—— ? ——

  > System Event - Meeting of the Divine

  > Location: Grounds of Peace, Unaffiliated divine realm.

  Time until event: 1h 18m 14s…

  ——————————

  Melodian’s vision shifted as he stepped between realms. His foot stepped down, and he appeared in the grounds of peace.

  He scanned the crowd of gathered divine beings and took note of the ones he knew.

  The events that had transpired on the nameless span had shocked him to his core.

  A precept of war being enacted? Rare, but not unheard of. Melodian remembered the last time the precept had been initiated.

  It had been a time of upheaval. Chaotic and wild.

  But this event?

  He shook his head.

  Just how arrogant was Varrax? Did he not remember what happened the last time this precept had been enacted?

  Melodian scoffed. There was no chance of that.

  Varrax’s rise to power was due to that event.

  The last deity to hold the martial domain had been the one to call the event forward.

  That had been a dark time. Melodian had struck the god’s name from his memory. So had most deities.

  But they hadn’t forgotten the blood bath that being had left in his wake.

  That god was a reason the martial domain only had one deity controlling it.

  Yet, it had all been for naught. The cocky martial god had consolidated the domain, then triggered the event on the next nameless span.

  They had backed thirty-one portals.

  Thirty-one.

  And the backlash and weakness from that event had resulted in their death.

  Now their successor was repeating their mistakes.

  At a scale that was unprecedented.

  Deity after deity materialized in the realm.

  Melodian took note of each one. The sheer amount of divinity in these grounds was staggering.

  “Ohhhh Meloooodiannnnn.” A smooth, silky voice echoed from behind him.

  Melodian’s face nearly cracked. How had she snuck up on him?

  He turned. “Why hello, Sylira.” Melodian gave her a forced smile. “I was wondering when you were going to show up.”

  The goddess of living records slid into his personal space. Her runic translucent tendrils of cloth danced around her.

  Sylira pouted. “Don’t pull away from me. You act like you don’t like me.” Her lips trembled as she looked at him with large eyes.

  Melodian rolled his own eyes. “Sylira, you act like you aren’t inches from my face.”

  Sylira’s face twisted from her pout instantly. She smirked and pulled away, her eyes shifting to some deities who had moved in to close.

  As her gaze landed on them, they vanished, appearing at the other side of the grounds in an instant.

  Sylira snickered. “I see my reputation is as strong as ever.”

  “Really?” Melodian held his hand to his chest. He looked around in shock. “I hadn’t noticed!”

  Despite the ever growing number of gods, the space around them was empty. Sylira squinted at him.

  “Do you have any thoughts on the event?” Sylira asked. Her bandage tendrils searched the space around her, watching for eavesdroppers.

  Melodian shook his head. “None. I still can’t believe it. If it hadn’t been a system notice, I would have assumed it was some god of commerce’s scheme.” He glanced around him. “This is beyond anything I could have predicted.”

  Sylira studied his face, then nodded. “Agreed.”

  They stood in awkward silence as Sylira turned her attention to the crowd of divine beings. Melodian was glad she was near him. In meetings like this, she was one of the greatest shields against overly chatty divine beings.

  No one wanted to come close to the goddess of living records.

  Except, of course, one particularly enthusiastic glowing blue ball of fire.

  “Oh no.” Sylira hissed, moving behind Melodian. “I forgot he might be here.”

  Melodian genuinely smiled.

  Like the system event, this was something he would never have predicted. That there was a divine being that Sylira would avoid.

  The countless realms were truly vast.

  “Hey! Sylira!” The tear-drop-shaped fire shimmered in delight. “I was hoping you would be here!”

  The fireball floated across the grounds, its wide eyes taking in everything it saw with wonder.

  “Glint, we have nothing to discuss.” Sylira snapped out. “I am busy talking to Melodian the Magnificent.”

  The blue fire spirit froze in mid-air. His big eyes shifted into a downcast expression.

  “Don’t worry, Glint the Guide.” Melodian gave him a warm smile. “I would be delighted to share our conversation with you.”

  “Melodiannnn.” Sylira hissed in his ear. “What are you doing?!”

  Melodian glanced down at Sylira's face next to his shoulder. “Inviting a fellow god to our conversation. Is that so wrong?”

  He gave her a look of pure innocence.

  “I’m going to get you for this,” she hissed, then stepped away from him. Sylira grimaced and forced a smile. “Alright, Glint the Guide. What can I help you with?”

  “I have come to trade information!” The ascended fire elemental bubbled. “I have been to so many wonderful places. So much wonderful information about fuel to share with you!”

  Sylira put her face in her hands. She let out a long sigh.

  “Glint. I have told you. I am the Goddess of LIVING records. I am not interested in your descriptions of–” she lifted her head, staring glint dead on. “--sticks.”

  Glint froze, the fire of his body locked in time. His eyes got big, tears of flame brimming in them.

  “Oh. That's right,” he said sadly. “I forgot.” His flame shrunk and he turned in the air. “Sorry for wasting your time.”

  “Sylira.” Melodian frowned at her.

  Sylira met his gaze. Her face scrunched up.

  Melodian gestured toward the retreating young god.

  Sylira sighed. “Fine.”

  Her voice raised, and she called after the flickering flame. “But maybe you have seen some unique beings in your hunt for…” she ground her teeth. “Fuel.”

  The blue flame whirled, happy ripples flowing through him. “Oh!”

  He practically bounced back to them. “But I have! Let me tell you about this really cute creature I saw! Maybe it would be a good trade? Maybe I could exchange it for information on where I could find tasty fuel?!”

  Sylira's face was stone, but her head bobbed ever so slightly.

  “Maybe”

  “Yay!”

  Internally, Melodian roared with laughter.

  At least something positive would come from this meeting.

  —— ? ——

  > System Event War Council.

  > Location: Varnholt Artisan Enclave

  > Portal Sponsor: Varrax the Unyielding.

  Time until event: 1h 13m 14s…

  ——————————

  Councilor Serel rubbed her temples in frustration.

  How had this meeting gone so far off course?

  Around her, the councilors of Varnholt argued back and forth. Each had their own opinion on what they should do. None seemed willing to agree.

  “We simply cannot stay!” Emrick protested, his voice tight. “I don’t understand your reasoning. How is staying in the valley even a consideration?” The thin tailor gestured towards Kurda. “For once, I agree with Councilor Kurda. I think the only option is retreating through the tunnel and closing it behind us. With the combined effort of the town, it should only take hours to make it through.”

  “You have said that, tailor,” Maelis replied in disgust. “But what if they merely dig after us?”

  “Oie will seal der’ stone at er’ back!” Kurda cut in.

  Maelis rolled his eyes.

  And so the back and forth went.

  Serel frowned.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Was this really the time to be arguing? Her eyes flicked to the left as she pulled up the system notice again.

  Time until event: 1h 12m 44s… 1h 12m 43s…

  Surely the other councilors understood that as the time ticked away, their options left with it?

  She had enough.

  Serel stood from her makeshift seat in the warehouse near the north gate. Some of the conversation died, but the one heated argument continued between Maelis and another human.

  She stared the two down, studying them both closely.

  They were completely unaware of her movement.

  Odd.

  Her eyes flicked to the shadows, spotting the figure of Dravlen. The Yoreboon had been watching the pair when her gaze landed on him. He met her eyes.

  Unspoken meaning moved between them as they held each other's gaze.

  Dravlen had informed her of something dangerous that morning. He hadn’t revealed his sources, but she had theories.

  But if there was even an ounce of truth to the warning, this entire scenario made sense.

  Someone was interfering with the minds of Varnholters, and it was most likely someone in this room.

  There was only one way to solve this issue.

  Serel took a deep breath.

  “Councilors!”

  The two’s argument was cut short, and their eyes turned to her.

  “I have listened and heard everyone’s proposals to this problem,” she gestured to the room. “But we do not have the time for this.” Serel gave Maelis a stern look. As soon as disagreement had broken out, the Yoreboon had called for a short fifteen-minute break from the tabled discussion. He reasoned that, as smaller groups, they could discuss their options and come to the best one.

  It sounded good at the time. Yet, after they had returned from private discussions, they were further from reaching a consensus.

  “We have nearly spent an hour ‘discussing’, yet do not have a solution.” Her gaze swept through the room. “Now is not the time for squabbles. Not to mention, no one has proposed any new plans in the last thirty minutes. We have but two choices.”

  She held up a glowing gold tinted hand and lifted a finger.

  “One, we abandon Varnholt. Councilor Kurda has proposed that all residents take only what they can carry and enter the tunnels. The architects, stone masons, and any others that have skills in that area will close it behind us. From there, we simply continue the tunnel as quickly as possible and escape to the other side of the mountain.”

  “A foolish plan.” Maelis spat.

  Serel locked her burning emerald eyes on the smith. The Yoreboon simply smirked at her.

  “Two, we shore up our defenses and prepare to repel this attack. We are not fighters, but we are not weak.”

  Her expression was grim as she met the faces of her colleagues. “You can all imagine the cost of this plan.”

  Serel shook her head. “Besides those two plans, are there any others? Speak now, as time is of the essence.”

  Everyone was silent for a moment.

  “I believe there is a third option.”

  Serel frowned as she looked back at Maelis. “And what would that option be, Councillor Maelis?”

  He shrugged. “We surrender. The system notice doesn’t say anything about death. It says conquer,” he raised an eyebrow. “Not sure how it was in that sparkly world of yours, Serel. But in my world, there are kings and rulers. In my lifetime, dozens have come and gone. This is just another ruler.”

  “Yer’ can't be serious,” Kurda exclaimed. “Just roll on over? Like er’ a submissive pet?”

  Maelis sighed. “Yes, stone mind, I am serious.” He swept his hands out. “Just think about it, will you? If we go into the tunnel, what happens when they catch us? We defend against them. What happens when they breach the walls?”

  “If they breach the walls.” Dravlen’s deep voice echoed from the shadows. “You say that like it's a foregone conclusion.”

  Maelis frowned, meeting the eyes of the other member of his race. “And you think we have a chance?” he turned back to the council. “This army is backed by a god. We are just artisans. I swear you ingrates think so highly of yourselves.”

  He turned his attention to Brian. “Our defense relies on this man. The one who is emotionally unstable and detached right now. Without that barrier, we are as good as conquered.”

  “Excuse me?” Brian snapped back. “You’re talking about me, pipsqueak?!”

  “Ha!” Maelis laughed. “Just look at him. Listen to him. He’s off his rocker today. Oh noooo, someone close to me died." Maelis said mockingly. “Get a grip, human. People die. That woman wasn’t even a member of your own race.”

  Brian jumped to his feet. Kurda followed him up and held him from moving.

  “You fucking asshole!” Brian yelled.

  “See?” Maelis gave the council a sad look. “Completely useless right now. He's just a dainty flower that got crushed by seeing his lover stabbed while he was too busy tinkering with his toys. Pathetic.”

  Brian crackled with energy, and Maelis grinned.

  Then a flashbang of golden light erupted. Everyone held their hands to their eyes, some yelping in surprise.

  “ENOUGH!” Serel roared. “Councilor Maelis, we have heard your points.”

  Her stare dared those recovering from the lightshow to speak.

  “I am enacting a vote right now. We will have two o–”

  “Three,” Maelis growled, his eyes burning with hatred. “There is no head of this council, Serel. I will not be ignored because you wish to play favorites with your friends.”

  Serel locked eyes with him. “Fine.”

  She turned away. “There will be three options to vote on. We flee Varnholt. We defend Varnholt.” She grit her teeth. “And we surrender Varnholt.”

  Maelis nodded. “I am glad you are rational. I propose a fifteen-minute interlude for us to discuss those three options.”

  Silence.

  “No,” Serel stated. “I say we vote now.”

  “Councilor Ser–” Maelis began.

  “Seconded.” Dravlen cut him off.

  “Er’ agree as well.” Kurda chimed in. Emrick, Brian, and others all nodded in approval.

  Maelis looked like he had been forced to swallow a bucket of shit.

  That made many in the room happy. More agreed to the vote.

  A notice appeared informing the council of the vote. Maelis looked even more pissed when he saw that there was a five-minute timer.

  “Now,” Serel stated. “It’s time to decide our future. Cast your votes, council. Time does not wait.”

  —— ? ——

  Realms away, more heated arguments raged on about what to do regarding the event.

  Melodian yawned as god after god debated how this turn of events was even possible.

  Despite their bluster, the answer of everyone who had spoken so far was simple.

  They had no damned clue.

  “Thank you, Sylira!” Glint the Guide flickered. His version of a wave as he practically vibrated away. “I will be sure to go visit these realms! With my job done, I have so many things to taste!”

  Sylira and Melodian watched the happy young god vanish from existence.

  “I wonder,” Melodian spoke. “Just how difficult it is to get through those realms to the ‘tasty’ fuel you have suggested.”

  Sylira smiled slyly, “What are you accusing me of? That I would intentionally send the annoying fireball to places that take extraordinary effort and time to reach?”

  Melodian tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. His eyes bored into her as her sly smile faded.

  She sighed. “I wish it were that simple.” She rubbed a delicate hand through her hair, frustration bubbling into her voice. “That Damned fire sprout has been to almost every place I thought would take him time.”

  She turned to Melodian. “He’s just so infuriating.”

  Melodian laughed. “Oh? Has the Goddess of the Living Record finally found her match? I thought you would love speaking with a god that has the moniker ‘guide’. Surely, you could learn tidbits about the mortals he has guided, no?”

  A bandage wrapped around her hand, and she tugged it in irritation. “No! That's the problem! That little fireball is just.. Just…”

  Melodian’s eyebrows raised. He hadn’t seen her so frustrated. Never.

  “Just?”

  “Just too pure!” she snapped. “When I ask him anything about the mortals he has guided, the information just burns away! He simply says, ‘Oh, I can’t tell you that! Sorry! As a guide, it would be rude!'" Her eyes met Melodian’s, “And that's it! He doesn’t leak anything. He’s just too simple. He truly only wishes to be the best guide he can… and…” she practically vomited the next part. “Taste fuel. The only impressions I can take from him are of those stupid sticks!”

  Melodian started laughing. The image of Sylira's mind being harassed with countless imagery of various sticks from multiple realms was just far too funny.

  “Stop laughing at me!” she pouted. “It’s not funny!”

  “Oh, but it is.” Melodian grinned at her. “You will just have to keep supplying him with everything you know about various… sticks.” Sylira scowled at his beaming smile.

  “Or what?”

  “Or he will never stop asking for it. His obsession is clear. He reminds me of the beast gods. Once they set their eyes on their prey, they won't stop.” Melodian winked. “Unfortunately, oh goddess of the living record, your knowledge of sticks is Glint’s prey.”

  “Whyyyyy.” She moaned.

  “I see you two are as useless as ever.” A dark voice boomed behind them.

  Sylira and Melodian spun, eyes alert. They froze when they saw the speaker.

  So did every god in the divine space.

  Varrax the Unyielding had arrived.

  “Get out of my way.”

  They jumped to the side as the god strode to the center of the grounds.

  What is going on? Melodian stared at the martial god. He was every bit as intimidating as he had been.

  In fact, he seemed even stronger than he ever had before.

  “Sylira,” Melodian whispered.

  “Impossible.” Sylira stared. “That’s impossible.”

  Melodian looked at her face. It was filled with terror.

  He had never seen her scared.

  His perception slowed as he replayed his memory from the last few seconds. The sounds of the world that he ignored, he brought into full focus. To do this all the time was taxing for him, especially in a place with so many deities.

  But his god mind still recorded the sounds. Melodian would have normally reviewed them later, in the calm of his own realm.

  However, Sylira's terrified face scared him.

  That’s when he saw it in his memories. Replayed in the waves of sound around him.

  The martial god had appeared several paces behind them, both of them unaware and guard down.

  He had then strode right up to their backs.

  Right into Sylira’s bandages.

  Melodian’s mind caught up to the present, and he stared into the goddess’s eyes.

  “What is impossible?”

  “Him.” Her voice was so quiet, Melodian had to use his gifts to hear it. “Melodian. He’s not weak. He’s stronger than ever.”

  “Are you sure?” Melodian manipulated his voice so that it traveled in a precise route. Straight to the goddess.

  She nodded slowly.

  How?!

  His eyes shifted to the center of the grounds. Varrax stood, dark armor blazing, casting eerie shadows on his twisted face.

  The martial god’s aura proudly on display.

  An Aura that shouldn’t be possible.

  Everyone knew what had happened to his predecessor. The god had sponsored thirty-one portals. That had weakened him and made him vulnerable.

  Then Varrax had challenged him and killed him.

  And now, he had backed over six hundred portals.

  Despite this extraordinary expenditure, which should have left him crippled, it was like nothing had happened.

  The martial god crossed his arms.

  “I was surprised you would invite me to this meeting.” His jeering gaze swept through the crowd. “But not as surprised as you are, I see. What, didn’t think I would come? Thought I would be too weak?”

  His lips cracked into a vicious grin. “What’s the matter? Don’t like what you see?”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” A god draped in gold stepped in front of the crowd of gods. “I will admit I am surprised. What do you have to say for yourself, Ruler of the Martial Domain? Why have you declared war on your brethren?"

  Varrax scoffed. “Declared war? How dare you suggest it? I have merely enacted a precept. My predecessor did the same.” He licked his lips. “Unlike him, I’m strong enough to actually do it.”

  “But to offer up your strength for such an event, are you not afraid of repeating those mistakes?” The golden-clad god of commerce asked.

  “It was merely a drop in the bucket,” Varrax said confidently. “Worry not, my power is as strong as ever.” He gestured towards Sylira. “I’m sure the goddess of living records can confirm that fact.”

  All gazes shifted to Sylira.

  For the first time since he had known her, the goddess wilted under the attention of others.

  Throughout the grounds, divine eyes went wide as they saw Sylira's face and slight nod.

  Varrax gave a smug smile.

  “Are there any here who wish to pursue the accusation that I am calling for war among the gods?” He asked, his voice deadly. “Any that would say I have broken the old accord?”

  Silence reigned in the space.

  “Good.” Varrax smiled. “In that case, I have armies to lead.”

  He slammed his fists together. The resulting impact blasted out from him as the Martial god vanished.

  The wave of power swept over all in attendance, stunning the space into silence.

  Sylira whispered a question that everyone wanted to ask.

  “How is this possible?”

  —— ? ——

  The same question was asked back in Varnholt by a very angry smith.

  Maelis stood in a dark alley, his fist bloody and the wall dented.

  How had it passed? How had those fools managed to pass the vote to retreat to the tunnel?

  Stone crunched and metal rang as his fist impacted the wall for the umpteenth time. His bloodshot eyes snapped up as he pulled up the timer

  Time until event: 0h 47m 14s…

  Nearly half of the residents had already assembled in the square. Soon, all residents would be ready, and they would march to the tunnel, and safety.

  Maelis’s dark eyes stared down the alley.

  He had been so close. The carnage and blood he craved had been right on his fingertips.

  Maelis licked his lips.

  That damned Human. That damned glowing bitch.

  He would make them pay.

  —— ? ——

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