Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 67: The trail in Anchordeep

Narinder headed toward the temple, knowing it was time to maintain appearances and continue his role as a leader. He struck the bell firmly, and the cultists, loyal and obedient, quickly answered his call. The temple, illuminated by the soft glow of torches, filled with followers eagerly awaiting the words of their god.

Narinder positioned himself at the center, his imposing and majestic figure radiating a tense calm. He began his sermon with a deep voice that echoed throughout the temple:

—"Today, I speak to you about what truly matters in life... Many believe happiness lies in forgiveness and forgetting. But is that really so? Is it a sin to harbor resentment? I tell you... No! Resentment gives us strength, it reminds us of our wounds and drives us to overcome them, to seek justice—and vengeance—when necessary."— He paused, observing the reactions of his audience.

The cultists gazed at him with fascination, hanging on to his every word. They knew Narinder spoke from personal experience, from the deep pains he had endured across centuries.

—"If someone has hurt you, if someone has betrayed you, *remember it*! From that memory, from that pain, you can forge your own strength. Your actions can redeem your existence, as long as you know who you are accountable to. Life is a constant battle between the past and the present, and only those who embrace their wounds can rise above them."—

His voice grew more intense, more vibrant, charged with passion and conviction.

—"Do not fear dark emotions, do not shy away from them. Hatred, resentment—they are part of our nature. We are not like lambs who forgive and forget. We are the true gods, the ones who understand the reality of power. And it is that power, built upon memory, that leads us to greatness."—

The cultists' eyes shone with devotion. Narinder's words resonated in their hearts, as they sensed that, through him, they reached a deeper truth—one that others could never grasp.

—"So, always remember: holding a grudge is not wrong. It is proof that you are alive, that you feel. And that feeling makes you stronger. Never forget those who wronged you, for it is thanks to them that you will become more powerful than you ever imagined."—

Narinder ended his sermon, smiling as he observed his followers filled with admiration. He felt the energy of their devotion flowing into him, feeding him, giving him the power he so craved. For a moment, the weight of his thoughts lifted, soothed by that surge of energy. It was a reminder that, though he doubted internally, he would always remain the center of his followers' worship.

After the sermon, the cultists left the temple with renewed fervor, while Narinder kept his composed demeanor. But inside, something remained fractured. Without a word, he broke away from the congregation and walked toward the portals. The air around him grew colder with each step, reflecting the weight of his sorrow. Though he had sealed Heket and obtained her relic, the pain of his sister's loss still lingered.

Standing before the portals, Narinder did not hesitate. He entered the one leading to Anchordeep, knowing his next target was Kallamar. Determination filled his mind as the familiar landscape of deep blue waters appeared before his eyes. The humidity and the scent of salt surrounded him, but none of it mattered. His gaze, cold and calculating, revealed that there would be no mercy in this mission.

Without delay, Narinder raised his relic, now imbued with Heket's corrupted essence. Activating it unleashed a burst of energy across the area. Any enemies that crossed his path were reduced to dust with a mere gesture of his hand, disintegrating under the immense power he wielded.

For a moment, Narinder paused to observe the aftermath. The relic felt stronger, deadlier than before. Examining it closely, he noticed a significant change: a yellow chain now coiled around it, a sign of its evolution. The relic had reached a new level after absorbing Heket's power.