CH953

“Alright, and that’s us finished,” Ben said as he stepped out of the last church of the day, his work there complete. “No more awakenings to do, no more people to help, I’m officially free!”

“Considering you used your earlier freedom to try and invent the worst spells you could think of, I’m not sure that’s a good thing,” Thera said from the side, wondering where so much extra time was going to lead him in the months he had left, with Ben doing his best to ease her worries.

“It’s going to be fine. I’ll figure out ways to keep myself busy, and once I get a couple experimental results back, I’ll be able to progress with my projects in a way that will cause zero stress to anybody.”

“Mmh, nope, I don’t believe you.”

“Fine, with minimal stress to you or the gods.”

“More likely, but it still feels like you’re underestimating things.”

“But since we’re done here, I guess we’ll split up when we get back to a gate,” Amy said, with the town they were in a far enough distance from one that they’d need to teleport there. “Might be a while until we can see each other again, but since the three of us are technically expected to be at this all day, any chance you’d want to stop for a bite first?”

“Why, Amy, I do believe that Jake has been a bad influence on you,” Ben grinned.

“Ugh, you’re lucky nobody has any expectations for you. Even I’m getting sick of spending my last few months of life working and training and acting like we’re not probably going to die.”

“And pessimistic too, now you’re speaking my language. As for a meal, I’m down if Thera is, but if I could pull you for one other thing after, there’s one more favour I want to ask before we finish the day.”

“… Let’s hear it,” she told him, having her own negative suspicions after seeing the help he’d already asked of Jake and the bizarre and dangerous new spells that had left in his head.

“I already got Myriad to warn them we might be showing up if I could talk you guys into it, so we won’t be surprising them with the visit. Come with me to see one of the world’s mythic items.”

Reaching their destination and ensuring that the three with them were all given the necessary amulets, Ben and the rest arrived at the land of the sirens, getting to the church of their pantheon and meeting with the high priestess of Telenen who he and Thera had met in the past, Woszan.

“Ben, Thera, such a pleasure to see you both again,” the high priestess told them brightly. “Here to try your luck once more?”

“Ah, seems so. I’m not sure if your gods have mentioned some changes to my skills-”

“Not to worry, what I’d said last time hasn’t changed. The doors of our church will always be open to the apostle of Myriad, no matter how some of your skills might be named.”

“Okay, cool, and I do appreciate that, but I was actually referring to my mind skills. I’m a third tier for them, and not to sound conceited, but if I can’t currently solve this thing after doing a few more tests on it, I don’t think anyone will be able to.”

“Ah, forgive me. As embarrassing as it is to say, I suppose that one awakening had made a bit less impact than the others I’d heard coming from you. Congratulations, by the way. It’s my pleasure to be in the presence of a future god.”

“Consider the pleasure mine. If you’re not going to forget what I’ve done with the braces, then I’m not going to forget that you all aren’t reacting poorly to the news. With that said though, shall we go give it a look? I’m anticipating having to do a bit more experimentation first, but I’ll definitely be doing an attempt or two today.”

“Of course, we all have our hopes for some positive results. Please follow me… ah, I’ll confirm first though, do you mind an audience? It seems our gods have high expectations too, their various representatives have been gathered in the hopes of witnessing it be opened and it’s been moved to the main hall as a result but if you’d prefer, out of consideration, we can make it a more private affair.”

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“That’s what? Twelve people and maybe a few extra priests on top of that? That’s fine. So long as everyone gives us enough space to work then they can watch as much as they want. Now I just have to really hope I don’t disappoint.”

“Ha, if you can’t then they’ll understand. In that case, right this way.”