The dawn broke in bleary hues as Cedric, Lynne, and Kerran loaded their small carriage. Whisperfall's villagers stood at the gates, offering supplies, fresh horses, and well-wishes. Their banners—blank paper sigils meant to hide tracks—fluttered in the morning breeze.
> SYSTEM NOTICE
Level: 6 XP: 267/300
Next Unlock: "Council Summons" at Level 7
Cedric mounted his steed, the Weaver's Heart secured at his belt, and Lynne settled beside him, Memory Core cradled in her arms. Kerran rode behind, face grim but resolute.
"Are you certain this will work?" the former lieutenant asked quietly.
Cedric nodded. "With your testimony and the Memory Core's proof, the High Cardinal can't deny us a council."
Lynne added, "Once we have the Church's own records, we can expose the cycle to every corner of the realm."
They set off along the cracked road leading east, toward Emberspire Reach and, beyond it, the capital of Radiant Flame— Lumengard.
---
The Journey
For three days they rode, passing burnt-out watchtowers and villages still recovering from the marsh's taint. Each night, they camped under warded sanctums Lynne had learned to erect—barriers against Church scrying and predatory spirits alike.
Along the way, they gathered allies: a former inquisitor who'd lost faith, a herbalist exiled for treating "heretics," and a trio of deserters from the Church Guard disgusted by the false resurrection. Each added their skills and voices to the cause.
With every new companion, Cedric accrued XP—not from combat, but from Diplomatic Actions and Alliance Building:
Inquisitor's Oath Shared → XP +25
Herbalist's Trust Earned → XP +15
Deserter Trio Pledged → XP +30
> Current XP: 337/300
LEVEL UP! Level 7
+3 Skill Points
New Unlock: Council Summons Function
Cedric felt the weight of the Crown-bearing mantle shift. He accessed the new function:
> COUNCIL SUMMONS
Effect: Issue a Magical Summons Enforced by the Seal's Authority
Requirements: Weaver's Heart & Memory Core
He exhaled. "It's time."
---
Approach to Lumengard
Lumengard's white spires emerged above the horizon like sunlit sentinels. At its gates, Church banners snapped in the wind, and mounted guards tested lances against unseen foes. A messenger at the gate peered through a letter sealed with the same sigil Kerran had scraped from his armor.
> Council Summons Detected
Issuing Authority: Cedric of Auriell, Demon Lord System
The gate guards hesitated, then bowed.
Inside the city, crowds parted as they rode the broad marble avenues. Whispers followed: "The undead champion returns." "The demon with the Church's own summons."
At the Temple of Radiant Judgment, Crimson steps led to a grand doors carved with scenes of conquest and salvation. Cedric dismounted and, with Lynne and Kerran flanking him, strode up the steps. His skill points waited to be assigned, but now was no time for training.
The doors opened, and they entered the Great Hall—a vast chamber of vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows depicting holy victories. At the far end sat High Cardinal Velgrith and the remaining Six of the Seven, their expressions a mix of shock and fury.
Velgrith rose, voice echoing. "Cedric of Auriell. You dare summon us?"
Cedric met his gaze. "By the authority of the Seal I bear and the truths I hold. We convene a council to review proof of the Church's misuse of the Demon Lord System."
Gasps rippled through the assembly. Elric, First of the Seven, stood and drew his sword—but paused when Lynne placed the Memory Core before Velgrith.
> Council Summons Active
Binding: All present must hear testimony
Velgrith's hand trembled as he took up the Core. The stained glass behind him flared with uncanny light, aligning with the Seal's authority.
"All who break this summons—" Velgrith began, but his words faltered.
"Listen," Cedric said softly. He gestured to Kerran. "Lieutenant Kerran Almas."
From the shadows, Kerran stepped forward. "I was forced into resurrection, turned against my will. I swear on my life: the Church orchestrates this cycle for power, not for salvation."
He unveiled the shredded Church sigil from his armor. The hall fell silent.
Cedric advanced. "And this core"—he held up the Memory Core—"records the system's truth. Origins predating your doctrine. A prison for the Infinite Maw, now broken by your manipulations."
The members of the council exchanged glances. Elric tightened his grip on his sword, but even he could not speak against the Seal's power.
Silence reigned as the fate of the Church—and the world—hung in the balance.