Supreme Magus novel Chapter 2141

"And that changed when the All-Father appeared in front of his believers, exposed the fake clerics, and claimed that whoever gives up on their gift for magic is unworthy of living." Zekell replied.

"Why do you think the followers of the cult changed its name and now embrace magic instead of rejecting it?"

"I don't remember saying any of it." Lith shrugged. "It was just a farce to screw up the ringleaders of the cult."

"In fact, you didn't." Solus nodded. "More importantly, it was Friya who defeated you during your All-Father act. How did you involve her and how come she's now a Bright Maiden?"

"That was Faluel's idea." Zekell replied. "The cultists were doing a lot of good for Lutia, helping with their magic however they could and clearing your name. She thought that it was best to spin their narrative to our advantage so that upon your return, you wouldn't find a dying city.

"She stepped forward, claiming that her hair was the sign of her bond with you and that Friya was actually your envoy all along. That she had helped you in order to expose those who were smearing the name of the All-Father."

"And the people of Lutia believed that?" Lith was flabbergasted.

"Not at first. They've known you since you were a child and for most of them the idea that you are some kind of primordial god was simply ridiculous." Zekell shook his head.

"Most of them?" Elina echoed.

"Just like Trion, many fallen Lutians rose as Demons during Meln's attack. Some had just been killed by the undead while others were long gone. All of them came back to protect their respective loved ones and had the time to say their goodbyes before fading away." Zekell pointed at the black candles.

"The Demons spoke with their families and neighbors, telling them things that no one else could possibly know. Those people were the first to convert to the cult, sharing the miracle they had witnessed.

"On top of that, Faluel and Friya healed those in critical condition and got rid of most of the bandits in the area. At that point, the people of Lutia wouldn't have cared even if the cult claimed that Lith is the god of destruction.

"As for the cultists, they would believe anything that puts Lith in a good light. With time, more and more of them arrived and Lutia started to get repopulated.

"Some are fanatics who have seen you in action during your missions for the Kingdom, but most of them are just people who have been driven away from their homes by the war, looking for a safe place to stay."

"How did you become the high cleric?" Rena asked.

"I'm the father-in-law of the sister of the All-Father and I had my shop already full of merchandise about Lith." Zekell said with a laugh.

"The cultists begged me to teach them about him and I saw an opportunity to clear Lith's name, revive the city, and finally be able to walk the streets without a detail. It was a win-win deal."

"If Faluel and Friya are helping, why are there so many desperate people praying in the temple?" Tista asked.

"Because they don't stay here the whole day. They come to Lutia from time to time and heal those in need, but it would take them weeks to treat everyone. People come all over the Lustria County hoping to get their turn." Zekell replied.