he must have been mad. No, not to at least bow his head in deference when in the presence of a member of the Divine family was beyond mad. It was sacrilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She kept her head bowed, fear holding her in place, and remained like that the entire time, not daring to move a muscle even when monstrous Auras clashed. Then the loudest clap of thunder resounded, followed by a boom and torrential gusts that shook the building and knocked her over. She finally looked up and laid eyes on the people before her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n June and the Adjudicator were nowhere to be seen. Only the Inquisitors remained, their heads craned to the Suns\u2019 Wake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere is June and the Adjudicator?\u201d she asked, slowly rising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Quin pointed in the direction the Inquisitors were looking. \u201cIt seems like diplomacy has failed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her stomach dropped, her legs wobbled before she fell to her knees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If he had angered an Adjudicator, then that was the end for them. The Divine family wasn\u2019t merciful. Their retribution would be swift and divine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A female Inquisitor, who had been on the ground, slowly rose to her feet, clutching the right side of her face. \u201cWhere’s the Adjudicator!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n One inquisitor pointed towards Suns\u2019 Wake. \u201cOur Radiance sent the heretic off in that direction and went after to finish him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The female Inquisitor turned her wild, bloodshot eyes on them. \u201cYou shall all pay for your transgressions against a member of the Divine family!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo! Wait\u2014\u201d Layhanna shouted, but Quin stepped in front of her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you value your lives, you\u2019d best wait until your Adjudicator returns.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, he will!\u201d the Inquisitor bellowed. \u201cAnd I, Inquisitor Nepherani Aldetorre, will present your heads as a gift to him upon his return.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna\u2019s eyes widened at the proclamation, turning to look at Quin, only to find her cocking her head to the side. \u201cThat\u2019ll depend on his manner of return.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nepherani released a howling scream, daggers appearing in her hands, before a body slammed onto the cobblestone road. The impact shook the ground, kicking up dust and stone, and creating a crater half the size of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna coughed and fought to keep her eyes open through the dust, trying to see what was happening. A sudden gust cleared the dust in an instant, and June\u2019s figure slowly descended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n His hands were at his sides in a calm pose, his clothes lightly singed, and he had a minor burn across his left cheek. But besides that, he looked relatively fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Loose and destroyed cobblestones rose and hovered as he drew nearer, and only fell back to the ground when he landed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She stared at him, her heart racing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How was he still alive, and why was he so calm? Where was the Adjudicator?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her eyes flew to the sky, searching for the man, but Nepherani\u2019s wail immediately drew her attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUncle!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She frowned as Nepherani and the other Inquisitors jumped into the crater. Rising, she gasped as the Adjudicator lay at the center, his armor destroyed and his robes torn to shreds from the waist up. The man was still conscious, but just barely, as burns covered his body that cauterized multiple slash wounds. His left arm lay broken at his side, twisted at an odd angle, while his right hand was missing entirely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow?\u201d she asked, but she fell silent when June spoke up, addressing the Adjudicator and his Inquisitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLike I said, if the Divine Lord would like to speak to me, then you can tell him where to find me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Layhanna\u2019s mouth fell agape at his tone and words as Nepherani slung the Adjudicator\u2019s right arm over her shoulder and helped him to his feet. A shiver ran down her spine as his glare bored into all of them and remained on them as they retreated into the sky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This would not be the end of it; she could see it in his eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her gaze then landed on June as he walked up the steps towards them. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Just who was this monster that had now set his sights on her and her Guild?<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The hustle and bustle of the nearby citizens of Revelcroft went silent as they stopped in their tracks. The distant sounds of the city were still present, yet the Guild district remained distinctly silent. Every breath they took was as loud as a scream. Tension bogged the air as June stared down Perrim. It had […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-161","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-sfw","pmpro-has-access"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_hostinger_reach_plugin_has_subscription_block":false,"_hostinger_reach_plugin_is_elementor":false,"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/author\/authorderekyanggmail-com\/","display_name":"authorderekyang@gmail.com"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 6 mois il y a","modified":"Mis \u00e0 jour 6 mois il y a"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 le novembre 27, 2025","modified":"Mise \u00e0 jour le novembre 28, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Publi\u00e9 le novembre 27, 2025 8:59 pm","modified":"Mise \u00e0 jour le novembre 28, 2025 10:16 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":null,"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-08 17:54:22","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/161\/revisions\/265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/derekyangauthor.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n