Chapter 501 - Angel of Mercy (Patreon)

This is the post for December 13th. This is a classing up chapter, but the colors are minimal.

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“I think I’m going to need a minute, a chair, and an explanation.” I said to Librarian, sitting down heavily on the balcony.

Within the pure magic that was the world of my soul, with the manipulations Librarian could pull off, the deep, comfortable chair appeared before I could hit the ground, cradling me in its soft embrace. Librarian’s clothes swirled around her, and she took on the image of a strict [Schoolteacher], garbed in the purple robes from the School of Sorcery and Spellcraft.

“It all boils down to a fairly simple explanation.” As Librarian spoke, the pile of letters got bigger, a fat envelope added to the bottom of the pile, and a half-dozen postcards sprinkling down on top. No matter how many letters were added, the pile mysteriously was able to stay balanced on the table. Not even the faux-wind blowing around my wizard’s tower could grab them and make them fly away.

“As we know, hitting the level cap grants divinity.” She said, and I nodded along.

“Basically all the gods are ascended former ‘mortals’ of Pallos.” I agreed, using the mortal term like divinity, not in terms of Immortality-mortal. I was willing to bet large sums of money that most gods had either been born Immortal, or had seized it on their journey.

“Right. Now, we’ve managed to hit enough accomplishments, do enough things, to be offered a sort of… early exit, for lack of a better word. We’ve handled angels and been near gods, we’ve granted blessings and been a venerated figure. No class description for this one, since it’s not a class, it’s minor ascension. We’re not at the cap though, we can’t become a goddess. We can become an [Angel of Mercy], and ascend to a smaller level, so to speak. The letters,” Librarian gestured to the pile that was slowing down its growth rate. “Are offers from various gods and goddesses for us to join their domain. I’d like to imagine we’re getting an unusually high volume of offers, but eh, for all I know everyone with angelic offerings gets this much attention. I will say, I don’t have knowledge of what’s inside the letters, but I can easily know who sent what.”

I nodded and refocused on the pile.

“Is there a reason we haven’t gotten this before? Like when I classed up my third class?”

“Yes. We didn’t qualify then. No qualifications to become an angel, no offers to join a god. Independent angels do technically exist, but there’s a reason virtually all angels are with a god or goddess. Frankly, I think there’s only a few goddesses that we’d be interested in. Want me to filter the letters? Just for the big names we’re interested in? I doubt we’re terribly interested in a tier three god we’ve never heard of.”

I stared at the pile, thinking.

Did I want to read a dozen different offers from gods for a class that I might or might not take? When she said there were only a few interesting ones, I believed her.

Then again, how often would I get a chance to read divine words? I wasn’t as obsessed with reading every book in my library - the stories existed in the outside world now - but letters, addressed to me, from the gods?

“Okay. I’ll read the really interesting ones to start with, loop back to the classes, figure out which one I want to take, then come back and read letters until I get bored with them. How often do we get personalized letters from a god? They’ve never written to me before.” I said. “Is there a description for the class, and do I take it like normal?”

Librarian shook her head.

“No to both. There’s no description, it’s becoming an angel. It does mention what Aspects we’d get. The angelic powers. Heal, Purify, and Know. We’d basically be divinely powered to run all three Aspects. Similarly, you take it by stepping off the balcony, a literal leap of faith. You grow your wings, get your halo, and ascend up into the sky.”

I hesitated. If nothing else, the way of getting the class was pretty cool.

“Let’s see the letters. Which ones are the interesting ones?” I asked. Librarian waved her hand - pure theatrics - and five letters were left, including the extra-thick one. I opened the one from Selene and Lunaris first, having a close connection to them thanks to Iona.

Hey Elaine!

We know you’re super busy and overwhelmed with options, so we’ll keep it short. Iona’s going to become one of our angels someday. We all know this for a fact. Join us, and be able to be with your lover eternally!

We can also arrange things to let you stick around the mortal realms for most of Iona’s lifespan as well, and if you want more, we can talk about it!

Warmly,

Selene and Lunaris, Twin Goddesses of the Sacred Moons

PS: Yes, she’s waiting for you right now!

It was only the first letter, but it was a strong contender right out the gates. Eternity with Iona sounded pretty good. I doubted too many of the other gods could offer something nearly as nice.

The second letter made my blood freeze at the name.

Aion, Goddess of Life.

One of THE Big Five. The Goddess of Life herself was extending me an offer.

To Elaine, the Dawn Sentinel, creator of the Medical Manuscripts and Mother of Modern Medicine;

I am thoroughly impressed with your work and efforts to preserve life in all its forms. You hold ideals close to mine, and I believe we are of similar mindsets.

Life must be preserved above all.

Yet, we also acknowledge the circle of life.

Few mortals in all of history can claim a small fraction of the number of lives you have indirectly saved, and you have a notable number of lives directly preserved by your actions. You match my domain perfectly, and would count myself fortunate to have you as a member of my cohort, fighting against the boundless realms and pantheons that exist outside of Pallos.

Come. Join me. Help me fight against the encroaching darkness that threatens all life on Pallos.

Aion, Goddess of Life.

My blood pressure - not that I really had it here - steadily dropped as I read the letter, my eyes going wide as I stared at Librarian. I would’ve fallen over if I wasn’t already comfortably seated.

“What?” I whispered, slowly regaining my sanity and strength. “What is this?”

Librarian paled as she read over my shoulder.

“Something I don’t know anything about.” She said. “I know what you know, and how to guide you through the class up. I’ve got no knowledge about boundless realms and other pantheons.”

I shuddered.

“If anyone knows, Night and Arachne do.” I said. “If we don’t take her offer, we must talk with them.”

Librarian nodded in furious agreement. It completely overshadowed any small potato bounty nonsense. An idea sparked.

“Wait. Iona could also ask Selene and Lunaris. They’re pretty major goddesses, they should know something.”

Librarian nodded in agreement.

“Next letter, or classes?” She asked. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for additional bombshells, but I wasn’t sure if anyone could top Aion’s. She was indisputably one of the biggest, baddest goddesses in existence. She had nobody stronger than her, just a few peers.

“Next letter.”

The title was nearly as grand, but the letter was more like a postcard.

Papilion, God/dess of Change.

I remembered Papilion vividly. How could I not? Their touch had started my entire adventure. With no small degree of trepidation, I read his letter, his offer.

Nevermind.

I changed my mind.

Papilion.

I stared at the letter, then at Librarian, who had an equally befuddled look on her face.

“What the fuck?” I asked, snapping her out of her trance.

“I have no idea, but let’s not take that… is it even still an offer?” She asked.

We moved onto the next letter, ditching Papilion’s letter.

Lumornor, God of Beastkin.

Lumornor, Lumornor… [Astral Archives] didn’t function here. Where had I heard that name before?

I opened the letter and felt like an idiot. RIGHT. I knew that name! I knew that name twice over.

Elaine,

I’ve only recently become aware of your renewed presence and activity on Pallos. I must give you credit for my ascension. My friend, Aegion, gifted me what I understand to be an original copy of your Medical Manuscripts, and the ideas and insights inside saved me centuries, if not more, of experimentation and learning.

While a little outside of your primary domain and area of interest, I have been proud to learn that you ended up briefly taking up my art of biomancy, using it to improve yourself and others.

Come join! I’m willing to provide almost anything you’d like or want.

Lumornor.

Well, that confirmed quite a few things, and gave me a million more questions. Questions I suspected I’d only know the answer to by accepting an offer. I was curious, but not that curious.

I was also a little suspicious. Only Aion’s letter so far had mentioned encroaching darkness. Were the other gods in the know? Was there some trick? Was I being recruited into a divine army to battle those I’d only find out about later?

Or were there divine tiers? Was Aion one of the only ones fighting? Was I being offered a comfortable ‘home’ berth while others fought? So many questions, and the communication was one-way.

Also, maybe I should pray to Lumornor, and see if he could let me know what had happened to Aegion, and the rest of the elves I’d traveled with. Normally, I could assume they were all dead, but they were Immortal elves. A small measure of closure and confirmation would be nice.

Oof, this offering was harsh. I grabbed the last one Librarian thought I might be interested in. The gigantic package.

Ciriel, Goddess of Healing

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Congratulations on the classup! I know you’ve got thousands of options, and even more letters waiting for you. I even heard a rumor that Aion was making you an offer! Wow!

I’m well acquainted with your legendary work, as might be clear from my title and domain. It’s truly tragic that the fae interfered with you, and you were unable to claim the title and domain of healing yourself. When I discovered you were still alive, and hadn’t died, I felt shame at taking the domain. Not that I can give it up or anything. It’s why I’d like to extend to you an offer to join me as one of my angels. I can think of no other mortal more worthy of the opportunity.

I must make it clear that it was your work that led me down the path I’ve taken, and led me to ascending into the heavens in the first place. I won’t bore you right now with my full story. I do want to gush! The insights you crafted on the art of healing, the methods you developed for curing ailments, the rational and systematic approach to it all are just astonishing! That, and the PHILOSOPHY at the heart of it all! The marriage of knowledge and heart! Simply brilliant!

As I watch over my domain, I can’t help but think of you, and…

The letter was fucking long. No wonder it had taken so long for Ciriel to add it to the pile!

It was basically fanmail.

From a goddess.

The idea made my head spin, and I finally made it to the end of the letter.

… would love nothing more than your ascension and joining with my domain. Most of your healing abilities will turn into aspects, and you will be able to continue your work, simply in a slightly different manner. In here or in the heavens, you will be able to heal people.

If you should choose to keep to your mortal coil, know that I am watching over you with great interest, and am more than willing to shield you from the wrath and ire of other gods should they ever become displeased with you.

Your biggest admirer,

Ciriel.

Every letter Librarian had filtered out for [Angel of Mercy] hit like a bombshell.

All that, for one class, one offering.

I had nine more to go through.