Exile smiled from behind the throne in the newly completed Eraldsen home. The fortress expressed both Skardian and Dwarven styles while being richly decorated with gifts sent from King Bargrux. The people of Korden, Eraldsfen, and other settlements had gathered to witness the crowning of the new king.
The entirety of the Ragnarok Pantheon had gathered to witness the event alongside special guests like Noslin and Beartooth. Ania, Thovok, King Bargrux and many oracles stood in front of the throne in the place of honour. Meanwhile, Bjorn stood silently on the right side of the throne, waiting to officiate the ceremony.
Eventually, horns sounded from the back of the hall as Harik made his entrance. Although it was supposed to be a solemn event, loud cheers erupted at the sight of him. Exile grinned as Harik made the walk between the crowd to reach the throne. The expression on his face told everyone he was exhausted. However, he also had the look of someone brimming with energy.
Their battles against Parthus, and Exile’s dealings with the other Gods had paved the way for him to officially become king of Stormcrown, making him one of the nine pillars of Skardia. Harik could scarcely believe where his life had led him as he reached the ornate stone throne inlaid with gold. The symbol of the Ragnarok Pantheon was etched high into its back so that it would be visible over his head.
Harik sighed as he allowed himself a small smile before turning to face the crowd. At that moment, Bjorn stepped forward to address everyone gathered for the grand event.
“Jarls and people of Stormcrown. Today we are gathered to witness the crowning of King Harik Eraldsen. Blessed by Exile and by the will of the gods, may he rule over us for many years to come!”
The crowd cheered as Harik sat on the throne and allowed Bjorn to place a simple golden circlet with a large emerald upon his head. Harik straightened his back as he glanced at the ecstatic expressions looking back at him. However, that was when he felt the weight of a ruler descending on him.
“Jarls!” Bjorn continued. “You may step forward and declare your loyalty to your King!”
[Quest Completed: The Man Who Would Be King (Part 2)]
[You have received: +20 Stat Points, Inhabitants of the territory of Stormcrown will be more likely to worship you and/or your Pantheon.]
[New Quest: The Man Who Would Be King (Part 3)]
[Description: King Balmir has lost his throne. Long live King Harik, Ruler of Stormcrown! So few rulers ever reach the status of High King. Now that he has become a King of Skardia, can you help him take the final step? Help King Harik Eraldsen become High King of Skardia.]
[Rewards: +50 Stat Points, Inhabitants of Skardia will be more likely to worship you and/or your Pantheon.] 𝙚𝙙𝙤𝒗𝒆𝒍．𝒄𝙤𝙢
Exile grinned, he had previously dumped the six points he had gained from the burst of followers into his Speed stat. However, he divided these twenty points into Endurance and Authority, giving them ten points each. The notifications arrived, congratulating him on reaching Level 13.
He sighed as there was still no sign of reaching Tier 2. ‘It probably happens at the end of Level 15 or 20.’ However, he had high hopes of reaching that soon. He had already set everything in motion to potentially elevate Harik to High King. Which would net him another five levels.
The rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch. Ania saw herself being crowned princess of Stormcrown. However, she would not take on any extra duties as she was busy as the head oracle of Ragnarok. Many Jarls approached her, seeking her hand in marriage after becoming enamoured with her beauty.
However, she politely declined every offer, stating that she could not focus on a family of her own while doing the work of the gods. Her reply brought a smile to Harik’s face and made Bjorn chuckle. The pair knew she only had room for one in her heart.
The celebrations soon moved outside where music and a festival had been arranged. Exile considered leaving the party early since there was nothing for him to do. However, Harik silenced the crowd and briefly glanced in his direction.
“Thank you all for joining me on this occasion.” Harik bellowed with joy on his face. “But I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Gods! Each of us has felt their presence in recent times. And I’m sure I speak for you all when I thank them for all they have done!”
A loud cheer accompanied Harik’s statement. Exile could see NPCs toasting to the name of their preferred God as they said their thanks. Harik raised his hands again to silence the crowd before a solemn expression appeared on his face.
“However, our thanks are not enough! On behalf of all Stormcrown, I have arranged a proper offering to the Gods! May they accept this gift from us mortals!”
The crowd grew silent as drums began to beat from the fortress. Warriors in full armour accompanied scores of men and women wearing rags. Exile’s eyes narrowed at that sight. ‘Sommerdan prisoners!’ He felt uneasy when he studied them, but also a little excited. If what he thought was going to happen came to pass, then Ragnarok was in for a nice little surprise!
More than two hundred prisoners were forced to kneel before the great fire at the centre of the celebrations. The NPCs began to hum as Bjorn marked the prisoners’ foreheads with goat’s blood from a bowl he carried. Once he reached the end of the line, he threw the bowl into the fire.
The humming became deeper as Bjorn strode to a small platform in front of the prisoners. He took his place on it and stared at the crowd.
“Exile! Hear us!” Bjorn bellowed. “These mortals dared to defy your divine will! As punishment, we gift you their eternal souls! May they appease your wrath and bring prosperity to Skardia!”
Exile did not dare to look away, he could not afford to show weakness to the NPCs who had their own ideas of how he should be as a God. He watched on as the warriors stepped forward to stand behind a single prisoner each.
Each of them raised an axe to the sky before chanting his name. As the axes fell, Exile heard the crunching of bones breaking as the warriors separated the prisoners’ ribcage from their spines. Screams and blood filled the area around those helpless prisoners as rough Skardian hands took hold of the bones and stretched them out. Exile blinked as the warriors grabbed the ropes binding each prisoner’s hands and pulled.
As the prisoners’ hands rose above their heads, Exile witnessed the stretched skin and broken bones resemble outstretched wings beneath their arms. The Skardians cheered as he noticed some of the players reveal disgusted expressions. ‘I don’t blame them. But there’s more to this than our morals.’ Exile sighed as he watched the prisoners’ lives flee their shells.
[Quest Alert: Pantheon Ascension!]
[Description: Your Pantheon is ready to step up to Tier 1. To complete the Ascension meet the following requirements and interact with the Pantheon Registration tablet in the Temple.]
[Requirements: 6 members must reach Tier 1 (6/6), 100 Soul Tokens (100/100)]
[Rewards: +10 Stat Points for all members. Gain a personal Realm for your Pantheon]
Exile grinned when he read the alert. They were finally ready to bring Ragnarok to the next level! ‘I wonder what having our realm will entail?’ Exile mused as he thought about it. He could only assume it would eventually become something like Valhalla, Olympus or Heaven. Of course, he could not be certain about that, but he was eager to find out!
“Clay, you stay here with the celebrations. Let Ania and Harik know that I’m pleased with their gift.” Exile whispered.
“What about you?” Clay asked as he cocked an eyebrow.
“I have Pantheon business to attend to. Don’t let our players insult the NPCs for this display.”
Clay noted the expression on Exile’s face and nodded with a serious expression. He understood that Exile did not want to alienate their followers. Even if they did not agree with their methods.
A flash appeared as Exile cancelled his Avatar spell and reappeared in The Raider’s Horn. The bar was silent, which was completely different to how it had been until recently. He cast an eye around the tables and chairs that had served them well as a base of operations. ‘Everything’s about to change again.’
Exile smiled as he took another look at the bar before closing the old door behind him. The streets of Valheim were silent. However, that was to be expected as every Pantheon in Skardia held their breath. They knew a significant event was approaching.
Word had spread far and wide to every player who called that city home. The rebels had suppressed the royal faction, and everyone was waiting to see what Pantheon came out on top. Of course, many people already had their guesses and were betting on it.
Nobody approached Exile as he made his way to the Temple. ‘I wonder when we’ll get the notifications about the end of the wars?’ Exile wondered as he approached the Pantheon Tablet. ‘Maybe there will be another Council held to announce it. It would be nice if we get some rewards. Even if it was never really mentioned.’
Exile sighed as he activated the tablet to complete the Pantheon Ascension! Quest…