"Wh-wh-what did you just say?" (I)

Did I seriously hear it right when she just gave this realm's version of a casual "hail satan" for a parting?

"Oh, I just said may… O-Oh no! I'm sorry. The others always say I shouldn't speak out loud. Some react pretty irritated by it." (M)

Cultist. This young woman is a cultist! Probably the most casual and easygoing cultist I ever met. And I've met some already. Heck, I got some! And whatever Chiaki qualifies for.

"Never mind being irritated. Aren't you afraid that they could burn you on the next plaza for this?" (I)

Self-awareness, girl! Self-awareness!

"Burn me? Who would do something as awful as this?" (M)

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe religious fanatics?" (I)

"You're such a worrywart! I mean, you probably shouldn't mention her right in front of a cleric or even a paladin. Though the time when people got all violent about this is already a long time over. Recently, the Oroi mythos is becoming more and more popular." (M)

"Po-popular?" (I)

"Of course! I mean, when was the last time Aureas did anything for us? And Soraja might be helpful, but she shows clear favoritism on a regular basis. So those feeling left out naturally gravitate to the opposing character." (M)

Did Aureas maybe downplay the severity of the situation a bit? That doesn't sound as much like a cult but more like an outright religion that's spreading here.

"Uh, but isn't it bad to pray to a character that stated they'd destroy everything you have built up?" (I)

It's very much, in fact, a doomsday cult, after all.

"Oh my, you should really come to the sermons! They'll tell you there that she isn't all that bad." (M)

Just because the satanists tell you this, doesn't mean you should believe them! Okay, I don't think that I can be considered nefarious, but I really gave it my all to deserve that reputation. If someone says bad things and does bad things, and in general isn't trustworthy in any way, then maybe you shouldn't trust them? Or better, not worship them?! One would believe people knew better. Yet apparently not.

"What kind of sermons are those? Doesn't this sound a bit shady to you? Maybe you shouldn't hang out with those folks." (I)

I even tried to sound a little more convincing, yet it doesn't seem to have the right kind of effect.

"No, no! They are the real deal! You just don't get it! You really should come! There even is one today!" (M)

"To one of those Oroi sermons!?" (I)

Is she for real, or am I just stupid? I mean, this opportunity couldn't have presented itself any better for me!

Uh, I guess I'm right. I kinda forgot that I'm looking for the cult, and instead, my common sense not to attend world-ender cult sermons took over.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Uh, okay, I guess." (I)

"For real!?! Damn, I'm good! That's great! Maybe I'll even get the recruitment bonus. Maybe I can even join the inner ranks!" (M)

This cult doesn't sound any better with that kind of pyramid scheme recruitment strategy! Goddamnit, I have no idea how to deal with these kind of people who probably are just part of an outlier group so they can say they are against the establishment. Even if they are so obviously only adding to the problem.

At least, I can't truly comprehend how they think that wrecking the infrastructure would improve things around here. Yet I guess I get what I wanted. This thief/cultist is going to bring me to their gathering. Yet something doesn't quite add up for me.

"So if you were on your way to the gathering, then why did you stop for this theft just there?" (I)

"Ah, that's a funny story! They basically gave me the mission to provide some food for the gathering. Usually, one just buys something, but you know, I'm broke." (M)

"Broke? But I thought Soraja would make sure that everyone could afford their life?" (I)

At least, I assigned her to do so. On the other hand, it sounds unfair to blame her for not having complete control over hundreds of thousands.

"Well, yeah, it's not like there are no jobs. But most of those aren't cut out for me." (M)

"Should this be a concern? You just got beaten up. A job can't be much worse." (I)

At least, I hope so.

"You see, ever since I was a child, I have had incredibly low stamina. Also, no real strength to speak of. Therefore, I didn't really last in any jobs I took up. Though, unfortunately I completely forgot that my stamina is shit when I went for that heist." (M)

Is she for real!? Talk about being self-destructive!

"Didn't you have any other options aside from turning to crime? Rather unsuccessfully, if I may say so." (I)

"Oh my, you sound like my Mum. She said I should just marry someone, because I have the looks to get someone to provide for me. As if it would be so simple to find someone! Especially for purples, who are said to be troublesome partners to be with. 'Overly emotional', they say." (M)

Urgh, she's gonna tell me her whole life story, isn't she? But it would be impolite to dismiss her.

"Is this color racism really as much of a thing?" (I)

"Oh my, you must come from a great neighborhood to never have had to deal with this. Color is quite a thing. Especially for applications. People have certain expectations if they see you and make demands on that basis." (M)

"Like you being overly emotional?" (I)

Not like I could deny this.

"Sure. But you should've seen me as a child. Mum told me I was much redder back then, but I guess that tempered off with how my body didn't catch up to my bad temper." (M)

"Oh, sorry to hear this." (I)

That her circumstances had such an impact on her that it led to an outright soul change. Usually, even minor differences should require nothing short of a trauma. Even worse, one's personality alone would only affect the soul to a certain degree.

"It's not so bad. At least, I'm not some sullen bluey!" (M)

Well, I guess?

At least, we are getting closer. I go into a side alley, and we may finally get to this gathering. Which brings up the following question:

What am I even gonna do once I find them? I mean, I know I said I'd deal with this, but how exactly are you supposed to deal with a cult? It's not like I can simply beat up everyone and be done with it. The same goes for mind-controlling them into submission or eradicating their existence. I am not that sinister. Well, I'd probably go a little further than usual if I find out that they plan on killing as many as they can or so. Such a thing can't be allowed to happen. But from my interactions with Mela, I doubt they're all bad people. For now, I can only try to gather as much information as possible.

"We are here! Let me show you in!" (M)

"knock, knock, knock"

She hits an unassuming door to the side in a certain series, and after a short while, it gets opened. A gruff man looks down on us from inside the doorframe.

"Mela, who did you bring here?" (doorman)

"An interested! Also, food! Please, let me in!" (M)

"Fine. But don't cause any trouble in there." (doorman)

"As if I'd ever!" (M)

Did I mention that my personal social anxiety makes it a bit difficult to just enter a cult gathering? I feel so displaced here. I seriously can't stand the attention.

Now, someone even comes walking up to us. A slightly elderly man of generally olive brown color, with a slight stubble for a beard.

"Mela. How kind of you to join us today. I hope you'll stay for the sermon?"

"Of course, Elder Grevon. Look, I met this lost soul, who was interested in joining us!" (M)

When did I say this!?

At this, his gaze drifts to me, becoming somewhat scrutinizing.

"Interesting. But usually, we would first conduct an interview to get to know her better, before directly taking an outsider to a sermon." (Grevon)

I'd say, I'm more involved with your cult than you, my friend! But I get him being wary.

"Also, I-I brought this coroka! Right as you asked for!" (M)

"I see. Very well, our group thanks you for your efforts. We will be sure to share it during the gathering, following the sermon." (G)

"Great! Isn't it, Iori? You can stay!" (M)

"Ah, yeah." (I)

Why am I even here?

"I'll leave you for now. There's still a lot to prepare for the ceremony." (G)

So he does.

Mela leads me a bit further, to an adjacent hall. There have already gathered quite a few People, more trickling in by the minute.

"That was a bigshot, wasn't he? You seemed quite a bit quieter next to him." (I)

"Ah, yes. Elder Grevon. He's the right hand of the great priestess. He manages the group's affairs. Like my application, for example." (M)

"Great priestess?" (I)

Alone, the words make me shudder. I don't want a great priestess.

"There she is! Lady Alyssa! The dark one's prophet!" (M)

"I greet you, my brothers and sisters. We are all one, as we share the same origin. Thus, it only makes sense to come together again. I hope today I can show you that we are all connected by the same thread!" (Alyssa)

"So that's the cult leader..." (I)

"Quiet now. It's about to begin!" (M)

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