(8 days after the end of the Execution Livestream, Planet Ixtal, Leo's POV)
It was two days into the Cult's occupation of Buxar that Leo finally regained consciousness, and after assessing the situation, he ordered an imdiate withdrawal and a risky five day journey through open space, as he commanded the army to return to Ixtal, fearing encirclent by Righteous Forces if he stayed on Buxar for too long. Thankfully, the return passed without incident, yet despite surviving the journey intact, Leo's body failed to recover alongside it, leaving him confined to bed, while being wrapped in layers of bandages and healing arrays that did little to restore his strength.
"Is the temperature fine, honey?"
Amanda asked softly as she blew on a spoonful of soup before bringing it to Leo's lips, as Leo gulped it in without complaints.
"It's perfect, darling."
Leo replied with a faint smile, warmth flickering briefly across his tired expression, before his gaze drifted toward the far corner of the room, where Chaosbringer sat quietly with a thick stack of docunts resting across his lap.
"My Lord," he said. "If you are ready, I will begin the report."
He offered, as Leo took another slow sip of soup, before nodding.
"The first matter concerns the rescued Dragon, Aegon Veyr," Chaosbringer began.
"There are circulating allegations that he may have leaked sensitive Cult information to the Righteous Faction during his capture.....
And the Execution Livestream video of Raymond using [Shapeshift] doesn't really help his case, as many within the Cult now want imdiate clarification regarding this situation."
Chaosbringer explained, as Leo's expression instantly tightened to his words, his jaw clenching as the spoon paused halfway to his lips, a faint wince crossing his face at the very ntion of this incident. "Enough," Leo said after a brief pause. "I don't want to confront this problem at the mont, Chaosbringer. On to the next subject." He requested, as Chaosbringer hesitated visibly for a heartbeat. For a brief mont, he weighed his words, considering whether to warn his Lord that postponing such an important matter could allow suspicion to fester, which was not optimal for the Cult at this juncture, however, in the end, he simply lowered his gaze slightly and nodded.
"As you wish, My Lord."
He acceded before turning the page.
*Flip*
"My Lord, Cult Master Soron is dead and the people wish to hold a mourning ceremony in his honor."
He shared, as Leo's grip tightened subtly against the blanket, his eyes lowering.
"As per Cult tradition, three days after the mourning, your ascension ceremony as the next Cult Master must be held," Chaosbringer continued. "If you believe yourself recovered enough, I can begin preparations imdiately."
He explained, as Leo remained silent for several seconds before responding.
"I will attend the mourning ceremony," he said. "That much is not negotiable."
He drew a slow breath.
"However, delay the ascension ceremony by one week.... For that's the minimum period of mourning a man as great as Soron deserves."
Leo added, as Chaosbringer rose from his seat and bowed deeply.
"It will be arranged."
He added, before returning to his chair as he moved to the next docunt.
*Flip*
"My Lord, regarding the gentleman's agreent you have with the Dragon Moltherak to protect the Cult," Chaosbringer began. "It seems like all initial attempts to establish contact have failed from our side." He inford, as Leo let out a tired sigh, before leaning back against the pillows and pinching the bridge of his nose.
*Pinch*
"He has ignored every indirect summons and communication attempt made so far.
And with how unpredictable he is, it seems like the only one who can potentially get through to him is you....
Which also ans, securing his allegiance is yet another matter that must be left solely to you"
Chaosbringer inford, as Leo nodded slowly in acknowledgent.
"I expected as much."
The Shadow Dragon said, as Chaosbringer set the docunts aside, his expression growing more serious, as he pulled up a new set.
"My Lord, the final matter is the most urgent."
He began, as Leo t his gaze sharply.
"With Lord Soron dead, the state of the current Cult Of Ascension is
chaotic and restless....."
"Many are unsure whether they should remain hidden within the
Ti Stilled World indefinitely, or whether the success of the operation to retrieve Aegon Veyr ans the Cult can safely reenter
the wider universe."
He paused.
"At present, the Cult lacks direction. Morale is unstable, and anxiety is spreading rapidly. If left unchecked, this unrest could beco
volatile."
The room fell quiet.
Amanda gently placed the empty bowl aside as Leo stared at the
ceiling, the weight of Soron's death pressing down on him in ways no injury ever had.
"I understand," Leo said softly.
Chaosbringer inclined his head.
"The Cult needs to hear from you," he added. "They need a new
identity, and a clear purpose to move toward....."
"You don't necessarily need to address the masses via a live speech,
and can even pass on a recorded ssage from your bed.
However, what is important is that you do address them...." Chaosbringer stressed, as Leo closed his eyes for a mont, then
opened them again.
"Give one day," he said. "I will address them personally after that."
He committed, as Chaosbringer stood and bowed once more.
"As you command, My Lord."
He said before turning to leave, as Leo's gaze lingered on the ceiling,
his thoughts heavy and unresolved, as he decided on how he wanted
to run the Cult next?
'I guess, I am technically the Cult Master now.
Not just in duty, but in na as well.
The Cult Of Ascension, is now MY organisation.....
Leo thought, as he felt his heart beat just a tad bit faster at the
thought, as though becoming sect master gave him both anxiety and thrill at the sa ti.
'But how will I shape them?
Do I use them to break the wheel of history? And try to usher
humanity into a new golden age?
Or do I fear Karma, and try to live a simpler life instead?' He wondered, as for a while, no clear answer ca to his head, the
pros and cons of both paths weighing heavily on his mind.
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