Alpha stared at her beloved Master, transfixed.
It was only three years since he created a cure against the Curse. In these three years, she, Epsilon, and Eta were working tirelessly on the ways to make it better, easier to use. Epsilon was coming closer in cracking the mystery behind it, and Eta was in final stages of making the process automatic.
Then their Master quite literally shoved the reason behind the Curse in their faces, revived the one whose cells were causing it, and now has shown them that in these three years he already cracked everything down and a mere movement of his was now enough to grant salvation to those who yearn for it. To everyone, at once.
Oh, she knows he's absolutely not omniscient god that knows everything that happens in this world, and for sure there are still mysteries that he has to find out the answers for… But that doesn't make it any better for her. She wanted to be of help to him, she wanted to stand with him, together, as equals, so he would not bear everything on himself.
But how can she do as such when the speed at which he grows is completely incomparable to everyone else? Three years ago, while his battle skills were indeed superior, she surpassed him in everything related to magic. Now, she can feel that her full magic reserve was but a mere drop in the vast ocean that was his own mana, and his control was enough to precisely target the one he wished for, down to their body parts, and change the weather itself.
And even now, when he clearly had the power to completely eradicate the Cult as a whole without troubles, he allowed them to live so Shadow Garden has a purpose.
She knows that most members at first only join because they have nowhere else to go and wish to eliminate the reason behind their suffering, Cult of Diabolos. It is later on Zeta and Victoria indoctrinate them into their cause… By the way, she has read their 'Holy Texts', and they suspiciously look like Beta's writing. Of course, she agreed with almost everything — except the parts about suspiciously familiar silver-haired elf with sky-like irises and a mole under her eye, — after all, it only makes sense that their Lord and Saviour is to receive the utmost respect… She's getting sidetracked.
In his infinite kindness, he allowed Cult to live for a moment longer so Shadow Garden has a purpose. So everyone is united with a common goal. So they all continue to stay as a big family. Of course, they would be a family even after annihilating they Cult of Diabolos — especially now, when the Diabolos herself was, metaphorically, in his hands (and she looked suspiciously happy to be there…) — which now would not even be a problem. Just because Shadow didn't kill the Hydra doesnt't mean he didn't take away its heads. If they can't accomplish even such a simple goal, then…
They deserve no kindness of his.
'Damn, damn, damn, what do I do?! I did say that I would only participate in religion if I am the core point of it, but I didn't think it would actually happen!'
Cid was really nervous. It's not everyday when you just want to make sure that everything is fine and dandy in your (real) shadow organization, only to realize your organization morphed into an actual cult. Now that he looks over everything thoroughly, he can notice some little things that prior to that were escaping his view.
For example, every Shadow Garden member was wearing some kind of accessories while in the building. He was pretty sure than whenever they were on the field, their suit was, well, just slime suit; almost fully black with no discerning features. Now, however, each and every single one was proudly displaying a purplish amulet with four-star symbol… Like the one behind his throne and on the walls! Back then he just thought they were playing around with him, to make everything look cool, but now that he knows it's all real? He was not ready for this! Absolutely not!
But he has to play his part. Since girls are actually so hell-bent on giving him an actual organization full of fana- followers, then he should indulge them!
"Rise."
Hmm, a bit intimidating, but not much, with a hint of warmth and approval as he releases calming aura… Yep, totally nailing it!
As everyone, including members — for some reason everyone except Alpha herself was kneeling, even those who were supposedly high-ranking members, — shakingly stood up, he thought over about his next words. If he's to play some kind of deity in the shadows, then he should give a proper introduction… Hmm, he has an idea!
"I am Shadow. The leader of Shadow Garden."
Introductions in order. Name first, occupation second, then explain what is going on and how they are related to it.
"Usually, I am not the one to explain it; members of Shadow Garden fill new ones in in my stead. However, I personally took the part in eliminating the biggest threat from our enemies, and as I was here, I felt obliged to help my," nod towards Alpha, "subordinates in freeing you from the Curse."
He saw Alpha nodding from the corner of his eye. Well, it's not like he lied: he really eliminated the so-called Knights of the Rounds, who were in the charge of Cult of Diabolos!
"Now, you might ask what is this Curse, right?" the unsure nods from women, "Curse of Diabolos is another name for what you might know as Possession," widening eyes, "Indeed, the truth about what exactly it is was covered. Covered by our enemies, Cult of Diabolos, that seeks out to resurrect Diabolos and claim her powers for themselves…" he chuckled, "Or rather, sought."
Yeah, after what he pulled off he doubts Cult will be able to get Violet back.
"Umm, excuse me, what do you mean by that?…" thank you, unnamed new member, he was waiting for this question!
He merely raised his hand in response.
"Patience. I shall explain everything."
She nodded quickly.
"And be not afraid. Once I am finished with explanations, you can ask your questions. For now, listen."
Show that you're really benevolent boss and will not take heads for merely asking questions! Just because he's deity in shadows doesn't mean he has to act like some sort of demon. Darkness is not evil.
"Our last operation. As I was talking about, I personally participated in it. Before slaying the mightiest of our enemies," well, they were some kinds of big shots, and he didn't say he didn't count cosmic worm, "I managed to get my hands on the one they were so hell-bent on reviving. The Diabolos herself, or rather, her soul. However, everything was not so simple."
Judging from Alpha's approving smile, he didn't mess up yet. Good, good.
"As it turned out, Diabolos was but a victim in the grand scheme of things. Granted with power she did not wish for, locked up against her will, and used in horrifying experiments…" dramatic pause, "No wonder, then, she turned against her captors. However, in twist of rage, her power went out of control and condemned countless innocent lives. Seeing this, Cult decided to blame everything on her and used the remaining Diabolos cells in order to prepare a batch of powerful soldiers that would be loyal to them. But be it their own inability, or fate's cruel joke, only three managed to survive. Indeed, the three that would later on be written in annals as three heroes that bested the demon Diabolos."
Yes, yes, gasp in shock more! Huh, it seems like Alpha didn't tell that much to other members of Shadow Garden? He thought they knew about it…
"As of now, I have rescued her, and she was granted a new body. Free of relentless Cult members, free to live her new life however she wishes. Now, Shadow Garden only has to make one last effort in order to eliminate Cult of Diabolos once and for all. Of course, some stray members may survive, but they will be no longer able to operate on a large scale."
And for the finishing part!
"Now," dramatic lean in, "You have a choice."
Marinate them a bit…
"One," and show index finger, "You can return to civilian life. You are free to leave this place in full health and safety, granted you do not tell about everything that transpired here. You shall be provided with food, clothes, and money to survive for a period of time."
Huh, they are all silent. No one wants to leave. Well then…
"And two," show index and middle fingers, "You can join us. Even though we are at the finishing part of our crusade, our job will not end here. We are still to make sure all the Possessed are to be saved. Diabolos herself might be able to remove the curse globally once we make sure it's safe to do so, but as of now, our top-priority is securing everyone afflicted with Curse of Diabolos and healing them. For that, we need manpower. We need manpower in order to locate Possessed quickly. We need manpower in order to produce food, clothes, and much, much more things that are required in order to have a stable life. So, rest assured: even if you do not have combat qualities, you can still find a place for yourself here."
Now give them a moment to think about his words…
"Of course, you will be paid and provided for. Moreover, should the need for healing arise, be it because of combat injury or accident in training, you will be quickly catered for," more sweet words!
A bit of silence for the benefits to sink in…
"Now, choose. I shall give time until the next day. Twenty four hours, exactly. Make no rash decisions. Now, do you have any questions?"
One shaking hand has risen.
"Be not afraid. Speak."
Huh, really calmed down.
"Umm, can I say my choice now?…"
"Hmm… I have said you need not to make rash decisions, but if that's what you wish, then speak," he nodded approvingly.
Like, it's not like they will all choose to stay here, right? Who in their right minds would even choose to trust a random guy-
"Please allow me to stay! I wish to contribute to your great goal! I wish to help you in eradicating the plague that has infested the society!" the young-looking girl was speaking in such conviction that even he himself was taken aback.
"Please, allow me to help too! I will give my life if that means securing a better world for our descendants!" the more mature-looking woman raised her hands to her chest.
"That's right! Allow us-!"
"Please, your Lordship-!"
'Really, now?…' he thought bitterly as he raised his hand. The murmurs immediately stopped.
"I have heard you. Since this is what you wish for, then so be it," he turned his head to the Shadow Garden members as they perked up, "Escort them to the dorms. Provide clothing and food. The suits can be arranged once they grow accustomed. Hmm, Alpha, who are in charge of training regime, again?…" he simply didn't know who it was actually, but leave it to his trusty Alpha! She knows for sure!
"That would be Lambda, Master Shadow," elf bowed slightly, "She oversees the usual physical and teamwork training. Eta provides the gear. Nu participates, too, but only to teach espionage tactics."
"Lambda, is it, then…" he nodded thoughtfully, "Inform Lambda about new blood. Let her create training regime. Now, I still have something to talk about with Alpha. Proceed with my orders. Go."
And emperor-like hand wave. Guards bowed and started escorting the still shocked women.
Once he made sure there was no one other Alpha and him left, he deflated on his throne.
"C-Cid?" she immediately walked over and supported him.
"Damn, playing a deity is hard…" he closed his eyes as he leaned on her shoulder.
"Forgive us, we just wanted for everyone to have something to rely on in the darkest hours…" her voice was sad.
"Nah, that's fine. Just was not ready for it. Had to improvise a bit here and there," he can open up to Alpha, that he knows for sure. Like, he already broke his omniscient leader act to her, so it's gonna be alright.
"If you wish, we could…"
"No-no, it's alright. Just make sure to not go overboard with your little religion shenanigans. I don't want one day to wake up in graveyard because 'they breathed wrongly near our Lord'. If I was offended, I would just do it myself," damn, she sure smells nice…
He could feel her face heating up at his actions.
"Right, Cid…"
"Yeah?" he opened one eye.
He wishes he didn't.
"I wish to receive my reward," completely empty eyes were complemented with a smile.
"Now?" he gulped a bit.
And judging by the look she sent him as her smile grew wider, she felt his uneasiness.
"Now."