The paladin artifact, the Holy Avenger, shimmered with layer upon layer of light in Reynard's hand.
Ever since the weapon had come into his possession, Reynard had understood his mission.
Kill Xvim and put an end to Bane's legacy once and for all.
So Reynard had slipped into the Salian Shogunate's army under cover of invisibility. Through his friendship with Abdel, Imoen, and Sarevok, he had secured the help of Amn's Shadow Thieves and successfully infiltrated the secret site in Zhentil Keep.
Aaron did not care if Xvim ascended to godhood. In fact, he wanted Xvim to ascend of his own accord, because that was the key to seizing the [Strife] divine portfolio.
Reynard was different. He simply wanted Xvim dead.
Ordinary mortals could not harm a deity, even a newly born one.
Reynard could, because he was a Bhaalspawn. Reynard could, because he held the artifact known as the Holy Avenger.
Fuzor had mysteriously vanished the moment Xvim ascended. Disma had been lured elsewhere to fight Baldur's Gate Three Siblings, and the hundreds of Bane's clerics present had all been drained of their power of faith.
There was only one chance.
Reynard had done it. When his blade broke through Xvim's divine shield and he heard it sink into flesh, relief washed over him.
His objective was complete. He could face death in peace.
Until a black gauntlet seized the Holy Avenger.
Bane, the true God of Tyranny and leader of the Dead Three, burst out of Xvim's body in the form of a young, muscular human man!
Xvim's chest burst open, his skin tearing apart. The newborn God of Tyranny and Hatred, the lesser deity of Phlegethos, witnessed his father's resurrection with his own eyes. Bane's son opened his mouth, then his divine body shriveled like a deflated