Re: Zero Ghoul

21# Feast

Subaru was welcomed into the cult by Petelgeuse and the ever-so-quiet cultists. And inside the dark stone dome, he was told how the attack was meant to go.

Ambush tactics, plain and simple. Magic mirrors to communicate over long distances. Knifes to wipe out the villagers. And fire magic for those who could put up a fight. Still, Subaru felt the need to ask further questions. It couldn't be that simple. So, he gave some encouragement and praises to the mad leader, trying to make him reveal whatever ace up his sleeve he had.

But the archbishop of sloth always rambled unclearly, and in riddles. Twisted and emoting exaggeratedly. Even scratching his face like it was made of rubber. He said he had some 'gift', granted due to his love to Satella. And apparently his love was 'undying as he himself'. Aside from that, he said constant nonsense about 'love' and his 'trembling brain'.

Subaru could kill Petelgeuse right there. Snap his neck. But he didn't feel confident enough to do that. It was better to focus on the regular cultists. Those more... active in regards of the incoming attack.

Petelgeuse (and whatever he was capable of) was a concern for another time. That, changed plans, but not critically. Subaru could deal with him later.

That said, Subaru also learned about the ritual the cult reserved for Emilia. They were hoping to revive Satella in the body of Emilia. Even not knowing the how, it scared him. Would the end of the world happen if they captured Emilia? Would Return by Death be rendered useless? And thus lose all possibility of fixing things?

Be that as it may, Subaru put all those worrying thoughts aside, and started considering the best course of action. He could restart and plan accordingly. Or he could stretch it a little longer, just a little longer, and test himself the capabilities of this organisation.

- You surely have your hands full... - Subaru meandered in front of Petelgueuse.

Yes, he had to be prepared for the next try. He had to see now what they could do.

He brought a hand to his chin as he started weighing how wreck havoc. If he was going to kill, he had to choose the right time. Preferably when it was possible to attack with a tiny human army of his own.

He had to manoeuvre the team when the cult was at its weakest. Away from Betelgeuse. And away from innocents. Meaning, probably attacking when all were marching across the forest. "Isolate prey. Strike when it least expects it", like what mom and dad taught me, Subaru snorted. He would win the day with the least losses, just before disaster. It was daring, and unbelievably rewarding.

It had to work. He would make it work.

Yeah, he just had to know when the brunt of the cult was at its most vulnerable. Then he would test them, and later repeat the attack with a whole human squadron.

Though this time he would have to moderate the level of violence to see what the cultists could really do.

- I want to go with the assault team. The one going to the village - Subaru stated, straight faced.

- Oh... Will you help us spill blood in the name of Satella? - Petelgueuse asked almost pressing his whole face against Subaru's.

- ... You will see blood - Subaru managed to say, despite the archbishop's antics.

- ... Send him with the rest - Petelgueuse ordered to a cultist, still too close to Subaru.