Inside the flesh egg was not the embryo of a god at all, but a mass of fundamental particles constantly reorganizing itself, perfecting its form of existence by devouring life.
Only at the moment before being devoured did the Scepter Priest understand. The embryo was not a "god about to be born," but an awakened rule. It did not grow through faith, but expanded by "devouring possibilities." It created Ghost Brides not to serve it, but to collect living samples—for analysis, absorption, and assimilation.
What it sought to cultivate was a world without boundaries—where there was no "you" or "I," no "life" or "death," no "believers" or "gods."
There would only be itself, flowing eternally, existing eternally.
More terrifyingly, the Scepter Priest had realized this far too late. He could feel his consciousness being analyzed, copied, and then scattered into the brains of those mummies.
Raven Ian silently watched the scene. He saw the priest's White Robe gradually turn gold, while a slit for a third eye opened in the center of his forehead.
When the transformation was complete, the former High Priest had become one of the mummies, mechanically joining their chanting. New Ghost Brides continued delivering sacrifices. Ian noticed that the labels were becoming increasingly specific: "proficient in Hermes Mysteries," "mastered seven prophecy systems," "capable of controlling the Nile River tides."
The embryo was not satisfied with ordinary Life Force. It had begun selectively devouring specific knowledge and techniques, intending to gather the strengths of all living beings and complete its own omnipotence.
Ian sensed a terrifying absurdity. The ritual was still continuing. He did not see the Black-robed woman, nor did he find her body. He had no idea whether she had foreseen this and escaped, or whether she had already become one of the mummies before