Chapter Ashborn 394: Goddess of Victory

“We were not expecting you,” Greesha said as she led Vir through Samar Patag’s city streets. She kept throwing glances at Ashani, who tagged behind Vir in her demoness form, though she kept her questions to herself for now.@@novelbin@@

Which was good, because Vir did not want to lie to Greesha. Nor did he have any reason to. She wasn’t a Raja to impress, but rather a trusted confidante. One whose respect he’d already earned, just like the urchins and rebel Laborer Calling demons they were about to meet.

Rather, he’d kept quiet about Ashani’s identity because he wanted to forestall the inevitable meltdown Greesha and the others were bound to have until after they’d hidden away in a secure location, away from prying eyes and ears. As for Ekat’Ma, she followed in the shadows, undetected.

“I apologize for not sending word,” Vir said. “I did not know when I would arrive, and I think you understand my desire for caution.”

“Of course,” Greesha said, turning back to throw him a warm, motherly smile. “I am glad you are here. We all are.”

“Don’t worry. From now on, I’ll be visiting frequently. I’ll never be more than a few steps away.”

“I must admit, that is a relief. Tensions have been running high. Asuman has done all he can to keep the peace, but the rebels are growing restless. There have been more conflicts lately. I fear we’re bound for another Gatiman episode, should nothing be done.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Vir said, thinking that his timing may have been fortuitous. The last thing he needed was for an insurrection to break out before he was ready. Any violence at this juncture would lead not only to the gruesome deaths of his people, but would also heighten Chitran security, making any further assaults more difficult.

Luckily, his demonstration later would accomplish multiple objectives. All that remained to be seen was whether the rebels would lie low, or if their fervor would only be amplified with the knowledge of the upcoming assault.

Vir followed Greesha into a shack similar to dozens like it in the slums.

Except this shack was a little different. Its floor had been excavated over the past weeks, leading down into a rough-cut tunnel, opened with hand tools and manual labor. The tunnel was short—merely a couple dozen paces, ending at a corner. Light-emitting tablets had been placed like sconces on the wall, casting an amber hue upon the tunnel.

Turning the corner, Vir found a smallish chamber barely tall enough to allow him to stand. The chamber was far better lit, with many more sconces, making for a warm, welcoming environment despite its subterranean nature.

“I have to admit, I’m impressed,” Vir said. “How many have you managed to build?”

“Two others, and a handful more are in progress,” Greesha said. “While you didn’t specify a number or a timeline, I’ve lived long enough to know that the deadline for projects like these is always yesterday. I’ve had the able-bodied working ‘round the clock. The children help where they can, moving rubble out one stone at a time.”

“Excellent,” Vir said. “This will do nicely.”

“How, exactly?” Greesha asked. “These rooms lead nowhere, and if you want us to build an interconnected network, we’ll need a small army of workers.”

“You won’t need to,” Vir said. “You’ve done well. I’ll have my demons take over from here. As for the plan… Well, let’s wait until everyone else has assembled, shall we?”

Vir waited patiently as his demons shambled in, nodding respectfully to the demons who arrived in one’ and two’s. He could tell by the furtive looks, however, that something had changed. Many failed to nod back, and several even regarded him with fear. Some didn’t dare look away.

Of course they were. Not even an isolated Chitran stronghold could contain the spread of gossip, and while the Demon Realm lacked the Communication Orbs of the Human Realm, enough time had passed for news of the tournament to make its way even here.

Nonetheless, Vir continued to recognize each demon who arrived. For meetings such as these were dangerous, and thus highly irregular. The Gargans simply could not afford a leak. Greesha had done well in that regard, leveraging her vast experience to organize randomized dig schedules that would not be noticed.

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Even if the tunnel was compromised, nobody would be able to say what it was for. Vir had been sure not to inform even Greesha of his true aim. That way, everyone would have plausible deniability. Vir hoped it would keep them safe if interrogated.

Tonight, however, everyone would learn the truth.

“Greetings, all,” Vir said, his low voice carrying in the small space. The small chamber was packed with over two dozen adults and as many urchins. The moment he spoke, the gossip and the furtive looks in his direction ceased. The chamber fell deathly silent, and in an instant, he had everyone’s undivided attention.

“I bring news,” Vir said. “Several pieces of news, in fact, but first, allow me to clarify some things. You all know me as Vaak, the demon who defended this city against the Ash Beast horde some time ago. Let me say this now—I am the same person you once knew. Titles aside, I toil to protect this city and its people. And… Yes. I am the Akh Nara. My true name is Sarvaak, and I bested Cirayus the Ravager at the Tournament of Champions.”

Vir had to raise his voice toward the end to be heard, as the chamber instantly broke out in heated whispers.

Rather than forcing their quiet, Vir allowed the conversations to play out. Everything from ‘It’s true!’ to ‘This is our chance!’ to ‘Thank the gods he’s alive’. There were, perhaps unsurprisingly, precious few naysayers amongst the crowd, and for that, Vir felt pride bloom in his chest.

“They’ve witnessed your actions,” Greesha said softly. How the ancient woman seemed to know his every thought, Vir would never know. “Who you are will always be more important than what people call you.”

“I couldn’t ask for better brothers and sisters,” Vir said. He hadn’t intended his words to be heard, but they hushed the crowd, nevertheless. “I mean that,” he continued, raising his voice. “Each and every one of you is precious to me. Every life here is one I will fight to protect in our upcoming rebellion. And oh, yes, rebel we will. Of this I assure you!”

Vir pumped his fist, but immediately realized his mistake.

The chamber broke out into cheers.

Greesha raised her hands and barked a single curse. It said something about her authority that the room hushed instantly.

“Fools! Do you want our little gathering to be discovered? What’s wrong with you?”

Her admonishment was as much for Vir as it was for everyone, and so Vir hung his head.

“My mistake,” he admitted. “I yearn for the day when we will not have to congregate in secret, but that day has not yet arrived. Until then, we must all act with an abundance of prudence and caution.”

“Can you tell us why you’ve had us build these tunnels?” someone asked.

“I could, but it would be better to show you. Vir said, turning to look at Ashani. “If you wouldn’t mind. Right next to the back wall would be perfect.”

“Of course. Please stand back, everyone,” Ashani announced. “What I am about to do is not dangerous. Do not be alarmed.”

The crowd shuffled back a pace or two, despite already being bunched up. The children among them clung to the adults, eyes wide with expectation. Vir searched for Ekta and Hiya, hoping to spot them among the attendees, but was let down. Either they were farther back in the crowd, or hadn’t attended, but he didn’t see either. Nor did he spot Janani, which he found odd.

The demons’ reaction was about as Vir had expected, with shocked gasps, and even a few yelps of terror, when Ashani formed the Ash Tear out of thin air. As always, it soon stabilized into an oval Gate. Cool air drifted through the opening, and the demons that peeked through saw an empty village on the other end, its buildings dyed red from the eternal sunset.

At this point, the demons who weren’t on their knees, sobbing, were staring open-mouthed at the stable Gate.

“I had heard the rumors,” Greesha whispered under her breath. “But never once had I thought to believe them.”

Tears fell silently from her cheeks as she stood transfixed.

“Who are you?” she asked, suddenly turning to Ashani.

“If I said ‘a friend’, would that satisfy you?” Vir asked with a sad smile.

“We must know,” Greesha said. “We have a right to know.”

“Yes,” Vir replied, slumping his shoulders. “Yes, you do.”

Vir had happily concealed the truth from Sagun’Ra. These demons, though? He refused to hide Ashani’s true nature from them. Let them know. And let them take solace that divinity was on their side. They certainly could use the morale.

Of course, it wasn’t just them who would know. Vir knew Ekat’Ma watched from the shadows. No doubt she lurked somewhere, partially buried, experiencing time at a slower rate.

“Ashani? If you’re comfortable…”

“I am,” Ashani said. “It would be my honor to aid these souls in whatever way I can.”

“What do you mean?” Greesha asked, before turning to Vir. “What does she mean?”

Her question was answered when Ashani’s black demon armor melted away, turning brilliantly white, followed by her long, perfect hair. Ashani’s red skin faded into her milky cream visage, and her azure eyes seemed to look directly into people's souls. Her entire body emanated a faint glow.

Ashani didn’t need to say what she was. Everyone in that room understood it down to their core, resonating in their souls like a golden bell.

Those who were already kneeling prostrated, and those who stood knelt. The entire chamber fell into a hushed rapture.

“A goddess?” Greesha whispered from her knees, her hands pressed together in prayer. “Has Yuma blessed us?”

“Allow me to make one thing clear,” Ashani said, her melodic voice ringing clear. “I am not like you. It is true. For I am not a being of flesh and blood.”

Greesha’s eyes widened even further. “Then…!”

“No. I am not Yuma. Understand one thing. Those you worship are all long dead. I am no goddess. Nor am I technically even alive.”

Greesha’s brow furrowed. “She speaks in riddles...”

Vir cleared his throat. “Ashani is an Automaton Guardian. Not dissimilar to those one might find in the Deep Ash.”

“That means…”

“Yes,” Vir confirmed exhaustedly. “Ashani is a creation of the ones we call gods. The Prime Imperium. She is a being from the Age of Gods. The last survivor of their long-dead people.”

Vir knew, even as he said the words, that they fell on deaf ears. It was always like this whenever anyone learned of Ashani’s true nature. Yet, after witnessing such a miraculous feat, could he blame them?

The room hushed once more… And then they began to chant.

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