From Little Deepforge's jumbled account, Renato more or less understood what had happened. Madra's attempt to please Laduguer had failed; he had not received the god's favor and become a Chosen One.
His whole approach had been wrong. Renato was somewhat speechless. This wasn't Earth, where promotions and raises largely depended on KPIs and performance. The favor of Ereel's Gods was a deeply subjective matter. Sometimes even a beggar could be elevated to a Chosen One by a corresponding deity because of their convictions and will.
Still, Renato himself wasn't entirely clear on what exactly a "Chosen One" was. Although he was nominally Dakoul's Chosen One, even with his original body's memories, he had no idea when he had received His favor.
Perhaps during the sacrificial ritual? Could even a sacrifice receive divine favor?
Renato shook his head, dismissing these pointless thoughts. The more pressing issue was how to break out of their current predicament.
Seeing Madra's dejected posture, Renato had an idea. But to make absolutely certain, he first asked:
"Your Highness, if it wasn't Laduguer's favor, how did the Mind Ripper produce such an effect on the sacrificial platform...?"
"Don't you understand yet?" Madra interrupted. "The ritual merely awakened the divine power within the artifact, combined with a few spell scrolls to create some artificial effects. As for lighting up the entire city, that was the altar's own function. It can amplify the artifact's effects."
The young Deepforge waved a hand. "Besides expanding the Mind Ripper's ability to block mental links, it amplified the lighting effect along with it. It's that simple. If you have nothing else to say, get lost and stop bothering me."
Renato nodded and continued:
"Blocking mental links alone won't stop the Mind Flayers' army. As the last Deepforge, Your Highness should be considering