In the Orcus village, a middle-aged male with a potbelly stared out the window of the lodging he was provided by the Orcus. Looking upon the cavern ceiling covered with bioluminescent plants, the man knitted his brows together, finding the illusory sky that shone on whether it be day or night irksome.

"They sure are taking their time," he said to no one in particular. "I wonder if they found it already."

"You speak of the 'relic' you placed within the ruin all those years ago?"

Sitting across from the middle-aged man was the chieftain of the Orcus. He was larger, fatter, than most of the Orcus, though his sharp and stern eyes could command even the toughest of Orcs with but a glare.

"That's the one," said the middle-aged man who called himself 'Joseph'. "Perhaps this time around...... Well, let's not jinx it."

"As requested, we sent them in there without arousing suspicion. You best honor our agreement." The chief spoke in a respectful but stern tone, his voice hinting towards the consequences of a betrayal.

"Of course. I shall have a place for you and your people on the surface. After all, the Alva were originally the people of the gods. Even when you turned against the gods, the God of Destruction was on your side."

"Once more, the Alva shall rule again!"

Without any intention of hiding it, Joseph scoffed at the chieftain's statement. In return, the giant Orcus glared at him, his nostrils widened as he fumed at the ridicule.

A commotion was rising outside, cutting off the conversation short and lengthening Joseph's lifespan. A young Orcus barged into the house and promptly rushed to the chief's side, leaned in close to his ears, and whispered grim words. Having heard what was said, the chief showed a grave expression.

"The humans have tried to invade the hills once more it would seem."

"They'll keep coming," said Joseph. "And soon there'll be more."

"So once again the humans and Alva will fight. Hmph, it'll come sooner than later, I suppose."

"You'll lose," Joseph gave his words of warning in an aloof tone.

"How dare-"

"They have Remigia's Relic on their side."

"What!?" The Orcus chieftain's eyes widened in shock. "The Goddess of Creation? Here?"

However, shock soon turned into anger, and the chieftain lifted Joseph by his robes.

"You knew this is how it will play out, didn't you, you sniveling rat! We had a deal! You will provide help to the Alva and your little cult will aid in our return. That was the agreement, is it not!?"

Joseph laughed heartily. As long as he's laughing, he was invincible.

"Worry not, the Cult of Destruction can't afford to lose an ally as precious as yourself. I have your solution right here."

From within his robe, Joseph produced a hard, spherical object that fits comfortably in his palms.

"It's a present," said Joseph with a sly grin, "courtesy of friends and a disciple of mine."

"What need to I have for a stone?"

"Stone? Look closer."

The chieftain, intrigued, did as he was told. Not a moment, later, he released Joseph, dropping him on the ground before quickly backing away, his face twisting in terror.

"T-t-that! Why do you have that!?"

"Why? We are the Cult of Destruction, so naturally, this would be the object of our worship. It was stolen from us and we had taken great lengths to get it back. And now, I shall let you borrow it."

In Joseph's hand was a green gemstone, one in which something dark could be seen swirling within.

"It's but a fragment," Joseph went further to explain, "but this is indeed the Nameless God's, the God of Destruction's, soul. This ought to provide you with the power you need to defeat Remigia's chosen."

***

End of Chapter 84