"Power of Faith? Why do you ask about that?" Lana Mokos queried.
Before Ethan could reveal his intentions, Lana Mokos continued her explanation, "The Power of Faith is a double-edged sword. On the upside, it allows those of ordinary talents to enhance their capabilities. On the downside, it can hinder their growth."
"Compared to other deities who've elevated themselves through personal endeavor, those who ascend through faith tend to be significantly weaker."
"Of course, there are always exceptions," she added.
Upon hearing Lana Mokos's insights, Ethan finally spoke up, "There's a deity in Flame City on the verge of awakening, one who's been bolstered by the Power of Faith."
As he spoke, he expelled the Power of Faith that had been instilled in him by Aneropo.
The Power of Faith manifested as an immaculate entity, reminiscent of the radiance emitted by the sun at dawn.
Yet, upon prolonged observation, one could discern the cacophony of voices within it.
These were the myriad wishes of those who prayed to the deity, an inherent characteristic of the Power of Faith that could not be separated.
"You've made contact with him?" Lana Mokos expressed her astonishment.
Out of genuine concern, she cautioned Ethan, "Recklessly interacting with a deity is not a wise move. Although that deity may seem unremarkable at a glance, any being capable of reaching that stature undeniably possesses extraordinary methods."
Ethan hadn't anticipated such concern from Lana Mokos.
Her words, however, kindled warmth in his heart.
It appeared that the notorious and cold-hearted Lana, as depicted by rumors, wasn't so heartless after all.
Ethan gave a nod, then added, "Rest assured, I'll tread carefully. This time I've sought you out not only to collaborate on the Power of Faith but also to propose another venture together."
"Collaborate again?" Lana Mokos' face broke into an unexpected smile.
She moved closer to Ethan, her countenance radiant with mirth, her eyes, gleaming like stars, fixed intently on his. Drawing a soft breath, she inquired playfully, "If you seek to collaborate with me, have you readied my compensation?"
"Compensation? Lana, we've faced life and death together," Ethan retorted, feigning indignation.
With a roll of her eyes, Lana Mokos responded, "Separate matters, separate deals. Remember, you still owe me from our last endeavor. Lay out your intentions, and I'll weigh the compensation due."
"Alright, you truly are cold-hearted," remarked Ethan. But then, with a shift in demeanor to one of solemnity, he stated, "I intend to enslave the Son of the Sun, Aneropo."
"What do you mean? Are you in earnest?" Lana Mokos asked, her voice infused with disbelief.
To enslave a deity? Such a notion seems laughably preposterous.
Yet, Lana Mokos knows Ethan all too well, understanding that he doesn't jest about matters of this gravity.
But how could such a feat even be possible?
Without hesitation, she pressed, "By what means?"
Ethan responded with conviction, "You're aware I've grasped the Soul Language of Nature, the primordial force of the soul. Before that, I acquired a particularly unique ability named the Enslavement Contract. Its purpose is to bind and ensure absolute loyalty from those enslaved. However, its potency wanes against souls of immense strength."
"But things have changed," he continued with an air of mystery.
"Having delved into the secrets of the soul, the Enslavement Contract might be better termed the Soul Contract. Yet, to cast the Soul Contract, the individual must not resist. And Lana, with your mastery over illusions, you can aid me in ensnaring our adversaries."
Ethan laid out his plan in a single breath.
This scheme wasn't conceived from the onset.
It crystallized only after Ethan laid eyes on the Son of the Sun, Aneropo.
And when he realized the feasibility of this audacious thought, an uncontrollable fervor ignited within him.
To enslave a deity - if successful, the rewards would undoubtedly be immense.
"You truly are mad," even Lana Mokos couldn't help but remark, an undertone of astonishment lacing her voice.
Then, with a playful smirk, she added, "Coincidentally, I can be quite madcap at times. Tell me how you'd like my aid. But once your plan succeeds, you must lend me that Son of the Sun for a few days of study. A true deity, albeit a weakened one, might offer me a spark of inspiration."
"Agreed," Ethan responded without hesitation.
The two then delved deep into the intricacies of their plan.
In essence, Ethan would maintain a facade near Aneropo, and just as Aneropo was on the cusp of success, Lana Mokos would ensnare him within her illusion.
For it's at the brink of triumph that a person's guard is often the lowest.
With Aneropo's consciousness trapped in this mirage, he'd be but putty in the hands of Ethan and Lana Mokos.
Naturally, the success of this plot hinges on its smooth execution.
Yet for both Lana Mokos and Ethan, joining forces seemed to almost guarantee the plan's infallibility.
Time swiftly spanned two days, and within that window, Flame City was rife with unrest.
The Son of the Sun Trade Association began the mass distribution of the Solar Reagent, even unveiling an enticing "use now, pay later" scheme, which immediately drew in the hesitant masses.
Almost half of Flame City's populace had partaken in the Solar Reagent.
Such a triumphant outcome filled the robed figures in black with palpable elation.
And naturally, Son of the Sun, Aneropo, shared in this jubilance.
Gathered beneath the city in a subterranean plaza, the cloaked individuals once again summoned Aneropo from the central bonfire.
In a rare show of emotion, Aneropo revealed a smile, instructing the assembly, "You will set up altars at these specific locations in Flame City. Ignite flames atop these altars, and once they all blaze, begin chanting my name... This is the rite of descent, and I will not tolerate any blunders."
"Yes! Majestic Son of the Sun!" The myriad figures draped in dark robes chorused in unison before dispersing from the underground plaza.
As Ethan was preparing to meld with the departing crowd, Aneropo's voice resonated again, halting him: "Black Dragon, stay!"
Puzzled, yet maintaining the guise of a devout follower, Ethan turned to Aneropo and inquired, "Honored Son of the Sun, is there another task you wish your servant to undertake?"
Aneropo cast a glance at Ethan, sensing something amiss.
However, he didn't dwell on the feeling, placing unwavering trust in his own potent power -- more accurately, in the boundless confidence of his deity status.
"Black Dragon," Aneropo began, "you are to stall the Flame Witch, Hilna. When the ritual commences, I shall bestow upon you infinite strength, enabling you to withstand Hilna's onslaught. Accomplish this, and I, personally, will usher you into the realm of deities."
Aneropo's words dripped with seduction.
Seemingly overwhelmed, Ethan fervently vowed, "Majestic Son of the Sun, I will unquestionably fulfill your directive, staunchly preventing the Flame Witch from sabotaging the ceremony."
"Good. You may depart now," Aneropo declared.
Subsequently, Ethan exited the subterranean plaza.
The meticulous preparation for the ceremony that would engulf the entirety of Flame City was unfolding smoothly.
The Son of the Sun Trade Association proposed the erection of several altars to extol the sun.
Given their prior acts of generosity, their request was readily approved.
Soon, various altars were erected, drawing numerous unsuspecting citizens who flocked to observe or lend a hand.
Yet, this was unmistakably abnormal.
From atop a tall building, Ethan silently overlooked the teeming masses below, occasionally casting anxious glances in the direction of the Flame Church, wondering about Hilna's current intentions.
Firstly, he knew Hilna recognized the peril of the situation.
Secondly, Hilna's message relayed by Khosro clearly indicated her reluctance for Ethan's assistance.
But relying solely on her power, how would Hilna confront a deity on the cusp of revival?
Although Ethan harbored uncertainties and was deeply concerned for Hilna, he respected her decision when she rebuffed his help, understanding that it was a carefully considered choice.
Thus, he refrained from undue interference, promising himself he would step in only if Hilna found herself in peril.
Naturally, this didn't conflict with Ethan's previous plan to enslave Aneropo.
Ideally, Hilna would resolve the predicament. If she couldn't, Ethan was poised to intervene.
As Ethan observed the myriad of pedestrians below, all of whom had consumed the Solar Reagent, he noted with surprise how they were drawn, seemingly mesmerized, towards the altars, basking in a subtle warmth emanating from them.
What astonished him even more was his newfound ability to perceive the flow of the Power of Faith.
"Could this be due to the excessive Power of Faith Aneropo bestowed upon me?" Ethan pondered.
In his view, the ethereal golden glow of the Power of Faith detached itself from the people and wafted towards the altars situated in different parts of the city.
Yet, it wasn't merely the Power of Faith that departed from them; it also siphoned their spiritual power.
"Is this what they call offering to a deity?"
A realization dawned upon Ethan.
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