The Extra is a Cult Leader

Ethan leaned back in the carved wooden chair of the private hall, Nexus pulsing in his hand as he focused his divine energy. A golden flame danced between his fingers before expanding into a translucent veil.

He was using his divine energy to connect directly with Eldranor.

"Aeris," he called, his voice firm yet almost casual.

The veil quivered, and seconds later, the priestess's face appeared on its shimmering surface. She seemed to have been interrupted from something, still dressed in her white ritual robes adorned with Aurelia's symbol.

"Ethan?" Her voice carried clear relief, quickly tempered by a shadow of hesitation. "My lord, are you well?"

"Better than ever," he replied, his smile unwavering. "Things here moved quickly. I plan to establish a route from Argenne to Eldranor so our cult members can reach our kingdom more easily. The local princess will help us."

Aeris tilted her head slightly, her eyes betraying a hint of discomfort. "She… she accepted that easily?"

"She understands it's more advantageous this way," Ethan said, briefly glancing aside as if arranging his thoughts. "And she trusts enough not to question."

Though Aeris was probably the person who trusted him most, or rather, trusted the herald, he still had no intention of revealing his new magic to anyone.

For a moment, Aeris was silent. When she spoke, her voice was softer. "She trusts… or is she interested?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow, his smile intact. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Aeris."

Her cheeks colored faintly, but she quickly regained composure, lifting her chin with her usual serene dignity. "Forgive me, that was an improper comment."

"No need to apologize," he said, almost amused. "I like when you show you care."

She sighed, glancing away for a moment. "Then, should I arrange for more members to be sent?"

"Yes. Some acolytes, but mostly trustworthy people. Eldranor must welcome not only devout clergy but also builders, craftsmen, scholars… I want to turn the kingdom into a true center of power."

Aeris looked back at him, her expression steady again. "Understood. It will take a few days, but I'll organize everything."

Ethan nodded slowly. "And Aeris… I want you here as soon as possible. Your presence will speed things up."

Her gaze softened, and for a brief moment, she seemed simply Aeris, not the Priestess of Aurelia. "Yes, my lord. When you call, I will come."

He let the silence stretch between them, letting her feel how much he valued her loyalty, before his tone returned to business. "One more thing. I need to know how the neighboring kingdoms are doing. Anything new?"

"Little has changed. There are rumors of military movements, but nothing confirmed. It doesn't seem like war is brewing," she answered, all professional.

"Perfect. Keep watching. I want to know everything before it reaches the streets," Ethan said, his voice turning cold and calculating.

"Yes, my lord," Aeris replied.

He kept the contact for a few more seconds, watching her features soften before the veil of light trembled and disappeared, leaving only the golden glow on his fingers.

Ethan stood, the sound of his boots echoing across the stone floor of the hall. For a moment, he paused at the window overlooking the castle's inner courtyards. Nobles walked, soldiers trained, all quiet and moving at an obviously unnatural perfect rhythm.

Everything was falling into place. This was just the first step to transforming not only Eldranor but the entire continent.

He flexed his fingers as Nexus pulsed, a familiar warmth flowing under his skin.

"The best goddess deserves the best herald," he murmured to himself.

And with that, he left the hall, ready for the next stage.

When Ethan descended the stone steps leading to the inner courtyard, the princess was already waiting for him. The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the carefully trimmed gardens, and behind her, two servants watched silently.

She wore a dark, elegant dress that contrasted sharply with her pale skin and light hair. A gentle smile rested on her usually empty face, though it still didn't reach her eyes. "I see you've finished your conversation with that girl."

"And I see you still have eyes everywhere," Ethan teased lightly, keeping his tone calm, revealing little. "But now, I want to talk about how we'll bring more cult members here."

The princess tilted her head, idly playing with the edge of a silk glove. "I imagine it's quite a large group."

"Quite," Ethan agreed. "And not just priests: people with skills, knowledge, influence. Master builders, craftsmen, scholars. If we're going to rebuild something, let it be something that lasts centuries."

She frowned slightly, thoughtful. "And you'll use them to restore your so-called kingdom… won't you?"

"Exactly," Ethan replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. "And to make sure this kingdom, your kingdom, becomes a mantle to hide mine beneath."

She raised her eyebrows, surprised that he'd want to hide an entire kingdom. "You're very careful for someone so special," she murmured, staring at him.

"I am," he confirmed. "Like you said, I'm special, not my subjects. I won't always be there for them, just as I'm not there now."

For a moment, her gaze seemed to judge him, almost disapprovingly, before regaining its natural coldness. "And what about us? Where do we fit into this?"

"You'll remain the face and future ruler of the kingdom," Ethan said, stepping closer to her. "But behind the scenes… it'll be my plans that help it prosper."

She didn't step back. On the contrary, she stayed right where she was, close. "You're confident you can control me?"

"You speak as if I'm not already doing that," Ethan corrected gently, almost intimately. "Besides, it's enough that you stay interested in what I can offer."

The corner of her mouth curved into a smile again, and even her eyes seemed less cold. "And what exactly do you think you can offer me?"

"Survival," he answered without hesitation. "The chance to see this entire continent at my feet, standing on the winning side. My side."

She fell silent, the wind playing with a loose strand of her hair. Then she took a step closer. "Maybe I'll accept, for now," she said, her voice low, almost a whisper.

Ethan held her gaze, then simply smiled, satisfied.

They spoke for a few minutes more, but the servants nearby remained still and silent throughout. Their empty eyes mirrored the princess's own. At the end, she walked with him to the castle's main corridor, where white marble columns supported the vaulted ceiling.

There, Ethan stopped and turned, his expression turning more serious. "I'll be returning to my kingdom," he said. "But I'll be back soon."

She raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"No," Ethan replied. "I just need to fetch some materials that don't exist here, and that I don't trust anyone else to bring."

She didn't question further, only folded her arms. "Then go," she murmured, her tone softer than she probably intended.

Ethan dipped his head slightly, turned, and walked through the corridors until he reached the nearest open window.

He wanted the Guardian's help to arrange some kind of transport to ease travel between Argenne and Eldranor. And also to test whether his new magic would keep working far away, or if everyone he had killed would simply drop dead the moment he left the city.