Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

1718 Kayara's Invitation

[ Kayara holds feelings of anger towards you. You have earned 20 Origin Force Points ]

Eren was taken aback by the substantial number of Origin Force Points he acquired from Kayara's directed anger.

It dawned on him that her ire extended beyond mere disappointment over his abandoned attempts at romantic persuasion.

Her frustration wasn't triggered by his departure without notice, nor by his solo resolution of the den, reaping all the rewards for himself. The accumulation of 20 Origin Force Points hinted at a more profound reason for her resentment.

In the preceding week, Eren had unraveled the function tied to his divinity. This unique demi-god attribute enabled him to amass Origin Force Points from individuals harboring emotions linked to the seven sins in their hearts. Emotions they direct at him.

Even after figuring out how the new function worked, Eren decided to play it safe and didn't do anything. He had temporarily discarded the idea of artificially cultivating emotions in someone's heart before harvesting them.

Eren wanted to contact Goddess Menaka once again before he made use of the function to its fullest. He wanted to use this function in a way that no god or demi-god had ever used before.

Eren was sure that Goddess Menaka would agree to his proposal after seeing the potential profits she could earn from it. As fast as he understood about her, the goddess was a pure capitalist with her divinity rooted in the act of business. She was bound by her very own divinity to accept his proposal.

He just needed to make sure that he pitched the proposal the right way. He would be able to keep himself safe while exposing himself to the rest of the world as the true inheritor of the Elder Ichor bloodline if everything went according to his way.

His enemies wouldn't be able to touch him even when he actively tried to spread his faith in Labh Salem. Of course, Eren had bigger plans in place that would allow him to exceed the boundaries of the world as well. With the right steps, he could also make use of his home world, the world which was traditionally labeled as the Land of the Faithless.

But that would come after he made sure that his Origin Force Points harvesting went smoothly in his current world.

***

'Well, Reen was right. Something's up. This woman is smiling at me with all her pent-up anger in her mind. Gotta say she is a brilliant actor, as good as me even.

I probably wouldn't have noticed her state if it wasn't for this prompt,' Eren thought to himself as he kept on chatting with Kayara. The two started conversing casually as the carriage kept on moving.

Eren was not sure why Kayara was so angry at him. He had not done anything to upset her. Even the fact that he had kept her away from the demonic den raid was a logic-driven decision based on their circumstances of that time. He was sure that Kayara wasn't stupid to not see the potential repercussions if he had gotten her onboard the raid.

Still, Eren didn't let Kayara know that he was aware of her state. He chatted with her normally, enabling her to keep on the act. In any case, the seamless harvesting of the Origin Force Points was always a welcome scenario for him.

***

Early evening painted the sky with shades of light golden hues.

The caravan chose to rest in the quaint town of Shemar instead of hasting the journey ahead. Traveling at night was not a wise choice no matter which world it was.

Eren liked the rest spot the caravan had chosen for itself. He couldn't help admiring the town's subtle charm as he talked with a metaphorical time-bomb he had welcomed aboard his carriage.

Nestled between rolling hills and surrounded by a lush forest, Shemar exuded an inviting charm that welcomed weary travelers.

The town's entrance was marked by a sturdy wooden gate adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of mythical creatures and ancient heroes. Yellow banners, embroidered with symbols of a major faith followed by the townsfolk, fluttered in the gentle breeze.

As the caravan ventured deeper into Shemar, Eren and the rest found themselves traversing cobbled streets lined with shops and stalls. Colorful awnings stretched overhead, providing shade and a vibrant contrast to the stone facades of the buildings. The architecture spoke of a blend of magical elegance and mortal practicality, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of people of different backgrounds.

The market square bustled with activity. Merchants peddled items integrated with some minor Skills, exotic spices, handcrafted jewelry, and magical trinkets. A fountain adorned with sculptures of witches, warlocks, Demon Slayers, and mythical creatures stood at the center, offering a refreshing respite for both locals and visitors alike.

Shemar's inn, known as the Celestial Haven, beckoned with its warm lights and welcoming ambiance. The exterior boasted ivy-covered walls, and the entrance was flanked by topiaries shaped like fantastical creatures.

Inside, the common room featured a roaring fireplace, plush seating, and a lively atmosphere created by the laughter and chatter of patrons. Eren and Kayara both kept each other company as they mingled with their fellow travelers, discussing the plans for the journey up ahead.

The town's enchanting garden, located at the heart of Shemar, served as a serene retreat. Illuminated by mystical blue lanterns, the garden boasted a mesmerizing array of flowers, herbs, and ancient trees. A gazebo at the center provided a perfect spot for Tantra practice or quiet contemplation.

Shemar's residents greeted the caravan with genuine hospitality. The town's leaders, a council of elders from different races, extended their welcome and offered assistance if needed.

As Eren's caravan settled in Shemar for the night, the town's magical charm embraced them, promising a peaceful respite before the journey continued.

Eren inquired, "Any plans for the night?" as he and Kayara, finding themselves alone in the late hours, engaged in conversation. Their drinks, a local brew best savored slowly, were already halfway consumed.

A playful look in her eyes, Kayara responded, "well… I wanna get a good night's sleep," she paused for a bit before adding further. "Unless, of course, you're thinking of joining me in my room."