There were many things Nadia wished to do in life from the moment she stepped onto that boat as a stowaway, leaving Emet for a new life in Ra’as.
She dreamed of a life far removed from what her mother planned for her and one that stayed true to what her father had taught her.
Alas, at the end of the day, she found herself plying the same path she had wished to stay far away from.
And so, as she stood not too far from the settlement she had ravaged all in a bid to complete her trial, she couldn’t help but grimace as she denied the phenomenon happening all across the continent.
These people and perhaps a few more in other locations within Henos did not get to hear the words Alex shared with everyone, and so they continued to wallow in despair, allowing Nadia to finish what she had started.
Once Alex was done, she retrieved her denial, once again allowing the settlement to be in tune with the rest of Henos.
Taking one last look at the destruction she had wrought on the unsuspecting Henosians, Nadia turned and whispered a spell in deviltongue, swiftly arriving on the seventh floor of the Infernal Palace, where Vessina was waiting to receive her with open arms.
Well done, child, I didn’t know you had it in you.
"I don’t," Nadia said, trying and failing to hold back the tears threatening to come out.
An amused laugh escaped Vessina’s lips as she stepped down from her throne and crossed the distance to stand at arm’s length from Nadia.
You are so precious. Almost makes me forget that your master reneged on a deal we had.
Nadia froze, having not expected Vessina’s words.
"...What are you talking about?"
Hah, never mind. You wish to meet with mother, don’t you?
"... Yes," Nadia replied before asking. "Do you think what I did was sufficient?"
Did you not count your victims, child?
Nadia slowly shook her head in response.
How could she?... For each victim she came across, her heart broke even further and after meeting with that Henosian man... she didn’t have the stomach to keep going.
Quite unfortunate. Well then, what say you?... Do you wish to return and confirm your victims or do you wish to take the risk?... I must warn you, Mother has been quite agitated recently.
"Why?" Nadia asked as her heart plummeted.
Having made it clear that she wouldn’t respond to her question, Nadia closed her eyes and after a brief moment of silence, she intoned. "Take me to the Underworld."
The next instant, the scenery changed and instead of an opulent place built for a supreme ruler, it was a deep and dark cavern with writhing shadows on the wall and blue flame tongues that offered little in the form of light or warmth.
Rivers of blood flowed past in meandering streams with the bones of many creatures floating within and in the shadows, whispers were heard along with the feeling that one was being watched.
No matter how many times she came, Nadia thought, she would never get used to the Underworld.
Vessina said as she led the way onward with Nadia quickly following behind, unwilling to be left behind with whatever it was that lurked in the writhing shadows.
Soon, she arrived in the throne room of the Underworld, a place occupied by the Mother of Devils and Queen of Evil.
Lilith was seated atop her throne, just as she always was with her face covered by a veil.
Nadia didn’t hesitate to drop to her knees and bow in reverence while Vessina gave a slight bow.
Child. What do you have for me?
Nadia replied. "I greet the Great Mother. I have come to inform you that I have completed the Trial assigned to me."
But that is not an issue. Such can be easily resolved.
As she spoke, Lilith gestured at Vessina who didn’t hesitate to conjure up spiritual forms of different individuals.
There were many, both men and women.
Judging from their constitution and their expressions, Nadia guessed that these spiritual forms were actually the pneuma of those who had signed a deal with Vessina for whatever reason.
It was well known that Devils did not just allow one to become a Mystic.
They could give one wealth, false immortality, love and so much more... all for a price.
Take away the thing that Vessina has given to the men and you would have completed your trial.
Lilith bellowed, her unyielding tone leaving no room for argument.
Nadia trembled as she realized she had no choice, and so, slowly, she got to her feet and made her way to the first of the spiritual forms.
He was a man in his mid-thirties with features that made Nadia guess his identity as a Razan.
Taking a deep breath, she reached out to him and touched the spiritual form, which allowed some information to rush into her mind, primarily, what the man had asked for.
Money... of course, why was she not surprised?
What amount of money was worth one’s pneuma?... Nadia would never know and so, she didn’t hesitate to pull her hand back, taking away what had been given.
A wail escaped from the depths of the spiritual form before it dissipated causing Vessina to chuckle in amusement.
Nadia glanced at Vessina and then at Lilith, after which she continued.
With each touch, she took what had been given, causing these people to fall into despair.
By the time she was done, Nadia was breathing fast, her body trembling as she looked down at her palm.
She felt something in that moment but it wasn’t fear or guilt or even a little bit of hurt.
No, she was happy... joy filled her heart and that feeling caused a deep sense of dread to come upon her.