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((Double Saturday -- Page 1 of 2))
“What ‘others’ are you referring to?” said Hector.

“The Choro’Tachi, of course,” said Seyos.

‘The Primordials,’ translated Garovel privately. ‘Or simply Elders. It’s an umbrella term that refers to pretty much all the gods you’ve already heard of--and probably a few others.’

‘Uh, ah--what should I ask him next?’ said Hector.

‘Ask him what happened to the others.’

Hector much preferred this calmer, less annoyed-sounding Garovel backing him up. “...What exactly happened to the other, uh, Ch-Choro’Tachi?”

“They were taken by the God of All That Is Not, so that humanity might be allowed to flourish.”

This Seyos guy was a hell of a lot more forthcoming than Malast, at least. Hector did have to grant him that, even if he had been trying to kill them a moment ago--and probably would again anytime now, Hector felt.

Perhaps Hector was misreading the situation, but he was getting the impression that the only thing stopping Seyos from attacking them with whatever other crazy shit he had at his disposal was that “god” sitting over there with his eyes still closed.

“Do you understand?” said Seyos, perhaps having grown tired of Hector’s uncertain silence. “You stand in the presence of unimaginable power. You would do well to show respect.”

That made Malast open his eyes, though he still didn’t say anything.

Hector took the opportunity to address the Idle God directly. “Is any of that true?”

Malast didn’t answer him.

Seyos did, however. “Of course it is true! How dare you question me!” His staff began to glow, as did a pendant around his neck that Hector hadn’t noticed before.

He braced himself for whatever the hell was about to happen, but Malast held up a hand.

“What did I just say about foolishness and ceasing, huh?”

Seyos growled. “Let their deaths finally prove to you that I am worthy of your gift!”

“Killing them seems a little excessive,” said Malast.

“You deem them worthy, yes?” said Seyos. “Then by defeating them, I too shall become worthy!”

“It doesn’t work like that.”

Seyos struggled for words for a second. “Y-yes, it does!”

“No, it doesn’t,” said Malast.

“N-no, listen, I have been researching this subject,” said Seyos. “It is a matter of the Saiko’Ishiryoku, no?”

Malast didn’t answer him.

‘Garovel?’ said Hector.

‘Oh, ah--something like “Supreme Will,” I guess?’ the reaper said privately.

Seyos continued anyway. “That is what makes a vessel suitable, is it not? It must have a soul which can withstand the given power. And the Saiko’Ishiryoku is achievable by all! Even the unworthy, such as I!”

Malast sighed. “That’s technically true, yes, but how is killing them going to help you achieve it?“

“There is no better proving ground than that of mortal peril! But perhaps it is impossible for a god to understand such things. You do not have to worry about struggling to change or improve yourself.”