God System: Growing My Cult Across the Multiverse-Chapter 14: A Lesson To Teach (2)

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One nuisance gone, one more to go.

Having dealt with the werewolves trying to eat Sydell's remains, Zayne took a deep breath and closed his eyes, activating his divine sight. He could still use it, even in his descent, although it wasn't nearly as good as when watching from above. There were simply too many obstacles all around, and while he could see through them, it made searching for a single person quite an arduous task.

Not to mention, he couldn't use both his human and divine senses at the same time, leaving his body temporarily defenseless. And while he couldn't exactly 'die', suffering any injuries would result in Zayne having to waste more points...

His gaze swept through the forest, taking note of all the villagers and monsters, until he located his second target.

Zayne clicked his tongue, opening his eyes.

He was too late. Although he didn't take that long to deal with Sydell, Zozek seemed to have good luck today. He had already been found by the group of hunters.

Well, it didn't matter. Zayne would just have to create another opportunity to deal with him later.

With his plans already thwarted, Zayne moved on to fulfill his role of a good prophet instead, helping rescue all of the remaining hunters scattered through the forest, before joining back with the group, and returning to the village together, picking up the corpses along the way.

There weren't really many people waiting for their return - although in a way, it was a big event, attacking the monster den with a prophet blessed by god, the villagers still had other things to deal with - such as cleaning and treat the werewolf corpses. There were still plenty left out in the field in front of the gate, the stench of blood hanging heavily in the air.

Once the news of their return spread out though, especially the fact that they suffered casualties, the villagers quickly started gathering by the gate, looking for their friends and relatives.

"Ezed!"

"My son!"

"Greth!"

"Father!"

Heartbreaking cries filled the square. Although there weren't many casualties, all things considered, to the people who knew the dead hunters, it didn't matter. Losing one's loved ones was always painful.

Did Zayne ever feel the same way? Maybe. He used to have family and friends, after all.

However, it's been so long, that he didn't even remember their names or faces anymore.

"My deepest apologies," he said, stepping forward. "I've tried my best to help... Unfortunately, I couldn't save them all."

"Yer a prophet, why didn't de god help ya?" A woman called out.

Zayne glanced at her, before looking down on the corpse she was practically lying on.

He barely held back a scoff.

Like mother, like son. Of course as soon as one nuisance was gone, another had to appear...

But he would let it slide this time, as long as she wouldn't take it too far. Otherwise, at this rate, he'd have to exterminate the whole village eventually.

"God Zayne did help me. He showed me the way to all the faithful believers... However, no matter how benevolent the god is, he can only protect those who worship him well," he calmly explained. "As to those who don't... Or those who insult him... Naturally, they might suffer the consequences."

"...My son was a believer."

Zayne let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. "So I thought as well, but... Perhaps his heart wasn't truly in the right place. I'm just a prophet, so I can't really tell, but the god sees all, knows all."

Sydell's mother didn't argue anymore. Whether she was convinced, or just didn't want to come off as a non-believer, Zayne didn't know. Or care. He was far more interested in observing someone else's reactions, casting furtive glances to the side.

It was impossible to satisfy everyone anyway, so he'd much rather just focus on satisfying himself. As for how he planned to do it...

There was a reason why Zayne mentioned insulting god a moment ago. He wanted to make his second target anxious, so that he would repent. Not that repenting could save him anymore, but he could at least earn Zayne some points with his prayers before meeting his inevitable demise. Make himself useful for a change.

However, Zozek was either exceedingly dense, or had forgotten his own words spoken just the night before, because the realization that the prophet's words might have anything to do with him didn't seem to hit him, at least not yet. He was just looking at the mangled, bloody corpses with a guilty expression on his face. After all, he was one of the first who ran away... If he hadn't given such a bad example, perhaps more people would have stayed with the group, and therefore survived?

It was only a few hours later that he finally seemed to recall the night's events, and discreetly approached Zayne.

"Um, Sir Prophet. If one said de wrong thing, and made de god angry, den wha should one do?" he asked in a hushed whisper, glancing around to make sure that there was no one to witness the exchange. Although a good few hunters had already heard his blunder, he didn't want the news to spread, not now that the 'prophet' had already proved himself.

And Zayne was glad for that. He didn't exactly want the villagers to see Zozek speak with him directly not long before his death. It could negatively affect his image, if he failed to save another person that had sought his help.

So, he just put on a serious expression, and answered curtly, "Then you'd better pray. And bring god Zayne offerings. As much as you can."

"Thank ya, Sir Prophet!" Zozek bowed deeply a few times, before darting away. Hopefully home, to prepare the offerings.

Zayne spent the evening in the tavern, chatting and drinking with the villagers. It was only late at night when he returned to Sydell's house. The house that the young man inherited after his grandparents, where he lived alone, hoping that Priska would eventually move in, becoming his wife...

But it was all empty now that he was dead and gone, all left for Zayne's to use. Since he was already staying there before - pretty much forced to do so - no one was questioning him continuing to sleep there for the rest of his stay in the village.

Which was very convenient. Since he was now living alone, at least it was unlikely that anyone would barge in in the middle of the night, when Zayne was gone.