Power and wealth were two words to describe the god who stood across from Bane on the main street of Gren. Wrapped in a loose white robe that exposed one shoulder, his hair curled around the top of his head, and his beard fell to his upper chest. He shambled along with a bident in one hand, using it both as a cane and a weapon. Despite his aged appearance, an aura of power and strength radiated from him. Bane glanced down and saw the god was walking a three-headed beast—Cerberus. The creature snarled at Bane, prompting Pluto to speak.
"Stop it, Cerby." As if his word were law, the three-headed beast sat, all three heads staring motionlessly. "Sorry about that," Pluto said.
Bane quickly shook his head. "N-No, it's okay," he stammered, trying to process what was happening. Pluto, a god, was seeking him out. This could only mean trouble.
"Well, I won't waste either of our time. Do you remember rescuing a man named Eric?" Pluto asked, his voice deep and crisp. Bane recalled saving a young man in expensive armor a few days prior.
"Yes, I do." That's when it hit Bane: He was from Pluto's faction.
"Well, as you know, word spreads fast about things like that. They also said you defeated a floor boss all by yourself. When I heard, my interest was piqued. There hasn't been an adventurer like you in a while." Pluto trailed off as he sized up Bane, looking him up and down.
In his armor, Bane's toned physique was visible, and his height was impressive. He looked every bit the professional.
"I just came to say thank you—on behalf of myself and my faction—for helping Eric," Pluto said with a bow. Bane began to panic at the display, especially when even Cerberus lowered its heads.
"Of course. I believe everyone has a duty to do as I did," Bane replied, downplaying his actions. He desperately wanted Pluto to stop bowing. Glancing around, he noticed people staring at him with jealousy and anger. From shops, restaurants, and houses, the scene was on full display, and rumors were already circulating: Pluto, a god, bows to a mortal.
Finally, Pluto raised his head and extended his hand. "Well, it's been great to meet you. Thank you again for saving Eric. It would have been a thorn in my side if he had died." Bane slowly took his hand and tilted his head.
Gods weren't known for caring about mortal lives, so Pluto's concern for Eric puzzled him. "Why is that?" Bane asked. They shook hands firmly before dropping them back to their sides.
"Well, I took Eric in without knowing his full story. He comes from a wealthy family, and as soon as they learned their son and heir was under my care, they sent lawyers threatening me if he were to die." Pluto shook his head and chuckled. "So, I sent him with some of my best men to an easier floor, and still, he's useless." His annoyance was evident.
Everything began to make sense—the expensive armor, Eric's naivety. "I see," was all Bane could say.
"Yeah, but seriously, thank you. You saved me a lot of trouble. That boy is practically a ticking time bomb. The day he dies will be such a pain." Pluto's heartlessness surfaced, revealing he cared more about his own convenience than the life of one of his own.
"Well, I'll be on my way—" Pluto began, turning to leave. "Wait, actually. Two more questions. What's your full name?"
Bane paused and frowned slightly. "Being from the slums, I don't have a last name."
"I see. Then, last question: what faction are you a part of?" Bane tilted his head. Did he not read the guild updates? A god like him probably doesn't care about such trivial matters, he reasoned.
"I'm part of the Eir Faction."
"Ah… So, Eir has finally descended. I was going to tell you to watch your back, but if anything happens to you, Eir will turn the world inside out looking for you. She might even try to challenge the One on High before she stops." Pluto chuckled. Bane processed his words, a flood of questions forming in his mind.
"Alright, boy, let's go," Pluto said, gently tugging Cerberus's leash. Bane wanted to call out but sensed Pluto wouldn't turn back. What did he mean? Does Eir really care about me that much? And what was he warning me about?
A whirlwind of questions raced through Bane's mind. His life was moving at a million miles per second, and all he wanted was to slow down. He worried that in a month, his vision would be filled with nothing but icons.
He shook his head and took a deep breath. "What a weird day," he muttered, sensing a change coming in his life. He was being thrust into the public spotlight in Gren. Hundreds, if not thousands, knew his name, and now individual gods were seeking him out.
Admittedly, it made him nervous about what was to come. But he would face it head-on. Guess I'll go back and wait for Eir, he thought. He considered venturing into the dungeon but decided to let things cool down at the guild for a day.
Back at the faction building, Bane didn't have to wait long for Eir's return. He wore comfortable clothes and chatted with her about the repairs.
"He said he'd be here sometime over the next few days," Eir said. Bane was slightly annoyed by the remodeler's vague answer but shrugged it off.
Changing the subject, Bane asked, "What do you like to read, Eir?"
"Uh… what?" Eir seemed reluctant to answer. Bane knew she had heard him but noticed her backing away slightly toward a book lying on her chair.
"I'm looking to get into reading, so I was wondering what you usually read," he explained.
"O-Oh… I see. Well, I just like the usual…" she stammered, with long pauses between her words.
"Could I see that one? Maybe I'll like it," Bane asked, referring to the book she now held behind her back.
"N-No, I don't think you'd like this book," she reasoned, trying to steer him away from the topic.
"Come on, I don't even know what there is to like or dislike about books. Let me see it," Bane pressed, moving closer with his hand out.
"N-No…" Eir stammered, trying to retreat. But she was too slow. With haste, Bane backed her into a corner.
"Just let me see," he said, his voice surprisingly calm for the situation. He reached behind her back. With no other option, Eir did the only thing she could.
"No!" she shouted, swinging her fist and punching Bane square in the face. His senses screamed danger, but he noticed the punch a fraction too late. Bane staggered back, covering his nose.
Did I really deserve that? Bane's passive healing kicked in, and the pain dissipated as he uncovered his face.
"What are you reading?" Eir's overreaction only made Bane more curious about what she was hiding.
Eir covered her mouth, horrified that she had hurt her only member. "I-I'm sorry," she said. Before Bane could reassure her, Eir dropped the book on the floor.
"Just read it. I hate you!" she cried, running out of the room in tears.
"What?" Bane muttered. Today was just getting weirder and weirder. He walked over to the book and picked it up carefully. He checked the front, back, and spine but found no title. Turning to the first pages, Bane began to understand why Eir wanted to keep it hidden:
Synopsis:
A hot and spicy story follows the life of a goddess who descends onto Gren with the hopes of riches and meeting her lover. At first, their journey is perilous as they come to terms with living together. Can they overcome the odds and be together as a human and goddess couple?
Bane gently shut the book and set it on the chair.
"See!" Eir shouted, peeking in through the door. "That's why I didn't want you looking!"
Bane threw up his hands. "What's the big deal? You shouldn't let yourself be consumed by what others think. Read what you want, and don't let other people influence you," he said.
Eir huffed. "I don't care what anyone thinks… only you," she muttered.
"What? I didn't catch that last part."
"Nothing!" she shouted, causing Bane to sigh. She has such an attitude all of a sudden, he thought. He needed to change the subject—fast.
"Anyway, where do you go to get your books?" Bane asked, trying to calm the situation and help her relax.
She was still pouting in the doorway but eventually replied, "Do you want to go to the library? That's where I get all of mine."
Bane thought for a moment and nodded. "Sure." And so the two of them made their way to the Gren Public Library, mostly in silence as Eir was still upset with Banes forcefulness.