The Dawn of the New World



Mendax thought he would be jumping from joy upon hearing about his rank until he remembered that Hao Xuan did not have anything to compare it to.

He paused midstride to look him in the eye while continuing the explanation.

"I don't think you understand just how great of a privilege it is to be a subject of The Nine. I admit the line separating the Lower Gods and the Higher Gods is vague, yes, but they are nothing compared to the 'Great Old Ones' who have been around since before most of the mortal races existed."

"But the Nine are to the Great Old Ones what Zeus and Odin are to the mortals. Do you understand? Even a mere follower of the Nine is on par with the Champions of the 'Great Old Ones' but you as a Servant will be above them!"

Only when he saw some shocking realization in his eyes did Mendax step away.

"Yes, this is how it should be! Do you understand now?? We have been granted the privilege- nay the HONOUR of serving the esteemed Nine!" hands clasped behind his back Mendax woefully shook his head, "We are short on time but I will give you a moment to cherish this moment with a dance if you wish."

[....]

Speechless, Hao Xuan tried to change the subject before it was too late, [Are you also a servant?]

Mendax's expression immediately became brighter as he proudly stated, "I was until just a handful of centuries ago. But after more than a hundred thousand years of service, my efforts were recognized and I gained the rank of an 'Attendant' which led me here."

[Truly amazing] Hao Xuan complimented unenthusiastically but Mendax was far too self-involved to care. He was swaying back and forth recalling the moment he had first gotten the news.

[So the subjects of the Nine include: Followers, Servants, Attendants, and finally the Champions?]

"Huh?" brought back to reality Mendax cleared his throat, "O-Oh yes, you are correct!"

[And what does one have to do to become a champion of the Nine?]

Mendax froze for a moment before shaking his head dejectedly.

"Haiya, I always hate this part. But then again who likes giving bad news to such promising talents?" he mumbled to himself before looking over his shoulder with a forlorn expression, "Simply put, you can't. Champions of the Nine are unique beings not only because of their insurmountable strength but also because of their status. Every rank requires bigger and bigger sacrifices to be given so I cannot even imagine what the Champions would have to offer."

His voice fell to a whisper but in this empty cavern it still echoed loudly.

"They are the mightiest of us but not without paying a great price..."

It was quite obvious how much respect Mendax had for the champions which gave Hao Xuan some hope.

[Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Lord Mendax. I will not forget this]

"I'm just doing my job youngster, it is nothing to be proud of," he said waving his hand.

For the first time since they met Hao Xuan saw Mendax be completely serious so it was definitely a little unnerving.

But he had been alive longer than most civilizations had existed out in the Greater World so talking to him one-on-one was a great experience since Hao Xuan knew firsthand that not all of them were this open and honest.

[Is Baba Jezda also an attendant like yourself?]

"Her? Yeah, as much as I hate to admit there is no one more dedicated than her under the Nine...nor older."

[She is older than even you?!]

Hao Xuan was more than a little surprised to hear that. She was strong but not to the point of being so insurmountable. The aura he had sensed from the warrior that came before Mendax was far greater than anything the old witch had put out.

"Indeed. I believe she might even be the oldest and the longest serving 'Attendant' under any of the esteemed Nine but...her strength is not what it used to be. Her knowledge far surpasses even mine but because of Maymun's encroachment her power dwindles every day and it is only a matter of time before one of her many enemies finds her."

"You should be careful not to get too close to her. There is no telling what a cornered beast is willing to do to save itself," he gave Hao Xuan a much-needed warning.

[I will]

"Let us go, the others should be ready by now. Why don't we take a little shortcut," he grinned and gestured for him to follow before jumping over the edge into the river below.

Hao Xuan craned his neck to look down but could barely see anything past a few meters. The only thing he could hear was the sound of water splashing against the sides.

[Is this another test?]