“Yes,” Diako continued. “The race for the Celestial map has been forlorn for ages now. I understand that you do not often parlay with the divine, Kaleb Akabane, but please allow me to educate you on the rat race for the heavens which has so enthralled Chrysus.”

  Kaleb: He even talks like a prick. What do you think?

  Panda: There’s no harm in hearing him out. He’s old and probably a font of knowledge. Try not to anger him, but don’t trust him either.

  Kaleb: As if I needed telling that.

  “Fine,” I said crossing my arms and leaning back in my seat as Lucas returned to his, seeming to have calmed down considerably. “I’ll listen to your story.”

  “Good. The Celestial Map is a tale that dates back centuries now. It is said that one who can unite all ten thousand pieces will receive divine, cosmic power. However, thus far no one has been able to do it. Outworlders such as yourself have been captured, their skins added to banks, over and over by powerful people and gods alike. However, not once have all the pieces been put together.”

  “Well that makes sense,” I said. “All it takes is one outworlder to scrape his back or get burnt alive or eaten by a monster and his piece is null and void. It’s a stupid prophecy if you ask me. The logistics alone are ridiculous.”

  “On that we agree,” Diako continued, using Jack as a puppet. “But your reasoning, though not entirely flawed, is inaccurate. More than once all of the skins have been harvested, though only once have they been said to be all in the same place. The god who managed to collect them all is, to this day, still just a god though. The challenge was not completed, the contract unfulfilled despite one deity owning all of the pieces.”

  “So it’s not real then?”

  “Perhaps, but Chrysus believes he has discovered the reason why it didn’t work. Have you ever thought it peculiar that you can absorb map pieces Mr Akabane?”

  “Not really,” I said. “I can also level up and every weapon I touch leaks poison. It hardly seems out of the ordinary in this place. Can’t all outworlders absorb the map pieces?”

  “No, they cannot. Jack tried and failed not too long ago. It is my belief that only certain outworlders possess this ability. Though I do not know why. I believe that Chrysus believes that in order to properly complete the map and gain the power an outworlder must first collect all the pieces by absorbing them onto their skin. I suspect that once this is done if a natural Celestian were to skin them they would properly complete the map.”

  “All the more reason for me to stay away from this tournament then,” I replied, scowling at the possessed body of Jack.

  Panda: If that’s true then it would explain why Chrysus didn’t just kill you when he first met you. Hadn’t you literally just absorbed that guy’s map piece? What was his name?

  Kaleb: Brad.

  Panda: Yeah Brad, that was it. Then you just so happened to immediately meet Chrysus and live through the encounter despite being rude to him. It always struck me as odd.

  Kaleb: I also accidentally summoned a talking panda straight afterwards.

  Panda: What’s your point?

  Kaleb: Strange things seem to happen to me a lot.

  Panda: I guess, but I think what he’s saying has legs. I don’t know if you really can be used as a means to get this cosmic power they’re all so obsessed with. But I do believe that Chrysus thinks that’s what’ll happen.

  “I believe Chrysus invited you personally for this exact scenario,” Diako continued, he seemed to have waited the twenty or so seconds that mine and Panda’s chat had taken before continuing. He must have known that we were talking. Odd that he didn’t mention it. “Or at least, that was his original intention. However, there is another. They are known as The Desert Samurai and they are working for Chrysus with the absorption power which you also possess. Thus far, I only know of the two of you.”

  “The Desert Samurai?” I scoffed, “that’s a stupid moniker.” Though I do remember seeing someone in samurai armour when we rescued Bell. Was she the one who stole all those skins from the vault? If so, why would she need to steal them when Nyx works for Chrysus, and why does Nyx have more skins in his other vault if Chrysus has a follower who can absorb them. None of this makes any sense.

  “I thought Nyx worked for Chrysus,” I began. “I remember seeing a samurai inside The Morningstar Hotel and Spa and at roughly the same time, Nyx’s vault of skins was robbed.”

  “No god works for another, not even a new one such as Nyx,” Diako answered. “The two are close allies but allies still have their own secrets and agendas.”

  “Ok, so assuming everything you’ve said is correct. If Chrysus already has a map absorbing samurai, why would he want me?”

  “To keep you away from other gods. You are the single biggest threat to his plans right now, by virtue of merely existing.”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “Then why doesn’t he just have me killed?”

  “He is the god of greed; it is not in his nature to dispose of things when he believes he can own them. He wants to control you, Akabane. He wants both of the absorption outworlders for himself. Of course, in the end he would kill both of you. But he is a clever and cautious man and I doubt he wanted to risk killing you before he was certain that he didn’t need you.”

  “Like a spare tyre,” I said mostly to myself. “If one of us dies, then he has a second in reserve to take over.”

  “I doubt he had that samurai person when he invited you to his tournament,” Panda said. “Hell, from what I know about the guy I wouldn’t be surprised if he killed the last priest himself just to create the occasion.”

  “Or to silence him,” Lucas added. “He’s not known as a trusting god and if the last high priest knew about this absorption thing then maybe he was just being careful. Even the most loyal subjects talk given the right circumstances.”

  “His reasons matter not,” Diako said. “What is important is what he is planning to do now and how we can stop him. The tournament starts in less than a week and every member of the pantheon will be putting forward a champion to face off against the new high priest of greed.”

  “And you think this samurai will be the new high priest?” Lucas asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Hold on a minute,” I began. “Why would an outworlder become a priest? How would they even be strong enough to become one? We’ve only been here six months; I doubt any of us is past the level cap yet.”

  “Champions must be level eighty-nine or below to compete,” Diako answered. “It is an old rule that was put in place by Athena, but one that none dare overrule. Phase fours are not allowed in the tournament. Because of this, when a new high priest is chosen, they must be of this level or below. The current surviving high priests of the pantheon are all beyond the level cap and thus will not be competing themselves. As such, you can expect that this samurai will likely win the bout between the followers of Chrysus and then be his champion in the ensuing tournament.”

  “This all seems rather elaborate to me,” I said. “Why not just fight the other gods and be done with it. Why does he even need this tournament in the first place and what does winning it accomplish? I thought he was going to start a war or something.”

  “My spies tell me that he is planning on starting a war, but first he needs allies among the gods. Those who will support him in this endeavour. It is my belief that this tournament will be how he meets with and convinces them to side with him. The tournament itself is likely inconsequential, though winning it will give him more negotiating power.”

  “Why would any other god go along with him?”

  “That, I do not know. However, I fear that the events that are about to transpire will force this world into a new age, regardless of the outcome.”

  Kaleb: I’m so confused.

  Panda: Me too, kid. But from what I’ve gathered this tournament is really just an excuse to gather all the gods in one place. Once they’re there he’ll make allies, maybe even kill those who don’t want to team up, and likely cause havoc. It sounds pretty bad.

  “So what’s my supposed role in all of this, what do you want me to do?” I asked.

  “I want you to become my champion. I want you to enter the tournament and win, killing this samurai person. I cannot allow Chrysus to win and I refuse to submit to him.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Because if you don’t and Chrysus’ plan succeeds then you will likely die. You’ll have no chance of cultivating the power needed to bring your family to this land if you are not alive, will you?”

  “How did you-” I began, feeling my mouth gape slightly.

  “I know many things, Kaleb Akabane; my spies are everywhere.”

  “Even if I do help you, I’m only level fifty-eight and I’m willing to bet that every other champion will be at eighty-nine. That’s a big level difference to place so much of your plan on me.”

  “If you agree to help me, I will level you up to the precipice of phase four myself.”

  “What? How is that even possible?”

  Lucas seemed as shocked as I felt and Panda shrugged his shoulders when I looked towards him, I dove into my chat function once again.

  Panda: The only thing I can think of is sacrificing some of his other followers. If that’s what he offers don’t do it. It’s not worth it, trust me.

  Kaleb: Why not?

  Panda: The first one hundred levels are foundational. If you don’t build them the correct way it’ll compromise your soul and yours is already volatile with that weird power you have. Even if you don’t die, there’s a chance it’ll prevent you from ever being able to pass the level cap.

  Kaleb: Do you think he knows about my soul power?

  Panda: I doubt he’d be talking to you if he did. Gods don’t like people whose natural abilities encroach on their own. Soul power like yours is usually only unlocked by the divine. I have no idea how you even have it.

  “How would you level me up so quickly?” I asked.

  “By allowing you access to my inner sanctum. Time is slower there and it is filled with high levelled monsters. You would have a year to fight them, to grow stronger, whilst on the outside time would flow as normal. In seven Celestian days, I can give you access to a year’s worth of experience. I do not offer this proposition lightly. Only my most trusted and elite warriors have ever been offered this chance.”

  “Then why choose me?”

  “Because it is my deepest desire to stop Chrysus. Because I believe that you are my best chance at doing this.”

  “There must be more you’re not telling me,” I said agitatedly. “Surely you have your own people who could beat this samurai. There has to be more to it, there has to be a catch.”

  “I will not answer any more questions. Do you accept these terms or not?”

  Kaleb: What do I do?

  Panda: It’s a great opportunity, but this guy is shady. There’s definitely more to it.

  Kaleb: What’ll happen if I say no?

  Panda: Best case: Chrysus tries his coup d’etat and fails and the world is thrown into a war that’ll likely kill millions. Worst case: he succeeds and you spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder. Though he’ll probably capture or kill you. He’d have to eventually if he wanted the map.

  “I’ll do it,” I said.

  I wasn’t completely sure about this whole thing. But it was a good chance to gain power quickly, and as Panda said, if I didn’t go along with this I’d be condemning millions to death or servitude. Including myself… Including my friends.

  “Good, I am glad that you are not completely unreasonable. Step through this portal and your trial will begin. You will have exactly one year. Make it count.”

  He swirled Jack’s hands and a white portal opened up in the floor of the balcony. It looked like bright light and it radiated warmth. I needed to do this. I needed to get stronger.

  “What about my team?” I asked.

  “This portal will only accept one person at a time. Only your familiars can accompany you.”

  “Asmodeus is sleeping.”

  With a sigh, Diako clicked Jack’s fingers and the dragon dropped out of a small purple portal appearing in front of me. He was still fast asleep. I picked him up with some effort, cradling him in my arms. He felt warm. Panda grabbed onto my leg and together we walked into the portal.