Justice
Rihaku
The Internet
Justice
The Accursed departed, saying only that Hunger's sponsor would be along shortly. Sure enough, time had not even resumed before there was a blinding flash of light, fire and glory as to sear his eye from its socket; pain, yes, but also beatific awe vast enough to drown out all sensation from that mere husk, the physical form.
Hunger re-created his eye, and the Seraph of Heroism was before him, six-winged fire and hair of the same hue, though it was not truly flame but Glory, bound to a vessel inadequate to its expression, bursting through the pauper's shell of a reality too thin to constrain it. It went almost without saying that she was transcendently majestic, beautiful, elegant and magnificent, but those mere attributes of the physical vessel paled before her Glory, reduced to its place-setting like candle-wax beneath the flame.
"Greetings, brave Hero!" She said cheerfully, extending a open-palmed hand. Her voice was clarion, sweetness and melody but shining sharpness also, an emanation of meaning that blazed through the soul. "It's wonderful to meet you! Be not afraid; I am Haeliel, your sponsor to the Cursebearer's Association!"
Hunger regenerated his eye again.
"It's an honor," Hunger said, bowing, mindful of the Accursed's admonition. "In truth, I wasn't expecting my sponsor to be as manifestly stronger as you clearly are. Thank you for inducting me. I've been told I will need your help."
"Nonsense!" Haeliel waved him off, looking brightly around the room they occupied. "What matters power in the true consideration? A mere quirk of circumstance; just as greatness without kindness is nothing to be commended! And there's no need to be so formal here. You can just call me Big Sis Haeliel!"
Hunger regenerated his eye again.
"Oh, is this form hurting you? Sorry! I'll turn it down."
Glory receded somewhat, the light of its flames become ineluctably dimmer. The world was lesser for its absence, but also relaxed, exhalation of relief after the passing of a strain.
"See?" said Haeliel, slightly chagrined. "There's nothing praiseworthy about power, especially when misdirected. But don't worry, I'll be extra-gentle when helping you... the chance of side-effects will be definitely, absolutely minimized!!"
This had certainly been a humbling experience. Hunger was entirely aware that even the form Haeliel had initially presented was in all aspects an immense, nigh-unfathomable diminishment from her true face. In both behavior and demeanor she'd worked to be as approachable as possible, perhaps concerned that the gulf of power might otherwise prevent authentic expression.
That he could not withstand her mere presence spoke to how far he had yet to go. Was she simply imprecise as a consequence of a Curse, or had he failed to live up to some unspoken expectation? And, if this terrible shining apparition was her beneficence, then how fearsome indeed was her ire?
"Now, don't worry overmuch about your responsibilities to the Association," Haeliel continued. "We don't operate on a favors system or anything like that. Everyone pitches in if and when they're able. Crowning Curses are serious enemies, so stay focused on your own Progression, because the assistance we can offer is always limited. So too will be yours, when you're in my position!"
Hunger shook his head slightly. "It doesn't quite feel right, accepting help for nothing."
"Heroes commonly have that problem," Haeliel said. "Would you feel better if I made you undertake a grand quest first, with a guarantee of terrible suffering and only uncertain promise of reward?"
Hunger said nothing, but glanced briefly to the side.
"More comfortable with that?" She chirped. "It's more familiar, in some ways. But part of heroism is expanding past your comfort zone, so you'll just have to endure it and let Big Sis Haeliel completely spoil you!"
"If you want to resolve all my problems and turn this into a paradise realm, then, by all means." Hunger gestured outwards. "I know your actions here will necessarily be limited. How much freedom of action do we have?"
"Technically speaking we're not supposed to help each other at all," Haeliel nodded. "And it's even more strict for us High Cursebearers. Every time I appear, I'll be bending those limits just a little. You can think of it as having three wishes of reasonable scope. You could wish for something singular and great, or something reliable and persistent, but not both. With one wish I could resolve one Apocryphal-level event, or empower a single ally, or establish a longer-running habit of dropping in on you, though in a form even more constrained than this."
She winked. "You should choose the last one!"
"I don't suppose I could simply ask you to simply put your efforts towards whatever's in my best interest," Hunger said wryly. "You would know better than I, O Seraph of Heroism."
"I'm afraid not!" Haeliel said. "The reward for heroism is choice, the power to decide for one's self. Fitting, isn't it, for this privilege to also be a burden?"
"Ah," said Hunger. "So you're the one I complain to about that."
"If unsatisfied with your heroic role, you can quit at any time," Haeliel said primly. "That, too, must be decided for one's self. Speaking of which, you're raising a junior Hero of your own! I could empower him very easily, as his power is derived from mine."
"Aobaru?" Hunger raised an eyebrow. "What does becoming a theme-park manager have to do with Heroism?"
"His Element, the Vigorflame!" She said happily. "It's a far emanation of one of my Aspects, the Vitalizing Flame. All fires of positive valence are somewhat linked to me, but this one's more direct than most. Still, I understand if you'd rather be selfish and select my Advice Corner instead. Even heroes have their moments of weakness, especially when the alternative is this tempting!"
"I'll think about it," Hunger temporized. "What does it mean for you to drop in more consistently? I assume direct intervention would be off the table, but would I be able to call upon your... advice at-will?"
"Not quite," said Haeliel. "We could schedule a yearly check-up or the like, but consistency beyond that would truncate much more of my latitude. Such is the nature of our kind. To beseech is a privilege, to be beseeched is a burden; that's so for heroes and Cursebearers both. I'll drop in as much as I'm able, but more often than not you'll simply have to carry on without me!"
"How dire," Hunger mused.
"There, there." She patted him on the shoulder. "It's the way of the world, unfortunately. Help the Accursed win if you'd like things to change. And now, your wishes."
She rose above, wings flaring with argent brilliance beyond even that of her arrival, incandescence to rival even the Praxis' firmament-blue. The Praxis exposed the fundament on which all reality was founded, but this was the silver shining above; that which the real could aspire towards, were it strong enough, and noble.
For a moment - an infinitesimal briefness that was swift beyond harm - he perceived Haeliel as she truly was, the Seraph's own power fortifying his mind to contain all the fullness of Glory Itself. Light and fire and beauty that to him presented only a hearth's welcoming cheer, but he was all-too aware of its power to destroy; yet knew self-evidently that such power would never be aimed with ill intent.
It struck him then, that there was justice in the world, imperfect and clumsy as it could sometimes be. And to carry forth its banner was no shameful thing; for though it could not right every wrong, never had it been for lack of trying. And he felt his blood rise at the thought of his mercenary disposition in the past; for what did it matter, that circumstance favored the monstrous and the calculating? They who pursued virtue did not do so out of expectation of victory, or acclaim, or of any reward material or otherwise: else it would not be virtue, but expedience only.
And for all its advantages, it was not given to expedience, to summon the greatness which Heroism required.
She laid a sword against his shoulder, and then against his brow; where the silver-blue flames kissed him, he felt his old wounds ebbing, lung and liver and second eye returned at last.
"Hero," said the Seraph, whose gaze was judgement but also softness, "You've worked hard."
She paused, and continued gently. "Your actions have not gone unseen. Ask freely; for though not every desire will be granted, each will be answered in its own time."
---
What did Lord Hunger ask?
Choose up to 3.
[ ] "I wish my reprieve be deferred." - Saves a wish for later, though be aware that Haeliel is not at your beck and call. Useful if you wish to safely revive Catherine at a later date, the wish to be employed to deter the notice of the Hidden Ones. It would be unwise to bring Catherine back into the jaws of a high-tier Apocryphal proc, and staggeringly wasteful to spend a second wish on the revival and transport, when the latter is far more within Hunger's reach than would be deflecting the Hidden Ones.
Also generally useful if you encounter some circumstance in the future which Hunger cannot deal with, and must. Can be taken multiple times.
[ ] "I wish for the Seraph's grace." - Once per Geas task, Haeliel turns aside any foe that has attained an otherwise-insurmountable edge against Hunger, or any one negative circumstance that would otherwise overcome him.
Coverage not quite as encompassing as a defensive Lesser Wish from the Accursed, but can be used much more frequently in most cases. Good for long-term survival.
[ ] "I wish for my junior's exaltation." - Haeliel will enormously empower Aobaru's inherent Progression and ultimate ceiling. There is a small chance she will accidentally kill him instead, reincarnating him to a different realm with his enhancements intact.
Can provide an immense degree of firepower (through Vigorflame) and utility (through the subordination of Voyaging Realm elements) in the medium-term if successful.
Can be taken multiple times, though empowering any non-Aobaru character is less safe and not as effective. The potential utility is still vast... Letrizia's also a strong candidate!
[ ] "I wish for the Seraph's guidance." - Allows Haeliel to open up her Advice Corner from time to time. You should pick this one.
[ ] "I wish for the Seraph's favor." (2 wishes) - How forward. Haeliel will give Hunger her handkerchief, an oriflamme to be worn wrapped around his right arm or the Forebear's Blade. Takes up a Panoply slot, but does not provide Advancements on its own.
Grants +Heroic Progression: Hunger will always benefit from the next stage of [Once and Future], currently [Once and Future] II, without fulfilling the requirements or taking the Mental Contamination from that stage.
Enhances Holy Shit: Some entities will recognize Haeliel's favor and thus refrain from meddling with the bearer. Especially likely to deter foes that might otherwise be unassailably potent. This will sometimes (~5%) foil the plans of the Apocryphal Curse.
You may desire to organize your votes with the Plan Voting format, though this is not necessary.
---
You've completed Five Signs of the Empyreal under the Evening Sky! Choose one set bonus:
[ ] Night's Ambition - Defer until the Seven-Sign bonus, which will be mightier still. But can you really afford to wait in this circumstance?
[ ] Twilight Cladding - The Armor of Midnight now grants +10 Protection and planetary-grade Condition mitigation with Indefinite duration, beginning immediately after its primary benefits expire.
[ ] Moonlight Delusion - Deathly Star's windup and casting procedure are much more subtle; the attack could be mistaken for a natural phenomenon until the moment of impact. This attribute scales with Rank alongside the rest of the spell.
[ ] Stars Align - Initiating Supreme Enclosure on the night of the full moon grants +.35 casting Rank. Substantially affects both the strength and the compliance of summoned Entities.
---
If you enjoyed the chapter, please consider subscribing on Patreon! Subscribers receive lots of patron-exclusive content, including early updates, timed exclusives, Discord roles, and bonus chapters. A huge thanks to existing subscribers, the amount of support has been breathtaking! Even more content is coming to Patrons soon!
If you'd like to discuss the quest in real-time or just chat with the questers, you're welcome to join us on the AST Discord! We encourage substantive posts to be made in the thread, and shitposting within Discord.
The Accursed departed, saying only that Hunger's sponsor would be along shortly. Sure enough, time had not even resumed before there was a blinding flash of light, fire and glory as to sear his eye from its socket; pain, yes, but also beatific awe vast enough to drown out all sensation from that mere husk, the physical form.
Hunger re-created his eye, and the Seraph of Heroism was before him, six-winged fire and hair of the same hue, though it was not truly flame but Glory, bound to a vessel inadequate to its expression, bursting through the pauper's shell of a reality too thin to constrain it. It went almost without saying that she was transcendently majestic, beautiful, elegant and magnificent, but those mere attributes of the physical vessel paled before her Glory, reduced to its place-setting like candle-wax beneath the flame.
"Greetings, brave Hero!" She said cheerfully, extending a open-palmed hand. Her voice was clarion, sweetness and melody but shining sharpness also, an emanation of meaning that blazed through the soul. "It's wonderful to meet you! Be not afraid; I am Haeliel, your sponsor to the Cursebearer's Association!"
Hunger regenerated his eye again.
"It's an honor," Hunger said, bowing, mindful of the Accursed's admonition. "In truth, I wasn't expecting my sponsor to be as manifestly stronger as you clearly are. Thank you for inducting me. I've been told I will need your help."
"Nonsense!" Haeliel waved him off, looking brightly around the room they occupied. "What matters power in the true consideration? A mere quirk of circumstance; just as greatness without kindness is nothing to be commended! And there's no need to be so formal here. You can just call me Big Sis Haeliel!"
Hunger regenerated his eye again.
"Oh, is this form hurting you? Sorry! I'll turn it down."
Glory receded somewhat, the light of its flames become ineluctably dimmer. The world was lesser for its absence, but also relaxed, exhalation of relief after the passing of a strain.
"See?" said Haeliel, slightly chagrined. "There's nothing praiseworthy about power, especially when misdirected. But don't worry, I'll be extra-gentle when helping you... the chance of side-effects will be definitely, absolutely minimized!!"
This had certainly been a humbling experience. Hunger was entirely aware that even the form Haeliel had initially presented was in all aspects an immense, nigh-unfathomable diminishment from her true face. In both behavior and demeanor she'd worked to be as approachable as possible, perhaps concerned that the gulf of power might otherwise prevent authentic expression.
That he could not withstand her mere presence spoke to how far he had yet to go. Was she simply imprecise as a consequence of a Curse, or had he failed to live up to some unspoken expectation? And, if this terrible shining apparition was her beneficence, then how fearsome indeed was her ire?
"Now, don't worry overmuch about your responsibilities to the Association," Haeliel continued. "We don't operate on a favors system or anything like that. Everyone pitches in if and when they're able. Crowning Curses are serious enemies, so stay focused on your own Progression, because the assistance we can offer is always limited. So too will be yours, when you're in my position!"
Hunger shook his head slightly. "It doesn't quite feel right, accepting help for nothing."
"Heroes commonly have that problem," Haeliel said. "Would you feel better if I made you undertake a grand quest first, with a guarantee of terrible suffering and only uncertain promise of reward?"
Hunger said nothing, but glanced briefly to the side.
"More comfortable with that?" She chirped. "It's more familiar, in some ways. But part of heroism is expanding past your comfort zone, so you'll just have to endure it and let Big Sis Haeliel completely spoil you!"
"If you want to resolve all my problems and turn this into a paradise realm, then, by all means." Hunger gestured outwards. "I know your actions here will necessarily be limited. How much freedom of action do we have?"
"Technically speaking we're not supposed to help each other at all," Haeliel nodded. "And it's even more strict for us High Cursebearers. Every time I appear, I'll be bending those limits just a little. You can think of it as having three wishes of reasonable scope. You could wish for something singular and great, or something reliable and persistent, but not both. With one wish I could resolve one Apocryphal-level event, or empower a single ally, or establish a longer-running habit of dropping in on you, though in a form even more constrained than this."
She winked. "You should choose the last one!"
"I don't suppose I could simply ask you to simply put your efforts towards whatever's in my best interest," Hunger said wryly. "You would know better than I, O Seraph of Heroism."
"I'm afraid not!" Haeliel said. "The reward for heroism is choice, the power to decide for one's self. Fitting, isn't it, for this privilege to also be a burden?"
"Ah," said Hunger. "So you're the one I complain to about that."
"If unsatisfied with your heroic role, you can quit at any time," Haeliel said primly. "That, too, must be decided for one's self. Speaking of which, you're raising a junior Hero of your own! I could empower him very easily, as his power is derived from mine."
"Aobaru?" Hunger raised an eyebrow. "What does becoming a theme-park manager have to do with Heroism?"
"His Element, the Vigorflame!" She said happily. "It's a far emanation of one of my Aspects, the Vitalizing Flame. All fires of positive valence are somewhat linked to me, but this one's more direct than most. Still, I understand if you'd rather be selfish and select my Advice Corner instead. Even heroes have their moments of weakness, especially when the alternative is this tempting!"
"I'll think about it," Hunger temporized. "What does it mean for you to drop in more consistently? I assume direct intervention would be off the table, but would I be able to call upon your... advice at-will?"
"Not quite," said Haeliel. "We could schedule a yearly check-up or the like, but consistency beyond that would truncate much more of my latitude. Such is the nature of our kind. To beseech is a privilege, to be beseeched is a burden; that's so for heroes and Cursebearers both. I'll drop in as much as I'm able, but more often than not you'll simply have to carry on without me!"
"How dire," Hunger mused.
"There, there." She patted him on the shoulder. "It's the way of the world, unfortunately. Help the Accursed win if you'd like things to change. And now, your wishes."
She rose above, wings flaring with argent brilliance beyond even that of her arrival, incandescence to rival even the Praxis' firmament-blue. The Praxis exposed the fundament on which all reality was founded, but this was the silver shining above; that which the real could aspire towards, were it strong enough, and noble.
For a moment - an infinitesimal briefness that was swift beyond harm - he perceived Haeliel as she truly was, the Seraph's own power fortifying his mind to contain all the fullness of Glory Itself. Light and fire and beauty that to him presented only a hearth's welcoming cheer, but he was all-too aware of its power to destroy; yet knew self-evidently that such power would never be aimed with ill intent.
It struck him then, that there was justice in the world, imperfect and clumsy as it could sometimes be. And to carry forth its banner was no shameful thing; for though it could not right every wrong, never had it been for lack of trying. And he felt his blood rise at the thought of his mercenary disposition in the past; for what did it matter, that circumstance favored the monstrous and the calculating? They who pursued virtue did not do so out of expectation of victory, or acclaim, or of any reward material or otherwise: else it would not be virtue, but expedience only.
And for all its advantages, it was not given to expedience, to summon the greatness which Heroism required.
She laid a sword against his shoulder, and then against his brow; where the silver-blue flames kissed him, he felt his old wounds ebbing, lung and liver and second eye returned at last.
"Hero," said the Seraph, whose gaze was judgement but also softness, "You've worked hard."
She paused, and continued gently. "Your actions have not gone unseen. Ask freely; for though not every desire will be granted, each will be answered in its own time."
---
What did Lord Hunger ask?
Choose up to 3.
[ ] "I wish my reprieve be deferred." - Saves a wish for later, though be aware that Haeliel is not at your beck and call. Useful if you wish to safely revive Catherine at a later date, the wish to be employed to deter the notice of the Hidden Ones. It would be unwise to bring Catherine back into the jaws of a high-tier Apocryphal proc, and staggeringly wasteful to spend a second wish on the revival and transport, when the latter is far more within Hunger's reach than would be deflecting the Hidden Ones.
Also generally useful if you encounter some circumstance in the future which Hunger cannot deal with, and must. Can be taken multiple times.
[ ] "I wish for the Seraph's grace." - Once per Geas task, Haeliel turns aside any foe that has attained an otherwise-insurmountable edge against Hunger, or any one negative circumstance that would otherwise overcome him.
Coverage not quite as encompassing as a defensive Lesser Wish from the Accursed, but can be used much more frequently in most cases. Good for long-term survival.
[ ] "I wish for my junior's exaltation." - Haeliel will enormously empower Aobaru's inherent Progression and ultimate ceiling. There is a small chance she will accidentally kill him instead, reincarnating him to a different realm with his enhancements intact.
Can provide an immense degree of firepower (through Vigorflame) and utility (through the subordination of Voyaging Realm elements) in the medium-term if successful.
Can be taken multiple times, though empowering any non-Aobaru character is less safe and not as effective. The potential utility is still vast... Letrizia's also a strong candidate!
[ ] "I wish for the Seraph's guidance." - Allows Haeliel to open up her Advice Corner from time to time. You should pick this one.
[ ] "I wish for the Seraph's favor." (2 wishes) - How forward. Haeliel will give Hunger her handkerchief, an oriflamme to be worn wrapped around his right arm or the Forebear's Blade. Takes up a Panoply slot, but does not provide Advancements on its own.
Grants +Heroic Progression: Hunger will always benefit from the next stage of [Once and Future], currently [Once and Future] II, without fulfilling the requirements or taking the Mental Contamination from that stage.
Enhances Holy Shit: Some entities will recognize Haeliel's favor and thus refrain from meddling with the bearer. Especially likely to deter foes that might otherwise be unassailably potent. This will sometimes (~5%) foil the plans of the Apocryphal Curse.
You may desire to organize your votes with the Plan Voting format, though this is not necessary.
---
You've completed Five Signs of the Empyreal under the Evening Sky! Choose one set bonus:
[ ] Night's Ambition - Defer until the Seven-Sign bonus, which will be mightier still. But can you really afford to wait in this circumstance?
[ ] Twilight Cladding - The Armor of Midnight now grants +10 Protection and planetary-grade Condition mitigation with Indefinite duration, beginning immediately after its primary benefits expire.
[ ] Moonlight Delusion - Deathly Star's windup and casting procedure are much more subtle; the attack could be mistaken for a natural phenomenon until the moment of impact. This attribute scales with Rank alongside the rest of the spell.
[ ] Stars Align - Initiating Supreme Enclosure on the night of the full moon grants +.35 casting Rank. Substantially affects both the strength and the compliance of summoned Entities.
---
If you enjoyed the chapter, please consider subscribing on Patreon! Subscribers receive lots of patron-exclusive content, including early updates, timed exclusives, Discord roles, and bonus chapters. A huge thanks to existing subscribers, the amount of support has been breathtaking! Even more content is coming to Patrons soon!
If you'd like to discuss the quest in real-time or just chat with the questers, you're welcome to join us on the AST Discord! We encourage substantive posts to be made in the thread, and shitposting within Discord.
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