25th of Dayhelm, 1374

  The big day had finally arrived, and a faint smile spread across Ebonheim's countenance as she descended from her perch. She had donned a new garb for the festivities—a loose-fitting robe that fell about her slight form, embroidered with intricate silver needlework woven through its surface. Her skin held a soft, creamy pallor beneath her robe, while a single strand of jewelry encircled her neck, fashioned in the shape of a silver torc adorned with several prominent stones.

  Attire-wise, she chose something simpler this time around compared to last year's jubilee. As her gaze drifted over her reflection in her full-length mirror, she gently tugged at her outfit and ensured everything fell neatly into place.

  Nodding in satisfaction, Ebonheim made her way out from her cabin and trod along the cobbled path leading towards the festival grounds.

  Already music reverberated through the air and filled the entire town, making each step Ebonheim took towards the center grow more buoyant and energetic.

  Festivities, festivals.

  She couldn't ever have enough of them, to be honest. They uplifted her spirits even when she felt melancholy. Not that any sense of ennui currently plagued her, though... To be quite honest, she couldn't have been happier right now. This would be yet another festive occasion added to her tally, and she looked forward to mingling with her people once again under the lights and noise.

  Plus, she had a nice surprise in store for this year. Having saved up Quintessence over time specifically for this moment—there was no better day to carry out her next ascension than now, amidst the height of celebration and joy.

  It'd be the icing on the cake, as they say.

  Smiling to herself at this secret anticipation, she continued onward.

  As Ebonheim approached the bustling plaza, her people greeted her with cheers and bows galore, even amidst their activities. Others showed their respects from afar while engrossed in conversation or merriment, acknowledging her presence discreetly amidst the hubbub all around.

  She stopped by a cluster of children who were playing a game involving hoops and sticks. A few older individuals remained nearby, presumably their minders, who bowed in greeting as Ebonheim made her presence known. Some children dropped their toys and flocked towards her.

  "Goddess Ebonheim, play with us! Play with us!" they clamored with rosy, radiant grins and joyous giggles, each tugging on a different corner of her attire.

  Ebonheim picked up one of the hoops and a stick, positioning herself beside the children. "All right, let’s see if I can keep up with you all."

  With a flick of her wrist, she sent the hoop rolling along the cobbled path, using the stick to guide it as she ran alongside the children. They laughed and whooped, keeping pace with her, even as her newfound enthusiasm energized her steps.

  When her hoop wobbled and tipped over, much to her own surprise, the children guffawed at her stumble. With a sheepish grin and a flick of her hair, she chuckled along with them.

  "You win this time!" she said, feigning a look of defeat before handing her hoop back to one of the children. "But I’ll get you next year."

  "Nuh-uh," one of the girls proclaimed boldly. "You'll lose again!"

  "We'll be faster!" another chimed in.

  "Yeah!" A third followed.

  She left them to their game, excusing herself with a smile.

  As she mingled among her people—stopping now and then to talk, ask questions about their lives, and bantering with the townsfolk for a bit—she gradually reached the shrine built for today's occasion, its bunting and garlands draped about in full festive display.

  The elevated platform sported a sleek ebonwood throne perched beneath a decorated, square-poled gazebo roof. On top of each supporting pole rested a hoisted brazier, encasing radiant white flames that threw warm light across her surroundings.

  Kelzryn stood nearby, seeming a touch out of place amidst the crowd's joy. As always, he maintained his detached aloofness, though he did attempt to return polite nods and the occasional subdued smile as various individuals engaged him in casual interactions.

  But the moment Ebonheim entered his line of sight, a stark transformation came upon him.

  His formerly dispassionate demeanor softened. He pressed a palm to his chest and bowed low, sweeping aside his long, thick locks. As he lifted his head, his azure eyes carried a vibrant shimmer, echoing the glinting highlights in his midnight black hair.

  Such reverence, as always. Not that he showed any less the entire year, but during public occasions like this, he made doubly sure others observed his behavior towards their patron goddess.

  "Ebonheim," he murmured as he straightened himself. "Congratulations on another year of prosperity."

  Ebonheim sat on the throne provided for her on the shrine's central dais. "Mhm. How's the celebration been? Good? No incidents?"

  Kelzryn assumed a stance beside her throne, facing the revelry. "Aside from the usual heated competition over at the arm wrestling area, none which warrant your concern. The Silverguards are doing an adequate job patrolling around, dispersing any rowdy groups when they become unruly."

  "That's good."

  Her gaze swept across the sea of faces before them, smiling back at those who glanced her way or cheered aloud. A wave here, a nod there—all delivered with easy-going familiarity and casual mirth. Her role on this day entailed nothing more than a mere observant, ceremonial presence to uphold the town's sacred rites, after all.

  As the sun dipped towards the horizon, and the earlier revelry settled down to a contented hum, Ebonheim stood from her seat amidst the light chatter echoing throughout the plaza. An anticipatory hush descended over the throng as she paced forward and cast her arms wide in benediction.

  "Ahem! Um... It's only been several years, but I've already run out of ideas for my speech."

  Thorsten was the first to laugh, which caught on quickly and turned into a rowdy burst of guffaws among the audience.

  "What can I say? We celebrate at least five festivals a year. You already know what's written on my mind at this point. You've probably gotten sick of me saying it, anyway."

  More titters erupted around the shrine.

  "A good life and all that, but that's not the point. You all know how to take care of yourselves and do what's necessary, so I'm not going to bore you with any more details or my usual scolding, if you're not sick of that yet."

  "Never, Goddess," someone in the crowd shouted.

  "Maybe next time, dear. Don't worry, you'll get your due."

  Deeper, heartier chuckles came forth.

  "Alright, jokes aside." Ebonheim tapped her chest. "But in all seriousness, I mean it. You've all done so much for each other and for the town. Without your effort, we could've never come so far. With that said..."

  With one hand on her hip and her back arched as she leaned forward, she did her best attempt at an exaggerated wink. "I've got a surprise in store today. Some of you may have already witnessed it, but for the newer folks, gather close. You're in for a treat."

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  After all these years, she had learned a thing or two about keeping a crowd's attention. A sense of performance often worked wonders, especially considering the enthusiasm that always swept over her during these events.

  A hearty round of cheers resounded through the plaza, driving her excitement levels up.

  The original settlers, including the Aslankoyash, knew exactly what to expect, and even so, their cheers proved just as loud—if not louder.

  From the seated crowd, Evelyne scooted to the front to get an unimpeded view of the spectacle. Her eyes were already sparkling with barely suppressed zeal.

  Ebonheim couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

  The Akashic System's message came into view.

  [You've acquired 5 Quintessence from a Faithful's reverence]

  [Quintessence: 63,995 -> 64,000]

  [You have reached the required Quintessence to increase your Divine Rank to 'Intermediate God - Dawn Stage']

  [Would you like to ascend?]

  Right on time.

  An eager grin quirked her lips, and she made her choice.

  Slowly rising above the platform, Ebonheim hovered high enough for a clear view over the entire square. The bristling warmth of her Quintessence surged within, manifesting in shimmering bursts that rippled across her being in cascades of colorful radiance. Its glowing, writhing tendrils snaked across the square, creating spirals of kaleidoscopic light.

  Silence stretched like a taut wire over the rapt crowd below, punctuated only by gasps, hushed murmurs, and awed whispers.

  Without pause or preamble, she allowed the power to course throughout her lithe form, attuning her core with its vibrant pulse. Her hair turned to shimmering silver flames, as her eyes flared into golden suns. Her robe transformed, the fine fabric morphing into an ethereal gown, flowing over her as a starry shroud.

  Above her, the clouds split open, revealing the stars beyond.

  A collective gasp rang from below.

  Slowly, Ebonheim descended, her dress coalescing around her as her hair settled back into a silver waterfall and her eyes returned to their normal hue.

  [Your Divine Rank has increased from 'Lesser God - Zenith Stage' to 'Intermediate God - Dawn Stage']

  [Your Quintessence has reset to 23. Your next ascension to 'Intermediate God - Ascendant Stage' will require you to accumulate 256,000 Quintessence]

  [Your stats have increased by 10 points]

  [You have 32 Attribute Points to allocate]

  [Your Health increases by an additional 75% of your base Health]

  [Your Essence increases by an additional 75% of your base Essence]

  [You are now able to purchase Divine Abilities with the requisite requirement of Intermediate God - Dawn Stage]

  [All of your current Divine Abilities increase by one rank]

  [The Essence cost of Divine Abilities with the requisite requirement below Intermediate God - Dawn Stage is reduced by 50%]

  [You have access to all Divine Abilities within the Lesser God - Dawn Stage at a base rank of II]

  [You may choose one Divine Ability to specialize in. This ability will not cost Essence to use]

  [You are now able to manifest one Divine Avatar]

  [Divine Avatar: An independent fragment of your essence that can leave your divine domain without incuring penalty. To create an avatar, you must expend five thousand Quintessence. You may customize your avatar's appearance, stats, and personality once. Your avatar's power is equivalent to a Dawn Stage Lesser God. If your avatar perishes, you will suffer a 20% penalty to all stats for one year and cannot create another avatar during that time.]

  Her brow twitched as she struggled to maintain her serene expression. She had expected a decent boost in her overall power, but this seemed...quite substantial. How much more powerful are higher-ranked gods?

  And a divine avatar? Did that mean she could create a version of herself to do her errands? Or maybe explore the rest of the world in her stead?!

  She brushed aside the thought. No distractions!

  A profound quiet pervaded the crowd, as if a spell had momentarily swept away all sound. For several prolonged seconds, the crowd sat frozen.

  She gave them a wink.

  Abruptly, the people erupted into thunderous cheers and applause, throwing their hands up and chanting her name in booming voices. The ovation carried a tangible force, echoing through the entire town square.

  Evelyne screamed with both hands cupped around her mouth—and promptly passed out. Fortunately, Viviane and Dimitri were there to catch her.

  As the cheers slowly ebbed, Ebonheim touched her feet onto the floor.

  "Thank you, thank you," she said, voice carrying across the square. "There's nothing else I can say but thank you to all of you. My words and deeds could never possibly live up to what you all deserve."

  A murmur swept through the crowd.

  "Without your continued faith, I would have never been able to rise to where I am today. And for that, I will always strive to better serve you. The same will always hold true, no matter what happens to me."

  She cast her gaze over the crowd with a sweeping gesture. "Some of you have been with me since the beginning, and some have joined us along the way. I still count each and every one of you as my closest and most beloved people. Thank you."

  Then, Ebonheim bowed.

  Another thunderous round of cheers filled the air as Ebonheim raised herself again and gave a slight wave. "Thank you all! Now, go and enjoy the rest of the night! Go enjoy your fill of the feast!"

  And so, the celebrations continued.

  Engin and the rest of the elders in the council gathered around her throne as Ebonheim returned to her seat.

  "It is a surprise to see you ascend again so soon after your last," Engin said. "It has been six years since the last time, has it not?"

  Ebonheim blinked. "Is it that odd?"

  "Well," Roderick said, rubbing his beard. "I've only witnessed two deities ascending in the past, and they both waited several decades before committing to their next ascension. Personally, I think you're quite the overachiever. What does that make this now, your... third ascension, at a total span of seven years?"

  "Well, when you put it that way..." Ebonheim paused, thinking it over. "But it's not like I'm in a rush. It's just Quintessence from your faith, building up over time. When I've got enough, might as well get it done. As long as I don't spend it for whatever reason."

  Hilda clasped Ebonheim's hand, rubbing its back. "I never would have imagined witnessing you ascend twice in my lifespan, let alone three. Perhaps your third ascension will be my last."

  "What are you talking about?" Ebonheim asked with a bemused smile. "You're going to live through to my fifth or sixth ascension at the least, Hilda. You're still healthy and vigorous, no? And I bet you've got at least twenty years left in you, and maybe beyond!"

  She chortled. "You exaggerate, my dear." She squeezed Ebonheim's hand and said, "But thank you anyway."

  Bjorn and Thorsten approached her next. The former was the first to speak.

  "You should probably slow down a little and take things at a leisurely pace, aye? Else you'd make other gods jealous."

  "I'll think about it. A bit too late to back out this time." Ebonheim crossed her legs, tilting her head. "Though the waiting period between ascensions is only going to get longer and longer anyway. I don't have to think about it for now."

  "Aye. Suppose not, eh?" Bjorn said, grinning. "Let's leave ya to enjoy the festival now, goddess o' ours. Don't stress yourself too much."

  "No worries, Bjorn. Thank you both for watching over everyone. Enjoy yourselves now and have a drink with me later."

  Thorsten leaned close and nudged her shoulder. "Oi. Stand up for a moment, won't ya?"

  "Why?"

  "Just do it for me."

  She gave him a questioning stare but obliged. "What for—"

  Bjorn put a hand over her head, measuring himself against her, before withdrawing it.

  "Hah! She grew taller again. Just a tiny bit, mind. That's somethin'."

  Ebonheim stared, sighed, then laughed and shook her head.

  Season 3 End

  [Name] Ebonheim

  [Divine Type] Terrestrial God (Artificial)

  [Divine Rank] Intermediate God - Dawn Stage

  [Health] 1387/1387

  [Essence] 1450/1450

  [Stats] INT 45, PER 45, RES 55, STR 33, AGI 50, END 40, CHA 50, MAN 20, WIT 40

  [Combat Stats] Divine Attack: 50, Divine Defense: 47, Arcane Defense: 50, Physical Defense: 45, Melee Attack: 41, Ranged Attack: 47, Block: 47, Evasion: 47, Base Physical Crit Chance: 35%, Base Divine Crit Chance: 32%

  [Innate Abilities] Forest Stride; +150% Health; +150% Essence, +5% Crit Chance; Elemental Keystone absorbed; Manifestation (Rank IV); Demanifestation (Rank IV); Divine Sight (Rank IV); Domain Knowledge (Rank IV); Domain Administration (Rank IV)

  [Divine Abilities] Ailment Cleansing Pulse (Rank IV), Vines of the Bramble King (Rank V), Divine Cantrip, Element-Resisting Aura (Rank IV), Fecundity of Creation (Rank IV), Pest-Repelling Prana, Verdant Craftmanship (Rank IV), Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank MAX), Forest’s Call (Rank V), Tempest of the Grove (Rank V), Blazing Essence Bolt (Rank V), Arboreal Stride (Rank IV), Path of the Earthen Passage, Charm Animals (Rank IV), Self-Regeneration (Rank IV), Divine Aura (Rank III), ...

  [Skills] Athletics (Intermediate) +8, Awareness (Intermediate) +8, Craft: Bow (Intermediate) +8, Lore (Intermediate) Rank +8, Melee Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate) +8, Melee Proficiency: Dagger (Intermediate) +8, Ranged Proficiency: Bow (Expert) +12, Stealth (Novice) +4, Socialize (Intermediate) +8, Survival (Intermediate) +8, Investigation (Intermediate) +8, Bureaucracy (Intermediate) +8, Performance (Intermediate) +8, Presence (Intermediate) +8

  [Specialization] Enchanted Essence Bolt (Rank MAX)

  [Specialization] Elemental Admixture (Rank MAX)

  Zanafar