Necromancer For Hire- Arc 8

Arc 8, Chapter 26

The Priest

Pilate shuffled in his chair, stifling a yawn. He rubbed his eyes, waiting for Life to return.

It was late, but Pilate didn't mind pulling an all-nighter. It was worth it in his mind. Magic was the first thing he had ever excelled in and been praised at. While his teachers saw him as stupid, Life saw him as a protege.

Life was an exceptional teacher, going at a pace Pilate could keep up with and adapting his lesson styles to how Pilate learned. With Life’s help, he was able to summon a beast from his mind.

He touched a bandage wrapped tightly around his wrist, smiling. Above all, he felt appreciated. Life tended to his wounds and made him food, which was more than he ever got from Asher. Life’s office was the safest place Pilate had.

Becoming Life’s apprentice was the best decision Pilate had ever made.

Life slipped into the room, effortlessly carrying a large stack of books.

“Good evening, Master Life,” Pilate said, bowing his head.

Life watched Pilate’s eyes fall on him, fearless and steady. He was comfortable.

Life had him exactly where he wanted him. The time was right.

“Today's lesson will be a little different,” Life murmured, tossing a sandwich in front of Pilate. Pilate stuffed half the sandwich in his mouth and grabbed a sheet of paper and a pencil, tense as he hung on Life’s every word.

“In the olden days, the Überdragons and their mages were more closely intertwined. It was more of a religion than it is now. I directly spoke to my life mages and gave them assistance, like I'm doing with you now. I had a tightly knit order of mages that served in my church as my priests and priestesses.” Life drummed his fingers on his desk, “But these priests weren't average creatures...they were a little different.”

Life lifted his head, staring down at Pilate. “Pilate, do you know what a Demigod is?”

"No sir,” Pilate said in between mouthfuls of food.

“A Demigod is a mortal who I granted a fraction of my limitless power to. In return for their service to me, the contract enhanced their strength, putting them above their peers.”

“That's...pretty cool,” Pilate said cautiously, unsure where Life was going with the conversation.

Life chuckled, organizing a stack of papers on his desk, “Yes, I agree. It's very ‘cool.’”

“Mages of the divine elements are very rare, especially life mages,” Life continued, gazing at Pilate with steely eyes, “As you know, you're the only life mage in my company. You're very important.”

“I haven't had a church for hundreds of years. Things are going to be changing, Pilate. Changing very soon.I believe it's time to usher in a new order,” Life outstretched his hand, a grin splitting across his maw. “Pilate, will you serve me as a Demigod?”

Pilate flinched, the color draining from his face. “I, um… Please excuse me!” Pilate darted out of the room, nearly toppling over his chair.

Placing his arm behind his back, Life crept down the hall, pausing at an open door. He could sense Pilate within, curled up on the floor.

Life’s upper lip rose in a snarl. He’s flighty...But I am willing to wait.

Author's Note- poor, poor pilate. pls pray for him.