I suppose... it’s hard to be enthusiastic about a visit from someone who has only spoken to me through crystal projections for over a century. It almost feels as though we are strangers... meeting for the first time...


Does it now?


I missed you... I really, really did.


But...


I see...

How have things been around here? Any progress?


How have things been around here? Any progress?

With Nar-hamoth around I haven’t been able to continue with my search. But I went to Ghoram-Dul the other day and asked the Seer about her and—


With Nar-hamoth around I haven’t been able to continue with my search. But I went to Ghoram-Dul the other day and asked the Seer about her and—

Not the faerie. The hive in the Grenmar region. I believe its construction should be nearly finished by now?


Not the faerie. The hive in the Grenmar region. I believe its construction should be nearly finished by now?

Did you come here just to ask me about such banal matters, or because you wanted to see me?


Did you come here just to ask me about such banal matters, or because you wanted to see me?

Do I have to choose between those two options? I did not expect you to be so demanding from your superiors, girl.


Do I have to choose between those two options? I did not expect you to be so demanding from your superiors, girl.


<i>Superiors</i>, you say?

I do not have all the time in the world for your empty questions. Will you answer, or—


I do not have all the time in the world for your empty questions. Will you answer, or—

Uria sent you, didn’t she? She sent you to keep track of my activities, as if I needed another Shadow of hers around here.


Uria sent you, didn’t she? She sent you to keep track of my activities, as if I needed another Shadow of hers around here.

Oh, but of course. ‘Shadow’ really suits you better than it does that brainless brute, except most of the scum in this place prefers to add ‘Master’ to it for some stupid reason.


Oh, but of course. ‘Shadow’ really suits you better than it does that brainless brute, except most of the scum in this place prefers to add ‘Master’ to it for some stupid reason.


You seem agitated—


El— Elyssa—


GET OUT!

Elyssa... There is something I need to know.


Elyssa... There is something I need to know.

I thought I told you to go away. I am not interested in helping you anymore.


I thought I told you to go away. I am not interested in helping you anymore.

I need your help. Please... You are the only one I could ever trust who can use the powers of Darkness to block the Seer’s vision. I need to find my wife—


I need your help. Please... You are the only one I could ever trust who can use the powers of Darkness to block the Seer’s vision. I need to find my wife—

Why did you not try to find her before surrendering your free will to Uria? If you truly loved the Lady of Light, the first thing you should have done was—


Why did you not try to find her before surrendering your free will to Uria? If you truly loved the Lady of Light, the first thing you should have done was—

I already told you... I did not choose to be stranded on Urvatha for so long. Uria does not want me to find Elynia yet. I am worried that her plans could jeopardize your own safety. You must do something for me...


I already told you... I did not choose to be stranded on Urvatha for so long. Uria does not want me to find Elynia yet. I am worried that her plans could jeopardize your own safety. You must do something for me...


If you find Elynia, you must kill her.


... Why?

You... You are in even worse shape than I thought. I simply cannot fathom what is going through Uria’s mind as of late. Why would she trust <i>you</i> with the command of the Empire like this?


You... You are in even worse shape than I thought. I simply cannot fathom what is going through Uria’s mind as of late. Why would she trust <i>you</i> with the command of the Empire like this?

No. Listen. You can consult with the Seer later — I am sure she knows of the voice as well, but she has always refused to speak with me. I have a suspicion about that voice...


No. Listen. You can consult with the Seer later — I am sure she knows of the voice as well, but she has always refused to speak with me. I have a suspicion about that voice...


Does Uria need to know?


No.

Very well, then. I hope the Seer will not inform her about this, though.


Very well, then. I hope the Seer will not inform her about this, though.

I do not think she has found out about your search yet, has she? You know the Seer is as much your ally as she is Uria’s — she does not take sides. She will not betray you, but not specifically because of your affiliation with Darkness. If that were all it took to communicate with her, I would not need your help for that.


I do not think she has found out about your search yet, has she? You know the Seer is as much your ally as she is Uria’s — she does not take sides. She will not betray you, but not specifically because of your affiliation with Darkness. If that were all it took to communicate with her, I would not need your help for that.


This is all your fault, Argan.

I shouldn’t be the one to deal with this...


I’m not sure this is a good idea.

This fortress is key to the defense of the Kalari region and guards an entrance to the underground complex. If we intend to assist Elynia...


This fortress is key to the defense of the Kalari region and guards an entrance to the underground complex. If we intend to assist Elynia...

I know, I know. It just seems such a contrived plan. Do we have any idea who controls it at this particular time?


I know, I know. It just seems such a contrived plan. Do we have any idea who controls it at this particular time?


No.

Durvan is meeting with us again soon. Let us not waste any more of his time.


Durvan is meeting with us again soon. Let us not waste any more of his time.


Fair enough.

I am concerned that sooner or later we are going to have to face against the Storm Sisters. We are rather ill-prepared for such a confrontation, but there is no helping it.


I am concerned that sooner or later we are going to have to face against the Storm Sisters. We are rather ill-prepared for such a confrontation, but there is no helping it.


Who are they?

Zhangor’s loyal enforcers. Regrettably, they are from my own clan. We had... different ideas as to how to handle Zhangor’s rise to power. They opted to side with him, pledging their assassin skills to his service in order to ensure that my fellow stormkind and others do not step out of line. Shortly before battle I received reports indicating that they are roaming the skies of Kalari Central hunting down anyone suspected of rebellious conduct.


Zhangor’s loyal enforcers. Regrettably, they are from my own clan. We had... different ideas as to how to handle Zhangor’s rise to power. They opted to side with him, pledging their assassin skills to his service in order to ensure that my fellow stormkind and others do not step out of line. Shortly before battle I received reports indicating that they are roaming the skies of Kalari Central hunting down anyone suspected of rebellious conduct.

I imagine your head is quite highly priced right now.


I imagine your head is quite highly priced right now.

Yes, it is. I am expecting them to be awaiting us in the fortress keep.


Yes, it is. I am expecting them to be awaiting us in the fortress keep.

Bah, we will make short work of them, for sure!


Bah, we will make short work of them, for sure!

That thing... are those... human... bodies... protruding from it?


That thing... are those... human... bodies... protruding from it?

Since he lacks the special connection with the Tree that Uria does have, he is limited to the possibilities offered by the technology Chaos had already appropriated for imitating her perverse creations. Unfortunately for his innocent victims, their fate is not any less horrifying or irreversible.


Since he lacks the special connection with the Tree that Uria does have, he is limited to the possibilities offered by the technology Chaos had already appropriated for imitating her perverse creations. Unfortunately for his innocent victims, their fate is not any less horrifying or irreversible.

Come and face me, wind witch! I’ve always been curious to see whether your kind has the guts to rise against their more powerful masters.


Come and face me, wind witch! I’ve always been curious to see whether your kind has the guts to rise against their more powerful masters.

You are messing with the wrong crowd, little faerie. You should consider returning to whatever putrid bog you came from, before you get hurt!


You are messing with the wrong crowd, little faerie. You should consider returning to whatever putrid bog you came from, before you get hurt!


Disgusting double-crossing hag—

You should have returned to whatever filthy cavern you crawled out from!


You should have returned to whatever filthy cavern you crawled out from!

Damn you, miserable faerie-born creature—


Damn you, miserable faerie-born creature—

Cron doesn’t like the foul-mouthed human and his annoying blast stick.


Cron doesn’t like the foul-mouthed human and his annoying blast stick.

Just what do you think you are doing with that ridiculous hammer?


Just what do you think you are doing with that ridiculous hammer?

That disgusting human filth could not possibly be in command of this fortress alone. We ought to enter the keep and locate their true leader.


That disgusting human filth could not possibly be in command of this fortress alone. We ought to enter the keep and locate their true leader.

As you say, then, but we should make this quick. I’ll lead the way.


As you say, then, but we should make this quick. I’ll lead the way.

This place is so unbearably bright even though the longest night isn’t over yet. Where does all this light come from?


This place is so unbearably bright even though the longest night isn’t over yet. Where does all this light come from?


Hm.

Perhaps it’s some kind of beacon built into the ceiling structure whose light is directed at us using mirrors. I have heard of some temples in the North using that kind of trick, expensive as it may be.


Perhaps it’s some kind of beacon built into the ceiling structure whose light is directed at us using mirrors. I have heard of some temples in the North using that kind of trick, expensive as it may be.

Don’t all these creatures worship darkness, though?


Don’t all these creatures worship darkness, though?

That is incorrect. While Uria’s minions on Irdya were mostly Merthiaal worshipers for historical reasons, recently she has—


That is incorrect. While Uria’s minions on Irdya were mostly Merthiaal worshipers for historical reasons, recently she has—

Uria be damned... Why did it have to be you?


Uria be damned... Why did it have to be you?


Wait... Where did Daeira go?


Who?

The water faerie! She was with us just a few moments ago!


The water faerie! She was with us just a few moments ago!

Uh... Did I miss something? I don’t know who you’re talking about.


Uh... Did I miss something? I don’t know who you’re talking about.


Argh, never mind! I’ll explain later.

Hemérilyel is physically frail, but her magic is too strong. We must destroy her protection glyphs, but that may prove impossible without the assistance of someone who is as versed in the ways of Darkness as she is in the path of Light.


Hemérilyel is physically frail, but her magic is too strong. We must destroy her protection glyphs, but that may prove impossible without the assistance of someone who is as versed in the ways of Darkness as she is in the path of Light.

Er, why are you looking at me? Perhaps Anya should try instead?


Er, why are you looking at me? Perhaps Anya should try instead?


It’s working! Anya!


Excellent.

Is this the game you are playing now, Ergea? Allying yourself with this Irdyan scum so they can die for you?


Is this the game you are playing now, Ergea? Allying yourself with this Irdyan scum so they can die for you?


No... not the darkness... no... please!


Look, it’s another garden!

There must be a way to open these walls again— Anya, where are you going?


There must be a way to open these walls again— Anya, where are you going?


I— All right. Durvan, can you help—

Oh, very well, then. I suppose Cron can help me—


Oh, very well, then. I suppose Cron can help me—


What now?

This garden cannot physically be here — I fear that it might be an illusion cast by Zhangor.


This garden cannot physically be here — I fear that it might be an illusion cast by Zhangor.


More specifically, our Seer said—


No... That cannot be right.


No...


Who is there?!


Zhangor.

Anya, teleport us away from this place at once.


Anya, teleport us away from this place at once.


... Elynia...


Are those...?

The same abominations he sent after Elorran. We could not be more unprepared for this encounter.


The same abominations he sent after Elorran. We could not be more unprepared for this encounter.

(<i>muttering to herself</i>) Elynia, why couldn’t you be here, now...


Your recovery took longer than I expected. Save your energy for later, dear.


What have you done...

I would greatly prefer that you learned some self-constraint and resisted the temptation to blast everything in sight. Trust me, I have been there — I know what it feels like...


I would greatly prefer that you learned some self-constraint and resisted the temptation to blast everything in sight. Trust me, I have been there — I know what it feels like...

... but I will not tolerate such displays of weakness from the predestined Guardian of Earth, and I will not hesitate to rip your heart out of your chest if you fail to show some respect for yourself.


... but I will not tolerate such displays of weakness from the predestined Guardian of Earth, and I will not hesitate to rip your heart out of your chest if you fail to show some respect for yourself.


... Guardian... of Earth...

Ah yes, I almost forgot — you are still a stupid and ignorant elf. I still don’t understand how you lived for longer than any of us and yet your awakening has only just taken place. Then again, you were blessed by Iluvia...


Ah yes, I almost forgot — you are still a stupid and ignorant elf. I still don’t understand how you lived for longer than any of us and yet your awakening has only just taken place. Then again, you were blessed by Iluvia...

Yes, that must be it. The powers conferred by the Union atrophied your heart.


Yes, that must be it. The powers conferred by the Union atrophied your heart.


... What... am I?

An abomination. A creature that violates the laws of nature for the purpose of protecting it in some way. That’s the farce set up by the First Gods. Your energy heart draws from an unlimited power source and provides you with vast potential according to the aspect that Irdya’s seed itself assigned to you: some degree of control over earth, absolute command of the arcane flame and all the creatures whose life force is based on it, and immortality at an inconvenient cost.


An abomination. A creature that violates the laws of nature for the purpose of protecting it in some way. That’s the farce set up by the First Gods. Your energy heart draws from an unlimited power source and provides you with vast potential according to the aspect that Irdya’s seed itself assigned to you: some degree of control over earth, absolute command of the arcane flame and all the creatures whose life force is based on it, and immortality at an inconvenient cost.

Didn’t you ever wonder why no other elves had your unprecedented affinity with the faerie realm? Why your abnormally long life has been an endless strife? Why you could never conceive children? Why every single person you ever loved died?


Didn’t you ever wonder why no other elves had your unprecedented affinity with the faerie realm? Why your abnormally long life has been an endless strife? Why you could never conceive children? Why every single person you ever loved died?

... The necromancer... The necromancer I vanquished...


... The necromancer... The necromancer I vanquished...

Argan told me about that. Just another conceited sorcerer with his mouth full of air in the end. People tend to overestimate the dying words of those skilled in the forbidden arts, mostly out of fear. No, my dear, you were always cursed before even meeting that insignificant necromancer. You could even say Irdya herself cursed you, and that would not be entirely inaccurate.


Argan told me about that. Just another conceited sorcerer with his mouth full of air in the end. People tend to overestimate the dying words of those skilled in the forbidden arts, mostly out of fear. No, my dear, you were always cursed before even meeting that insignificant necromancer. You could even say Irdya herself cursed you, and that would not be entirely inaccurate.

Every guardian that has existed shares your curse. Even I do, in spite of my condition as an unwilling usurper.


Every guardian that has existed shares your curse. Even I do, in spite of my condition as an unwilling usurper.


Why did you not kill me?

Because that would be a terrible waste of potential. Trust me, I could not wish harder for the day your soul is permanently destroyed, but this is not the most appropriate moment for that.


Because that would be a terrible waste of potential. Trust me, I could not wish harder for the day your soul is permanently destroyed, but this is not the most appropriate moment for that.

Ah yes, I forgot to mention that clause... Naturally-born guardians like you awaken once their soul fully merges with their energy heart, and the only way to kill a guardian is through their heart, so... (<i>smirking</i>)


Ah yes, I forgot to mention that clause... Naturally-born guardians like you awaken once their soul fully merges with their energy heart, and the only way to kill a guardian is through their heart, so... (<i>smirking</i>)

I should destroy you right now. You are the abomination, not me.


I should destroy you right now. You are the abomination, not me.

And then who would help you fight our common enemy? Do you even know what turned him into the monster you fought in Wesmere?


And then who would help you fight our common enemy? Do you even know what turned him into the monster you fought in Wesmere?

Zhangor? Ergea said he is a shapeshifter. Isn’t that the true form of a shapeshifter?


Zhangor? Ergea said he is a shapeshifter. Isn’t that the true form of a shapeshifter?

Ha, ha, your ignorance is as limitless as the powers you will eventually master and use against me. No, shapeshifters do not have a true form beyond that which they individually choose for themselves; granted, they are nearly indistinguishable from humans or elves during childhood.


Ha, ha, your ignorance is as limitless as the powers you will eventually master and use against me. No, shapeshifters do not have a true form beyond that which they individually choose for themselves; granted, they are nearly indistinguishable from humans or elves during childhood.

Zhangor chose a form that is as hideous as his soul. He might have taken some inspiration from the Gatekeeper he slew in Urvatha — the Gatekeeper whose heart he consumed and absorbed into his body.


Zhangor chose a form that is as hideous as his soul. He might have taken some inspiration from the Gatekeeper he slew in Urvatha — the Gatekeeper whose heart he consumed and absorbed into his body.

There is another Guardian of Earth like me?


There is another Guardian of Earth like me?

It is rather disappointing, really. I am fairly certain she would be a more competent aid than you.


It is rather disappointing, really. I am fairly certain she would be a more competent aid than you.


What do you want me to do?

First, we must destroy Zhangor, together. Then, we can decide who gets to inherit Irdya through an old-fashioned duel between just the two of us.


First, we must destroy Zhangor, together. Then, we can decide who gets to inherit Irdya through an old-fashioned duel between just the two of us.


What... do you intend to do with Anya?

She can be my apprentice if she wishes. Otherwise, she can live as long as she doesn’t try to interfere with my own plans.


She can be my apprentice if she wishes. Otherwise, she can live as long as she doesn’t try to interfere with my own plans.

It is said that Uria wants to invade that world, Ethea; that she might find a way to harness the Union, and you intend to sit here and do nothing other than solving your irrelevant quarrel with Zhangor?


It is said that Uria wants to invade that world, Ethea; that she might find a way to harness the Union, and you intend to sit here and do nothing other than solving your irrelevant quarrel with Zhangor?

It is not as irrelevant as you think. Anyway, Uria has various options to choose from on Ethea, and I suspect she will opt for all of them: the body of the Union, for starters; then there is the Seed of Life, and whoever the goddesses designated as the rightful heiress of the Aspect of Life, if anyone at all. But Uria will not be alone in her quest, for the new Guardian of Water on Norsula also plans business with Ethea. In fact, he is already there.


It is not as irrelevant as you think. Anyway, Uria has various options to choose from on Ethea, and I suspect she will opt for all of them: the body of the Union, for starters; then there is the Seed of Life, and whoever the goddesses designated as the rightful heiress of the Aspect of Life, if anyone at all. But Uria will not be alone in her quest, for the new Guardian of Water on Norsula also plans business with Ethea. In fact, he is already there.

In the worst case, one will win and reshape our reality at their whim. In the best case, they will only manage to destroy themselves along with Ethea. It is pretty pointless to intervene either way. Uria promised to me I would inherit this world before she decided to exhume the present you left for her, and now that she will be too busy confronting the Norsulan and his forces...


In the worst case, one will win and reshape our reality at their whim. In the best case, they will only manage to destroy themselves along with Ethea. It is pretty pointless to intervene either way. Uria promised to me I would inherit this world before she decided to exhume the present you left for her, and now that she will be too busy confronting the Norsulan and his forces...

You may call me ignorant and stupid, but I don’t fail to notice you refer to Uria with disdain. What is stopping you from taking her on directly? Have you been on her side all this time merely because you fear her?


You may call me ignorant and stupid, but I don’t fail to notice you refer to Uria with disdain. What is stopping you from taking her on directly? Have you been on her side all this time merely because you fear her?

Do not forget who is in charge, my dear. I can end your life in an instant if you decide to be uncooperative. We are doing this on <i>my</i> terms.


Do not forget who is in charge, my dear. I can end your life in an instant if you decide to be uncooperative. We are doing this on <i>my</i> terms.


(<i>gasping for air</i>) ... I...

And from now on, you shall remain completely silent unless I require you to speak. Do you understand?


And from now on, you shall remain completely silent unless I require you to speak. Do you understand?


Of course you do.

I forgot to mention that you are also bound to follow me wherever I go, all thanks to a very simple spell. If you attempt to escape you’ll just feel even <i>more</i> pain. And you surely do not want that, do you?


I forgot to mention that you are also bound to follow me wherever I go, all thanks to a very simple spell. If you attempt to escape you’ll just feel even <i>more</i> pain. And you surely do not want that, do you?


Why are you attacking me?

Yet another of Zhangor’s tricks. He really pays attention to detail, but turning every single one of my allies against me will not suffice to stop me.


Yet another of Zhangor’s tricks. He really pays attention to detail, but turning every single one of my allies against me will not suffice to stop me.

The Union was not enough to destroy that demon.


The Union was not enough to destroy that demon.

I thought I commanded you to remain silent.


I thought I commanded you to remain silent.

If you truly wanted to kill me you would have done so already. You want my help against Zhangor, but there is nothing I can offer that you do not already have. You even have the Ruby of Fire!


If you truly wanted to kill me you would have done so already. You want my help against Zhangor, but there is nothing I can offer that you do not already have. You even have the Ruby of Fire!

A weapon. A catalyst of destruction that is much safer to use for our kind than our own inner power. I intend to tear Zhangor apart with it, but the fact that he is a creature of both light and darkness puts me at a disadvantage. To counteract his power I need the assistance of someone well versed in the path of Light, and he knows that; hence he secured the support of Demon Lord Hemérilyel and her subordinates and brought them with him.


A weapon. A catalyst of destruction that is much safer to use for our kind than our own inner power. I intend to tear Zhangor apart with it, but the fact that he is a creature of both light and darkness puts me at a disadvantage. To counteract his power I need the assistance of someone well versed in the path of Light, and he knows that; hence he secured the support of Demon Lord Hemérilyel and her subordinates and brought them with him.

As the Lady of Light you used to be, you understand the powers of light better than I do, and you control an aspect that is also affiliated with it.


As the Lady of Light you used to be, you understand the powers of light better than I do, and you control an aspect that is also affiliated with it.

Ergea said I would find a power beneath Kalari that would allow us to turn the tide of war in our favor and purge Uria’s influence from Irdya. Was she... lying?


Ergea said I would find a power beneath Kalari that would allow us to turn the tide of war in our favor and purge Uria’s influence from Irdya. Was she... lying?

That demoness asked our Seer many things and failed to understand nearly all of them. About the particular thing you ask, she was... right, in a way.


That demoness asked our Seer many things and failed to understand nearly all of them. About the particular thing you ask, she was... right, in a way.

The power to end this was always within you, dear. Who knows how things would have turned out if you had healed Argan instead of killing him! The Lady of Light and the Master of Darkness, wielding the Union <i>and</i> the Aspect of Earth against Uria! But since you did not follow that road, you might as well say I am the power you sought.


The power to end this was always within you, dear. Who knows how things would have turned out if you had healed Argan instead of killing him! The Lady of Light and the Master of Darkness, wielding the Union <i>and</i> the Aspect of Earth against Uria! But since you did not follow that road, you might as well say I am the power you sought.

You sound decidedly bitter whenever you mention Argan. What is...


You sound decidedly bitter whenever you mention Argan. What is...

None of your business. Keep your mouth shut.


None of your business. Keep your mouth shut.


Why do you want Irdya so much?


Will you ever stop asking questions?

The underground portion of this citadel is larger than you may have suspected, and it can take a whole day to cover it entirely. Teleporting around here is an impossibility since your last intrusion, so we’ll need to create some shortcuts ourselves.


The underground portion of this citadel is larger than you may have suspected, and it can take a whole day to cover it entirely. Teleporting around here is an impossibility since your last intrusion, so we’ll need to create some shortcuts ourselves.


I haven’t done this in a while.


Destroy that wall.

Excellent. You will eventually learn to focus your energy for more productive purposes.


Excellent. You will eventually learn to focus your energy for more productive purposes.

That crack was not there before. But it matters little — we can continue descending by our own means. There is another corridor right below this area if I’m not mistaken...


That crack was not there before. But it matters little — we can continue descending by our own means. There is another corridor right below this area if I’m not mistaken...

That should do just fine. There is an underground river just adjacent to the corridor that we can follow.


That should do just fine. There is an underground river just adjacent to the corridor that we can follow.

This passage leads to another corridor where we will surely find more opposition. It might be a good idea to summon some help to clear the path ahead.


This passage leads to another corridor where we will surely find more opposition. It might be a good idea to summon some help to clear the path ahead.

Cowards! The Fire must be extinguished for her betrayal! Go, find her!


Cowards! The Fire must be extinguished for her betrayal! Go, find her!

That must be yet another of those minor Demon Lords. I wonder what kind of story Zhangor made up for them.


That must be yet another of those minor Demon Lords. I wonder what kind of story Zhangor made up for them.

You <i>are</i> betraying Uria by plotting against Zhangor.


You <i>are</i> betraying Uria by plotting against Zhangor.

Only if she wants to put it in that light. Ergea explained to you how the succession system works on Urvatha; did you forget?


Only if she wants to put it in that light. Ergea explained to you how the succession system works on Urvatha; did you forget?

Not really. But I would appreciate it if you stopped reading my thoughts and memories at every opportunity.


Not really. But I would appreciate it if you stopped reading my thoughts and memories at every opportunity.

Defeated by a faerie and a human! How can this be?


Defeated by a faerie and a human! How can this be?


I am <b>not</b> human.

... So, you obtain the power of a god and still manage to drag your feet all over the place for an eternity? Seriously? You don’t even walk!


For the last time, Durvan, I am <b>not</b> a goddess! This is ridiculous!

Well... there’s not much you can do about it at this point, anyway. Everyone saw the darkness stuff you did with the remaining monsters, and rumors spread like—


Well... there’s not much you can do about it at this point, anyway. Everyone saw the darkness stuff you did with the remaining monsters, and rumors spread like—

A disease! I do not even know what I actually did! I only want to leave this dreadful place and rest!


A disease! I do not even know what I actually did! I only want to leave this dreadful place and rest!

This is the most auspicious moment to storm the citadel if that is what you want to do. And if you play the part you may be able to obtain support from Uria’s converts. Once they realize that the Fist and the Iron Council have been lying to them, the Chaos Empire’s social structure shall shatter. But we ought to plant the seed of distrust now, while Elynia and the Fire prepare to vanquish the usurper.


This is the most auspicious moment to storm the citadel if that is what you want to do. And if you play the part you may be able to obtain support from Uria’s converts. Once they realize that the Fist and the Iron Council have been lying to them, the Chaos Empire’s social structure shall shatter. But we ought to plant the seed of distrust now, while Elynia and the Fire prepare to vanquish the usurper.


... Assuming they are even alive.


Is that what you want?


... Yes.

Then, please, help us. Help us storm the citadel. Help us uproot Uria’s evil influence on Irdya, and advance the long path that lies ahead for you as the Guardian of Darkness.


Then, please, help us. Help us storm the citadel. Help us uproot Uria’s evil influence on Irdya, and advance the long path that lies ahead for you as the Guardian of Darkness.

I guess I should be thankful you are not calling me Merthiaal or anything like that.


I guess I should be thankful you are not calling me Merthiaal or anything like that.

The names of the guardians you know were the names they chose for themselves in the First Cycle. We may not call you by the name of the original Guardian of Darkness unless you choose to adopt her name instead of your own.


The names of the guardians you know were the names they chose for themselves in the First Cycle. We may not call you by the name of the original Guardian of Darkness unless you choose to adopt her name instead of your own.

Is that how it really works? I prefer to keep my current name, then.


Is that how it really works? I prefer to keep my current name, then.

Hey, Durvan, did you ever think you would fight at the side of two faerie goddesses against an endless horde of demons, imps, and devout worshipers of an evil demoness?


Hey, Durvan, did you ever think you would fight at the side of two faerie goddesses against an endless horde of demons, imps, and devout worshipers of an evil demoness?

No. Well, now that you mention it... this will be quite the story to tell the folks in the Heart Forest. Nobody will ever believe me.


No. Well, now that you mention it... this will be quite the story to tell the folks in the Heart Forest. Nobody will ever believe me.


Oh, hello again!


Greetings.

I thought something bad may have happened to you back there... You were with us and then disappeared? Why?


I thought something bad may have happened to you back there... You were with us and then disappeared? Why?

You need not worry about my wellbeing, Anya. I can easily escape from certain danger thanks to my intimate connection to the Aspect of Water. There is a large amount of it around these parts, after all.


You need not worry about my wellbeing, Anya. I can easily escape from certain danger thanks to my intimate connection to the Aspect of Water. There is a large amount of it around these parts, after all.

Please don’t tell me now that you are the Guardian of Water or some nonsense like that... I cannot take more of this right now.


Please don’t tell me now that you are the Guardian of Water or some nonsense like that... I cannot take more of this right now.

It would be a sin beyond measure for someone such as I to pretend to be a god in front of one. With that said, all faeriekind creatures are connected to one or two Aspects to some degree. For example, you are connected to both Darkness and Earth as the daughter of a forest faerie.


It would be a sin beyond measure for someone such as I to pretend to be a god in front of one. With that said, all faeriekind creatures are connected to one or two Aspects to some degree. For example, you are connected to both Darkness and Earth as the daughter of a forest faerie.

Right, which reminds me I still don’t know how the story of my parents ends. Then again... perhaps I don’t want to know.


Right, which reminds me I still don’t know how the story of my parents ends. Then again... perhaps I don’t want to know.

Did you know I was meant to become the Guardian of Darkness, though?


Did you know I was meant to become the Guardian of Darkness, though?

Yes, I did. And I apologize for not revealing that to you — if I had, there is a good chance that you would have made all the wrong decisions.


Yes, I did. And I apologize for not revealing that to you — if I had, there is a good chance that you would have made all the wrong decisions.

Meanwhile, Ergea hasn’t apologized for keeping information from me... Which reminds me, we still have a battle to fight. I hope I can count on your help.


Meanwhile, Ergea hasn’t apologized for keeping information from me... Which reminds me, we still have a battle to fight. I hope I can count on your help.

Meanwhile, Ergea hasn’t apologized for keeping information from me... Well, it doesn’t matter for now. We need to get back to the fight.


Meanwhile, Ergea hasn’t apologized for keeping information from me... Well, it doesn’t matter for now. We need to get back to the fight.


Certainly.

... It is true, then. The Dark Lady has finally arisen and come to reclaim this doomed world... But it is all in vain... all in vain...


... It is true, then. The Dark Lady has finally arisen and come to reclaim this doomed world... But it is all in vain... all in vain...

The citadel is ours! Now we should be able to find Elynia and—


The citadel is ours! Now we should be able to find Elynia and—

I fear that we will have to put that plan on hold, Anya. There are reports of more of those creatures coming from the hives around the citadel. People say they will be here in a matter of minutes.


I fear that we will have to put that plan on hold, Anya. There are reports of more of those creatures coming from the hives around the citadel. People say they will be here in a matter of minutes.

But we have only just won! Are they going to storm their own capital now?


But we have only just won! Are they going to storm their own capital now?

I would not put it past them to attempt to destroy the citadel in an attempt to ensure we cannot find Elynia... assuming she is even alive at this point.


I would not put it past them to attempt to destroy the citadel in an attempt to ensure we cannot find Elynia... assuming she is even alive at this point.

Do <b>not</b> say that! Let’s repel those awful creatures, then!


Do <b>not</b> say that! Let’s repel those awful creatures, then!


Easier said than done...

The Storm Sisters are now our prisoners, but we must destroy the last member of the Iron Council if we intend to seize the citadel.


The Storm Sisters are now our prisoners, but we must destroy the last member of the Iron Council if we intend to seize the citadel.

The last member of the Iron Council is no more, but as long as any of the Storm Sisters still roam about, there shall be no end to our struggles.


... We are not really trying to locate Zhangor, are we?

Of course we are. It is just taking us a while because he prefers to dwell in a very particular place... a place I also want you to see, before confronting him. I also want to give him a while to realize his mistake in interpreting the Seer’s prophecy.


Of course we are. It is just taking us a while because he prefers to dwell in a very particular place... a place I also want you to see, before confronting him. I also want to give him a while to realize his mistake in interpreting the Seer’s prophecy.


What mistake?

The Seer said that on the Day of the Longest Night, the Angel of Blood would make a hasty attempt on the life of the New Guardian of Darkness, and fail. She also said that his actions would bring forth his own downfall.


The Seer said that on the Day of the Longest Night, the Angel of Blood would make a hasty attempt on the life of the New Guardian of Darkness, and fail. She also said that his actions would bring forth his own downfall.

Of course you don’t realize it because creatures like you lose track of time underground, but the Day of the Longest Night has been going on for <i>more than a day</i> already. And that is all because the New Guardian of Darkness the Seer mentioned cannot control her own powers, causing Irdya to be completely shrouded in darkness for longer than it should.


Of course you don’t realize it because creatures like you lose track of time underground, but the Day of the Longest Night has been going on for <i>more than a day</i> already. And that is all because the New Guardian of Darkness the Seer mentioned cannot control her own powers, causing Irdya to be completely shrouded in darkness for longer than it should.

Zhangor decided to send his beasts after Ergea and your friend first, and then wait in his lair for me to go and challenge him — which would be a fairly predictable course of action for me. Or alternatively, he is waiting for Naia to rise up again so he can attack me then. All his actions suggest he wanted to subvert the prophecy. But he already confronted the New Guardian of Darkness and failed to kill her — granted, through his minions.


Zhangor decided to send his beasts after Ergea and your friend first, and then wait in his lair for me to go and challenge him — which would be a fairly predictable course of action for me. Or alternatively, he is waiting for Naia to rise up again so he can attack me then. All his actions suggest he wanted to subvert the prophecy. But he already confronted the New Guardian of Darkness and failed to kill her — granted, through his minions.

The New Guardian of Darkness the Seer referred to is not me. It is the girl. And the Longest Night will not end until she can put an end to the turmoil in her own heart, figuratively speaking.


The New Guardian of Darkness the Seer referred to is not me. It is the girl. And the Longest Night will not end until she can put an end to the turmoil in her own heart, figuratively speaking.


How do you know all this?

Ha, ha, ha! Don’t forget I am a Guardian of Darkness — not the newest one, but I certainly am Merthiaal’s heiress, Yarae’s design be damned. Not only I can read into the minds of the weak, but I can also understand people’s desires and motivations in general. It is possible to predict their actions in advance this way. Ah well, that last part is not one of the powers of a Guardian of Darkness, strictly speaking.


Ha, ha, ha! Don’t forget I am a Guardian of Darkness — not the newest one, but I certainly am Merthiaal’s heiress, Yarae’s design be damned. Not only I can read into the minds of the weak, but I can also understand people’s desires and motivations in general. It is possible to predict their actions in advance this way. Ah well, that last part is not one of the powers of a Guardian of Darkness, strictly speaking.

And unfortunately, I also suspect Zhangor is already aware of our movements. Let’s not make him wait more time than strictly necessary, shall we?


And unfortunately, I also suspect Zhangor is already aware of our movements. Let’s not make him wait more time than strictly necessary, shall we?


Where does that lead to?

It’s an alternative path to an elevator shaft that will take us directly to the place I previously mentioned. While I don’t mind stabbing whoever stands in our way, a more discreet approach will get us there faster.


It’s an alternative path to an elevator shaft that will take us directly to the place I previously mentioned. While I don’t mind stabbing whoever stands in our way, a more discreet approach will get us there faster.

These passages have gone unused for centuries — it’s no wonder that most of their mechanisms have rusted beyond use. But I know a method that never fails...


These passages have gone unused for centuries — it’s no wonder that most of their mechanisms have rusted beyond use. But I know a method that never fails...

These passages have gone unused for centuries — it’s no wonder that most of their mechanisms have rusted beyond use. Just blast the wall down already.


These passages have gone unused for centuries — it’s no wonder that most of their mechanisms have rusted beyond use. Just blast the wall down already.


Perfect.


That is not very useful—

Hm, there is a hot current of air coming from another direction now.


Hm, there is a hot current of air coming from another direction now.


Ah. I remember now.

We need to cross this inconvenient lava trench. Elynia, do your thing.


We need to cross this inconvenient lava trench. Elynia, do your thing.


My... thing?

You are the Guardian of <i>Earth</i>, dear. You are supposed to do more complicated things than blasting walls and vermin.


You are the Guardian of <i>Earth</i>, dear. You are supposed to do more complicated things than blasting walls and vermin.

Do you really expect me to know how this works all of a sudden?! I did not ask to be given this role, and all I know is that the pain has not ceased! I cannot think clearly like this!


Do you really expect me to know how this works all of a sudden?! I did not ask to be given this role, and all I know is that the pain has not ceased! I cannot think clearly like this!

I <i>really</i> should just stab you in the chest and toss your useless bloody corpse into the lava.


I <i>really</i> should just stab you in the chest and toss your useless bloody corpse into the lava.


Keep moving.

Well, this wall is not going to move by itself—


Well, this wall is not going to move by itself—

Well, that wall is not going to move by itself—


Well, that wall is not going to move by itself—

I stand corrected. That was very convenient.


I stand corrected. That was very convenient.

Of course. A cunning trap by Zhangor, I presume?


Of course. A cunning trap by Zhangor, I presume?


Who is that?


Engineer?

You are not supposed to be around these levels, Engineer. Return to your workshop immediately.


You are not supposed to be around these levels, Engineer. Return to your workshop immediately.

I dinna’ listen tae orders from ye anymore, witch. Yer time as the ‘Warlord’ ended with Lord Zhangor’s arrival.


I dinna’ listen tae orders from ye anymore, witch. Yer time as the ‘Warlord’ ended with Lord Zhangor’s arrival.

I believe I speak for Zhangor as well when I say that you are not supposed to be here. Return to your workshop immediately, or face the consequences.


I believe I speak for Zhangor as well when I say that you are not supposed to be here. Return to your workshop immediately, or face the consequences.

Is this insubordination I hear? This is your last chance.


Is this insubordination I hear? This is your last chance.


Oh gods... Is that...

Elynia, this is extremely dangerous. Stay away from this lunatic and his hammer! You, fool... you have absolutely no idea with what kind of powers you are trifling.


Elynia, this is extremely dangerous. Stay away from this lunatic and his hammer! You, fool... you have absolutely no idea with what kind of powers you are trifling.

<b>HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!!!</b>


<b>HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!!!</b>

I have an idea... Malin once mentioned something specific about Galas’ first encounter with your mechanical automatons.


I have an idea... Malin once mentioned something specific about Galas’ first encounter with your mechanical automatons.


And what would that be?

They are particularly vulnerable in the neck region. Maybe if we could distract him, you could stab him with your weapon—


They are particularly vulnerable in the neck region. Maybe if we could distract him, you could stab him with your weapon—

That was already my plan, stupid! Just try to do your part right for once!


That was already my plan, stupid! Just try to do your part right for once!


<b>ACK!</b> What ha’ ye done!!!

Oops! It seems your armor suit and fancy hammer are not perfect substitutes for the power of a true Guardian of Darkness!


Oops! It seems your armor suit and fancy hammer are not perfect substitutes for the power of a true Guardian of Darkness!


Elynia, grab my hand!


Elyssa...?


Is there something wrong, my love?


I... feel... strange.


My heart... it hurts...

That must be because you have spent too much time scurrying around. Just let yourself relax for a moment. We can reminisce about better times together...


That must be because you have spent too much time scurrying around. Just let yourself relax for a moment. We can reminisce about better times together...

My memories have become so hazy... but... I... remember that sword... Elyssa has your sword...


My memories have become so hazy... but... I... remember that sword... Elyssa has your sword...


Elynia, please, just...


... Zhangor.


How...

<i>(metallic voice) I am not precisely myself, though.</i>


<i>(metallic voice) I am not precisely myself, though.</i>

But your guess was close enough. Congratulations, Guardian of Darkness.


But your guess was close enough. Congratulations, Guardian of Darkness.

So the rumors are true, after all — you go around possessing other creatures using your disgusting body ooze.


So the rumors are true, after all — you go around possessing other creatures using your disgusting body ooze.

(<i>enraged</i>) You were going to possess me...


(<i>enraged</i>) You were going to possess me...


(enraged) Not if I can kill you first.


Is that...


Hello?


Back from Filinor’s class early?

He twisted his ankle yesterday morning while hunting with Cerin, so he let us go after a short round of questions.


He twisted his ankle yesterday morning while hunting with Cerin, so he let us go after a short round of questions.

Bah. Figures. At least that means we can enjoy a nice midday meal together for a change.


Bah. Figures. At least that means we can enjoy a nice midday meal together for a change.

Sure, that would be great! I’m starving.


Sure, that would be great! I’m starving.


Don’t come with me. It’s too dangerous.


Huh?


Niry? Where did you go?


Stop! Why are you doing this?!

Do you think our people will ever find peace again, Elynia?


Do you think our people will ever find peace again, Elynia?


I...


It doesn’t matter now, I guess.


Because I am dead.

What is this place... Something feels amiss.


What is this place... Something feels amiss.

Elynia! Oh, I’m so glad I could finally find you... Come with me, this way! Quickly!


Elynia! Oh, I’m so glad I could finally find you... Come with me, this way! Quickly!

My hair gets so messy with all the wind in this desert. It’s almost tempting to shave it... Do you think I would look too weird if I did that?


My hair gets so messy with all the wind in this desert. It’s almost tempting to shave it... Do you think I would look too weird if I did that?

Did we... Didn’t we have this conversation already?


Did we... Didn’t we have this conversation already?

I’m just concerned that you might not like it if I do that... Your hair is always so fluffy and nice and beautiful...


I’m just concerned that you might not like it if I do that... Your hair is always so fluffy and nice and beautiful...

... All right, that is not something I recall you saying...


... All right, that is not something I recall you saying...


You promised...


You promised...

I must find Elyssa. She must be here, somewhere...


I must find Elyssa. She must be here, somewhere...


Why don’t you say anything? Argan!


Argan— No...


Elyssa?


YOU KILLED HIM!


Elyssa, I...

Why— Why do you have to show me this again? WHY?


Why— Why do you have to show me this again? WHY?

Why couldn’t you <b>save</b> him instead?!


Why couldn’t you <b>save</b> him instead?!

<i>(metallic voice) You are a disgrace to your sad excuse of a civilization!</i>


<i>(metallic voice) You are a disgrace to your sad excuse of a civilization!</i>

Stop it... please... Zhangor is attempting to control you...


Stop it... please... Zhangor is attempting to control you...

<i>(metallic voice) Nobody can control me!</i>


<i>(metallic voice) Nobody can control me!</i>


... please...


... I know you—


... I know you loved Argan too.

<i>(metallic voice) ... He wanted you to find me... and guide me... didn’t he...</i>


<i>(metallic voice) ... He wanted you to find me... and guide me... didn’t he...</i>

... You... you are not me. Why am I crying?


... You... you are not me. Why am I crying?


... Are these... my own tears?

<i>(metallic voice) ... Try to remember... that you...</i>


<i>(metallic voice) ... Try to remember... that you...</i>


<i>... that I was once...</i>


<i>(metallic voice) ... human—</i>


No... no...

<i>(metallic voice) Uria demanded I kill them! It was... it was never my intention... please!</i>


<i>(metallic voice) Uria demanded I kill them! It was... it was never my intention... please!</i>

Zhangor is trying to make us lose control...


Zhangor is trying to make us lose control...

... He is trying to take us both at once... using the powers of the Gatekeeper...


... He is trying to take us both at once... using the powers of the Gatekeeper...

<i>(metallic voice) Why... why did you bring me back to life... WHY?!</i>


<i>(metallic voice) Why... why did you bring me back to life... WHY?!</i>

... He is using the powers of the Gatekeeper of Urvatha to tear into our minds... I should have known that he would try to do this...


... He is using the powers of the Gatekeeper of Urvatha to tear into our minds... I should have known that he would try to do this...

<i>(metallic voice) Elynia, grab my hand!</i>


<i>(metallic voice) Elynia, grab my hand!</i>


Because...


Argan asked me to help you.


Blood?

Yes, more blood. You might want to get used to it — there is a lot of it in the place we are headed towards.


Yes, more blood. You might want to get used to it — there is a lot of it in the place we are headed towards.

If we want to have any chance of killing that bastard for good, we must stick together and try to combine our powers and attacks in different ways. Your aspect is undeniably affiliated to the path of Light; mine is Darkness. Perhaps, even without the Union, we may be able to achieve something in some form.


If we want to have any chance of killing that bastard for good, we must stick together and try to combine our powers and attacks in different ways. Your aspect is undeniably affiliated to the path of Light; mine is Darkness. Perhaps, even without the Union, we may be able to achieve something in some form.

That is why you wanted me by your side, right?


That is why you wanted me by your side, right?


Is that...

Xia’el, the Guardian of Earth. Her First Cycle self, to be precise. Don’t feel too intimidated by her stature, though — I very much doubt this is to scale.


Xia’el, the Guardian of Earth. Her First Cycle self, to be precise. Don’t feel too intimidated by her stature, though — I very much doubt this is to scale.

She is... she was a faerie? I am not sure what I was expecting.


She is... she was a faerie? I am not sure what I was expecting.

Big shoes to fill? Then again, it looks like neither of you have ever worn shoes for reasons that are surely beyond my ability to comprehend. And again, most likely not to scale.


Big shoes to fill? Then again, it looks like neither of you have ever worn shoes for reasons that are surely beyond my ability to comprehend. And again, most likely not to scale.

No, I mean... She looks so beautiful and dignified... but at the same time, she is... so...


No, I mean... She looks so beautiful and dignified... but at the same time, she is... so...

Mundane? By now you should know gods come in all shapes and sizes. Although anyone can play god to a sufficiently ignorant crowd.


Mundane? By now you should know gods come in all shapes and sizes. Although anyone can play god to a sufficiently ignorant crowd.

I suppose you would know about that kind of thing.


I suppose you would know about that kind of thing.

You don’t need miracles, prophecies or mind control to rule over uncivilized brutes. You just need to establish clear boundaries and show your subjects the consequences for stepping out of line. Sooner or later someone will test your power regardless, so there is little point to claiming godhood unless you want to paint an even larger target on your back.


You don’t need miracles, prophecies or mind control to rule over uncivilized brutes. You just need to establish clear boundaries and show your subjects the consequences for stepping out of line. Sooner or later someone will test your power regardless, so there is little point to claiming godhood unless you want to paint an even larger target on your back.

Ignoring the entire Uria situation for a moment, what this world needs right now is not another false god. It just needs someone able to purge all the scum and build a new order from the ground up. If that someone happens to have god-like powers, then the job should be certainly much easier. But it does not have to be like that.


Ignoring the entire Uria situation for a moment, what this world needs right now is not another false god. It just needs someone able to purge all the scum and build a new order from the ground up. If that someone happens to have god-like powers, then the job should be certainly much easier. But it does not have to be like that.

You don’t need to play the role of the Guardian of Earth if that’s not what you want.


You don’t need to play the role of the Guardian of Earth if that’s not what you want.


I can feel the question lingering in the back of your head.


I can feel the question lingering in the back of your head.

When my mentor realized the true nature of the Sceptre of Fire, she asked me to wield it against the enemies of Irdya... with her dying breath.


When my mentor realized the true nature of the Sceptre of Fire, she asked me to wield it against the enemies of Irdya... with her dying breath.

This cursed artifact is bad for your health. You must not use it ever again.


This cursed artifact is bad for your health. You must not use it ever again.


I just said—

You can say anything you want, but it does nothing to change the fact that you are a creature of Light trying to wield a power that is harmful to your mind and soul.


You can say anything you want, but it does nothing to change the fact that you are a creature of Light trying to wield a power that is harmful to your mind and soul.

Niryone’s staff rightfully belongs to me—


Niryone’s staff rightfully belongs to me—

I assure you, the <i>thing</i> lurking beneath the Ruby’s lustrous surface does not care for any sentimental attachment you may have to it. Your mentor’s intentions may have been noble, but if you want to save Irdya you are going to have to learn to let go of the past and not waste your potential living an eternal life of regret.


I assure you, the <i>thing</i> lurking beneath the Ruby’s lustrous surface does not care for any sentimental attachment you may have to it. Your mentor’s intentions may have been noble, but if you want to save Irdya you are going to have to learn to let go of the past and not waste your potential living an eternal life of regret.

If you truly want to honor her memory... if you want to make your friends’ sacrifices worth it, then it is time for you to become the Guardian of Earth we need instead of the Lady of Light who lost to her own Darkness. But if you don’t feel up to the task then you are free to stay behind, drowning in an endless ocean of sorrow for what little is left of eternity.


If you truly want to honor her memory... if you want to make your friends’ sacrifices worth it, then it is time for you to become the Guardian of Earth we need instead of the Lady of Light who lost to her own Darkness. But if you don’t feel up to the task then you are free to stay behind, drowning in an endless ocean of sorrow for what little is left of eternity.

Hm. He is not here like I expected. I suppose his intention is to make some kind of dramatic entrance later.


Hm. He is not here like I expected. I suppose his intention is to make some kind of dramatic entrance later.

Elynia, there is something here you should see.


Elynia, there is something here you should see.

What is that in the middle of the blood lake?


What is that in the middle of the blood lake?

Doing that would destroy Zhangor for sure, but Uria is not on Irdya, and the loss would be little more than a minor inconvenience to her in the long term. But if you feel particularly selfish about your pitiful existence, this is an option for you to consider.


Doing that would destroy Zhangor for sure, but Uria is not on Irdya, and the loss would be little more than a minor inconvenience to her in the long term. But if you feel particularly selfish about your pitiful existence, this is an option for you to consider.

That would be a coward’s choice, don’t you think?


That would be a coward’s choice, don’t you think?

Possibly. But if the guardian in question feared the absolute end of their own existence, then one could say that making the choice would take some degree of courage.


Possibly. But if the guardian in question feared the absolute end of their own existence, then one could say that making the choice would take some degree of courage.


What is your choice?

Do not worry, it is not a binding decision, yet.


Do not worry, it is not a binding decision, yet.

Is that the only possible use for the power stored in this place? To destroy all life in our world so it can start anew?


Is that the only possible use for the power stored in this place? To destroy all life in our world so it can start anew?

If Merthiaal’s cautionary story is any indication, yes. But Uria believes otherwise. She believes that the seeds can be used for other things if the aspect you control is either Life or Existence, based on the efforts of her predecessor — or the very unreliable information we have about them, anyway. But her attempts to find the seed on Urvatha have proven fruitless so far, and her patience is wearing thin. As ludicrous as it sounds, she no longer wants to find <i>just</i> the Body of the Union on Ethea.


If Merthiaal’s cautionary story is any indication, yes. But Uria believes otherwise. She believes that the seeds can be used for other things if the aspect you control is either Life or Existence, based on the efforts of her predecessor — or the very unreliable information we have about them, anyway. But her attempts to find the seed on Urvatha have proven fruitless so far, and her patience is wearing thin. As ludicrous as it sounds, she no longer wants to find <i>just</i> the Body of the Union on Ethea.

I see. Then, there is no point in doing anything with ours.


I see. Then, there is no point in doing anything with ours.

I suppose. There is so much we still don’t know about our own creation...


I suppose. There is so much we still don’t know about our own creation...

Come to think of it, we should be thankful that Delethia’s actions ensured we would not get a proper Guardian of Existence for this cycle who could turn out to be an even more powerful deranged psychopath than Uria. Well, probably. That girl, Anya... her sole existence raises many questions we thought we had already answered.


Come to think of it, we should be thankful that Delethia’s actions ensured we would not get a proper Guardian of Existence for this cycle who could turn out to be an even more powerful deranged psychopath than Uria. Well, probably. That girl, Anya... her sole existence raises many questions we thought we had already answered.

... But of course. The bastard’s plans aren’t as aligned with Uria’s own as I originally thought.


... But of course. The bastard’s plans aren’t as aligned with Uria’s own as I originally thought.

What a glorious day for Irdya! So, at long last, Argan’s little girl solved the puzzle!


What a glorious day for Irdya! So, at long last, Argan’s little girl solved the puzzle!

You are a disgusting liar and a traitor, Zhangor.


You are a disgusting liar and a traitor, Zhangor.

Excellent. That makes us equals in the eyes of the Lady of Light. Or should I now call her the Guardian of Earth on Irdya?


Excellent. That makes us equals in the eyes of the Lady of Light. Or should I now call her the Guardian of Earth on Irdya?

Ah yes, Elynia... I have not forgotten what you and Argan did to me. Do you have any idea what it feels like to live for hundreds of years in agonizing pain with your limbs scattered across the land and buried deep in the ground? Do you?


Ah yes, Elynia... I have not forgotten what you and Argan did to me. Do you have any idea what it feels like to live for hundreds of years in agonizing pain with your limbs scattered across the land and buried deep in the ground? Do you?

You’ve got nothing to fear; this time I shall make sure <i>nothing</i> remains of your wretched body for Uria to bring back.


You’ve got nothing to fear; this time I shall make sure <i>nothing</i> remains of your wretched body for Uria to bring back.

And I shall make sure your soul is destroyed forever as well.


And I shall make sure your soul is destroyed forever as well.

Without the Union? Go ahead, try your best!


Without the Union? Go ahead, try your best!


What are you trying to do now?

His body is affixed to the ground, just avoid getting hit by his lightning!


His body is affixed to the ground, just avoid getting hit by his lightning!

Oh, is that what we are doing now, Zhangor? I expected you to be more creative than this in a real fight.


Oh, is that what we are doing now, Zhangor? I expected you to be more creative than this in a real fight.

Destroying these things is increasing my power somehow...


Destroying these things is increasing my power somehow...

There is something about the energy released by these cores, although I have a feeling Zhangor benefits from it as well.


There is something about the energy released by these cores, although I have a feeling Zhangor benefits from it as well.


Oh dear gods, will this ever stop?

What is the matter, Guardians? Do you fear killing those of your own kin now? Have you not become accustomed to it over the course of your pathetic lives?


What is the matter, Guardians? Do you fear killing those of your own kin now? Have you not become accustomed to it over the course of your pathetic lives?


You abandoned me...


You left me to die...

Your imitation of Argan is once again absolutely pathetic.


Your imitation of Argan is once again absolutely pathetic.


You betrayed me...

This cheap trick will not break me down this time.


This cheap trick will not break me down this time.


You killed me...

I could slaughter a whole host of these stupid elves a thousand times, Zhangor. Is this all you’ve got?


I could slaughter a whole host of these stupid elves a thousand times, Zhangor. Is this all you’ve got?


You failed to protect me...

I no longer care for any of this, Zhangor. I no longer care.


I no longer care for any of this, Zhangor. I no longer care.

You are no small part of the cause of my departure from this world, you know.


You are no small part of the cause of my departure from this world, you know.

I could not care less about a walking joke like you.


I could not care less about a walking joke like you.

You could have prevented my death, Elynia. You could have—


You could have prevented my death, Elynia. You could have—

No... there was nothing I could do. Stop this!


No... there was nothing I could do. Stop this!

... You were too late to save me, Elynia. If only you had not allowed him into your heart—


... You were too late to save me, Elynia. If only you had not allowed him into your heart—

NO! I don’t want to remember this! I’LL KILL YOU!


NO! I don’t want to remember this! I’LL KILL YOU!

With your power you surely could have banished those foul creatures to whence they came. Useless child.


With your power you surely could have banished those foul creatures to whence they came. Useless child.

... You peered into places you shouldn’t have, Zhangor.


... You peered into places you shouldn’t have, Zhangor.

I wonder what became of my kind under your command...


I wonder what became of my kind under your command...


HA! I hope you enjoyed your stay with us, sweetheart.


I’LL KILL YOU!

That couldn’t possibly be my own memory... I don’t think...


That couldn’t possibly be my own memory... I don’t think...

For someone who wants so much to stop Uria, you are hardly any different from her kind.


For someone who wants so much to stop Uria, you are hardly any different from her kind.


... You are not wrong.

Taking advantage of my protégé’s heart so soon after my death... You truly are a shameless creature.


Taking advantage of my protégé’s heart so soon after my death... You truly are a shameless creature.

I’ve had enough. You will not break me again.


I’ve had enough. You will not break me again.


... Is this...


Child...


M— mother...? No... NO! STOP!

They are manifestations of Zhangor’s will — not even real shapeshifters!


They are manifestations of Zhangor’s will — not even real shapeshifters!


Brace yourself!


Wh— what is... happening to him...

This is getting out of hand. We need to defeat him here and now!


This is getting out of hand. We need to defeat him here and now!


... to his body...


Elyssa? Are you still with me?

Is this... Is this the fate of our kind should we allow emotions to overpower our minds?


Is this... Is this the fate of our kind should we allow emotions to overpower our minds?

No... Zhangor devoured the heart of a Gatekeeper. He became like this of his own volition. Focus, Elyssa.


No... Zhangor devoured the heart of a Gatekeeper. He became like this of his own volition. Focus, Elyssa.


FOCUS!

He’s preparing to unleash a devastating attack, watch out!


He’s preparing to unleash a devastating attack, watch out!


... You... CANNOT...


... destroy ME...

Do you think we can do it? He should not be able to focus us anymore!


Do you think we can do it? He should not be able to focus us anymore!

No... I’m not ready yet! Just keep striking at him with all you have!


No... I’m not ready yet! Just keep striking at him with all you have!

(<i>feminine voice</i>) ... I am... the Angel of Blood...


(<i>feminine voice</i>) ... I am... the Angel of Blood...

You are nothing but a sad memory of who you once were. It seems Uria did not do such a good job in bringing you back from your grave.


You are nothing but a sad memory of who you once were. It seems Uria did not do such a good job in bringing you back from your grave.

Perhaps she was aware that you would eventually betray her. Or perhaps she did not have the same infatuation she had with Argan.


Perhaps she was aware that you would eventually betray her. Or perhaps she did not have the same infatuation she had with Argan.


What I do know for sure...


... is that you are done. Elynia!


Pierce into the heart of stone...

... release the soul back to the void...


... release the soul back to the void...


... break the curse of Yarae...


Elynia?


I am here.

Have I mentioned yet how much I despise you?


Oh. It is you again. I thought you disappeared for good this time.


It has been a while.


Did you find the cake you wanted?

No... I did not. I have hardly eaten anything in weeks. My mind has just been... sort of wandering off constantly. I feel like I shouldn’t be here.


No... I did not. I have hardly eaten anything in weeks. My mind has just been... sort of wandering off constantly. I feel like I shouldn’t be here.

You seem even more despondent than before.


You seem even more despondent than before.

... This whole situation is just too overwhelming. I feel lost. Ergea is not helpful — she wants me to play a role that wasn’t meant for me.


... This whole situation is just too overwhelming. I feel lost. Ergea is not helpful — she wants me to play a role that wasn’t meant for me.


This is about Elynia, am I correct?


What do you mean?


You feel lost without her.

I have been thinking about what you said about destiny... You know, after becoming this... thing... I became, I somehow feel even less in control of my life than I was before.


I have been thinking about what you said about destiny... You know, after becoming this... thing... I became, I somehow feel even less in control of my life than I was before.


How so, exactly?

Would that be your actual heart, or the divine instrument demonkind calls the Energy Heart?


Would that be your actual heart, or the divine instrument demonkind calls the Energy Heart?

I can’t even tell the difference anymore.


I can’t even tell the difference anymore.

I can only speculate about the nature and extent of your powers, but I would expect Guardians of Darkness to be better in touch with the notion of agency seeing as how their domain revolves around the matters of mind. If the gift you now possess comes with greater self-awareness, then it is up to you to make use of it in a way that can advance your own existence towards a positive outcome.


I can only speculate about the nature and extent of your powers, but I would expect Guardians of Darkness to be better in touch with the notion of agency seeing as how their domain revolves around the matters of mind. If the gift you now possess comes with greater self-awareness, then it is up to you to make use of it in a way that can advance your own existence towards a positive outcome.

But what if the only path forward I see involves leaving people behind?


But what if the only path forward I see involves leaving people behind?

The future is constantly clouded in darkness, but you need not be afraid of the core substance of your being, do you? We are not always given a choice, but when we are, it is up to us to make the right one — and a Guardian’s choices carry more weight upon our reality than anyone else’s.


The future is constantly clouded in darkness, but you need not be afraid of the core substance of your being, do you? We are not always given a choice, but when we are, it is up to us to make the right one — and a Guardian’s choices carry more weight upon our reality than anyone else’s.

Have you pondered the matter of destiny yet?


Have you pondered the matter of destiny yet?


I... uh... What do you mean?

I must not have talked to you about it. My apologies. You need not worry about it for now.


I must not have talked to you about it. My apologies. You need not worry about it for now.


I have so many questions...

Xia’el does not have answers for you anymore, sadly.


Xia’el does not have answers for you anymore, sadly.

Am I ever going to find out what happened to my parents after I was born?


Am I ever going to find out what happened to my parents after I was born?

As a matter of fact, yes. I opted not to tell you the entire story out of concern for your emotional state in battle, but I can finish it now if you would like.


As a matter of fact, yes. I opted not to tell you the entire story out of concern for your emotional state in battle, but I can finish it now if you would like.

What?! You knew the rest of the story but didn’t tell it to me?! I thought you said you were just a medium and you didn’t have it!


What?! You knew the rest of the story but didn’t tell it to me?! I thought you said you were just a medium and you didn’t have it!

I said your question was already answered, and it was. I never specified whether I was able to intentionally postpone delivering a non-essential part of the answer or not. I apologize, but it had to be done.


I said your question was already answered, and it was. I never specified whether I was able to intentionally postpone delivering a non-essential part of the answer or not. I apologize, but it had to be done.

(<i>sighs</i>) I understand. And... I’m sorry for my outburst.


(<i>sighs</i>) I understand. And... I’m sorry for my outburst.

So, let us pick up from where we left last time...


So, let us pick up from where we left last time...

The hearts of Mintha and the Nameless One were overflowing with newfound happiness and purpose after conceiving a child that they could call their own. The offspring would be a new free creature born of faerie and demonkind, a unique combination completely unheard of before. The future of the two lovers seemed bright for once.


The hearts of Mintha and the Nameless One were overflowing with newfound happiness and purpose after conceiving a child that they could call their own. The offspring would be a new free creature born of faerie and demonkind, a unique combination completely unheard of before. The future of the two lovers seemed bright for once.

When the Demon Lord Nar-hamoth found the corpse of his former slave he could only growl and trample the forest in frustration for being denied his revenge.


When the Demon Lord Nar-hamoth found the corpse of his former slave he could only growl and trample the forest in frustration for being denied his revenge.

I don’t know what I was expecting... I— I think I know exactly which forest that was. I had been there before... I... I...


I don’t know what I was expecting... I— I think I know exactly which forest that was. I had been there before... I... I...

They would not have been able to tell you.


They would not have been able to tell you.

That entire forest... it doesn’t exist anymore... the entire place... Oh gods...


That entire forest... it doesn’t exist anymore... the entire place... Oh gods...

I could’ve killed him. I could’ve killed Nar-hamoth...


I could’ve killed him. I could’ve killed Nar-hamoth...


You did not know.

Heh, but it wouldn’t have changed anything, would it...


Heh, but it wouldn’t have changed anything, would it...

They could have both taken me with them deep into the country and we would have all survived together...


They could have both taken me with them deep into the country and we would have all survived together...


It was a risk they chose not to take.

Choices, huh... it’s all down to choices... Do they even matter in the end?


Choices, huh... it’s all down to choices... Do they even matter in the end?


What am I supposed to do now?

I think you already know what you are going to do. It is not even going to be a choice, is it?


I think you already know what you are going to do. It is not even going to be a choice, is it?


What do you mean?

What you do next is a constant. No matter how you get here, you always do what you want to do, as well as what is expected of you. They do not <i>have</i> to be mutually exclusive concepts, after all.


What you do next is a constant. No matter how you get here, you always do what you want to do, as well as what is expected of you. They do not <i>have</i> to be mutually exclusive concepts, after all.


I suppose so...

How long have I spent staring into this pond?


How long have I spent staring into this pond?

No matter how much I want, Irdya will never be my true home. I’ve always been an outcast. I don’t belong with either species. And I don’t want to take part in Ergea’s plans anymore.


No matter how much I want, Irdya will never be my true home. I’ve always been an outcast. I don’t belong with either species. And I don’t want to take part in Ergea’s plans anymore.

At least on Ethea I might be able to find Elynia... and tell her... that I want to be with her...


At least on Ethea I might be able to find Elynia... and tell her... that I want to be with her...


Yes, I do. I really do.


... I guess it’s both.

Oh dear gods... Am I really speaking to myself now?


Oh dear gods... Am I really speaking to myself now?

... Forgive me, Durvan, Ergea, Irylean...


... Forgive me, Durvan, Ergea, Irylean...

... What if Elynia rejects me? What if I am not actually supposed to do this?


... What if Elynia rejects me? What if I am not actually supposed to do this?


That is correct. I...


I will do this.

I am sorry, Elynia. But... I need you...


Ha ha ha ha ha! It has been hundreds of years since my last visit to Silida, and yet, nothing has changed. I am so delighted to see your subjects here, Xia’el — it is such a warm welcome. Did you miss me?


What brings you here?

We had a pact of neutrality and mutual respect, Xia’el. You would not interfere with my plans, and I would let you govern your precious people here in peace. But it has come to my attention that there has been a breach of terms on your part. My Seer just revealed some... troubling things to me.


We had a pact of neutrality and mutual respect, Xia’el. You would not interfere with my plans, and I would let you govern your precious people here in peace. But it has come to my attention that there has been a breach of terms on your part. My Seer just revealed some... troubling things to me.

My only intention was to fulfill my duty as the Guardian of Earth and point my children on Irdya in the correct direction. That is to say, as far away from your grasp as possible so they may stage your ultimate downfall.


My only intention was to fulfill my duty as the Guardian of Earth and point my children on Irdya in the correct direction. That is to say, as far away from your grasp as possible so they may stage your ultimate downfall.

Even the new Guardian of Water? I received word that he is already there.


Even the new Guardian of Water? I received word that he is already there.


(<i>enraged</i>) I see how it is, then! But tell me, Aradellys, did you forget the Rule of One?


(<i>enraged</i>) I see how it is, then! But tell me, Aradellys, did you forget the Rule of One?

Your insolence cannot go unpunished. Even though I knew from the very beginning that things would come to this... I cannot allow you to interfere with my plans any further. You are a poor excuse for a Guardian of Earth, and this is not even your rightful domain. The true Guardian of Earth is awake, so your purpose in this universe has been fulfilled.


Your insolence cannot go unpunished. Even though I knew from the very beginning that things would come to this... I cannot allow you to interfere with my plans any further. You are a poor excuse for a Guardian of Earth, and this is not even your rightful domain. The true Guardian of Earth is awake, so your purpose in this universe has been fulfilled.

Now that you have helpfully advanced my pieces to the world on which I needed them in the first place, the game is over for you. After all, there can only be one.


Now that you have helpfully advanced my pieces to the world on which I needed them in the first place, the game is over for you. After all, there can only be one.

I am willing to face oblivion at your hand for my transgressions. But you shall spare my people.


I am willing to face oblivion at your hand for my transgressions. But you shall spare my people.

Hm, hm, what makes you think that I have to keep my word anymore?


Hm, hm, what makes you think that I have to keep my word anymore?

Please, if there is anything left of the kind Lyphanea in your heart, you shall spare my people as we agreed—


Please, if there is anything left of the kind Lyphanea in your heart, you shall spare my people as we agreed—

If it helps, your subjects will be able to enjoy whatever afterlife is in store for them. But you... <b>will not.</b> Farewell, Xia’el. Your reign on Silida is over.


If it helps, your subjects will be able to enjoy whatever afterlife is in store for them. But you... <b>will not.</b> Farewell, Xia’el. Your reign on Silida is over.

Soon there will be a reckoning, Elynia-Thanadria — mark my words. Do not forget who made the resurrection of your new ally possible in the first place...


Cursed beasts!

I won’t go down like this, felled by an orc’s blade!


I won’t go down like this, felled by an orc’s blade!


So it seems...

Perhaps it would be a suitable end. The orcs were the ones who provoked this journey of mine. Would it not be fitting for them to end my quest as well?


Perhaps it would be a suitable end. The orcs were the ones who provoked this journey of mine. Would it not be fitting for them to end my quest as well?

Yes... yes. The book. That half-rotten, tattered tome which I gave my blood and soul for. I forsook my people, my family, my home... to follow that damned necromancer! And in the end, he betrayed me too, just like Drogan, just like Dela...


Yes... yes. The book. That half-rotten, tattered tome which I gave my blood and soul for. I forsook my people, my family, my home... to follow that damned necromancer! And in the end, he betrayed me too, just like Drogan, just like Dela...

Everyone has betrayed me. I am alone. All that is left...


Everyone has betrayed me. I am alone. All that is left...


Leave me while I prepare.

... I suppose I have never been one for regrets...


... I suppose I have never been one for regrets...


I feel... different. Where am I?

Why is my body still intact? Am I still alive? Or...


Why is my body still intact? Am I still alive? Or...


... something isn’t quite right.

I see, accepting death was not enough. To become a lich, I must master it.


I see, accepting death was not enough. To become a lich, I must master it.

First comes the flesh, the physical form of life. Blood is the crux of life for mortal creatures, but if I wish to ascend beyond that...


First comes the flesh, the physical form of life. Blood is the crux of life for mortal creatures, but if I wish to ascend beyond that...


The flesh dies, and then...

Drain the blood, strip away the meat, and all that is left is the bone.


Drain the blood, strip away the meat, and all that is left is the bone.

I remember a time when I thought skeletons were repulsive, sickening things. I suppose it’s only natural for the living to fear the most prominent figure of death. Even if I grew out of such a naive thought... I suppose I couldn’t have expected Drogan and Dela to follow suit so easily. My family and friends, yes, but they were nothing but simpletons. If only they had tried to understand me instead of shunning me outright.


I remember a time when I thought skeletons were repulsive, sickening things. I suppose it’s only natural for the living to fear the most prominent figure of death. Even if I grew out of such a naive thought... I suppose I couldn’t have expected Drogan and Dela to follow suit so easily. My family and friends, yes, but they were nothing but simpletons. If only they had tried to understand me instead of shunning me outright.

I do not really regret following my own path that much.


I do not really regret following my own path that much.

The physical form collapses altogether. What remains?


The physical form collapses altogether. What remains?

The soul. Dela always said I was a creature without a soul. I suppose she was jesting at the time, but maybe not after I killed Drogan.


The soul. Dela always said I was a creature without a soul. I suppose she was jesting at the time, but maybe not after I killed Drogan.

Bah! I don’t deserve this, and I certainly don’t answer to someone like her. I have only ever fought to protect my people and my family, but the only thing I received in return was scorn and exile. My own sister thought I was a monster for using my power to save our town. My people would rather feed themselves to orcs than follow my ‘sorcerous ways’. Drogan, Dela... all of them! They are the ones without souls, not me!


Bah! I don’t deserve this, and I certainly don’t answer to someone like her. I have only ever fought to protect my people and my family, but the only thing I received in return was scorn and exile. My own sister thought I was a monster for using my power to save our town. My people would rather feed themselves to orcs than follow my ‘sorcerous ways’. Drogan, Dela... all of them! They are the ones without souls, not me!

I should not really care anymore. I don’t care anymore. According to them, I have forsaken my soul already. So what does it matter?


I should not really care anymore. I don’t care anymore. According to them, I have forsaken my soul already. So what does it matter?

I should not regret anything. I’m not really one for regrets...


I should not regret anything. I’m not really one for regrets...

These thralls contain only a meager amount of energy, but enough to sustain me.


These thralls contain only a meager amount of energy, but enough to sustain me.

The flesh appears, distorted and warped, but somehow strangely familiar.


The flesh appears, distorted and warped, but somehow strangely familiar.

I feel an aching in my bones, as if they are crumbling inside me.


I feel an aching in my bones, as if they are crumbling inside me.

Cold... it’s so very cold. Not a biting chill, but a numbness, an emptiness that eats at me from within...


Cold... it’s so very cold. Not a biting chill, but a numbness, an emptiness that eats at me from within...


These runes seem to be useful.


There is darkness...


and peace...


for a moment.

Then, they are replaced by a pulling, a pain too strong to resist, and then...


Then, they are replaced by a pulling, a pain too strong to resist, and then...


... by emptiness.


The cold, it burns!


I need warmth... life...

I sense some primitive life in that direction. Perhaps I can sustain myself upon them.


I sense some primitive life in that direction. Perhaps I can sustain myself upon them.

That mage’s name is suspiciously... familiar.


That mage’s name is suspiciously... familiar.

A monolith of black stone, a fractured surface shrouded by darkened shadow.


A monolith of black stone, a fractured surface shrouded by darkened shadow.


Why are these bats chasing me?


Blasted rats!

Dela used to be afraid of spiders. Imagine if she saw something like this...


Dela used to be afraid of spiders. Imagine if she saw something like this...

For a moment, I was a little worried there. To have come so far and conquered death... only to be slain by an oversized arachnid! What a tale that would be.


For a moment, I was a little worried there. To have come so far and conquered death... only to be slain by an oversized arachnid! What a tale that would be.


What an unusual bat.

Yes! I can draw energy from even these insignificant creatures.


Yes! I can draw energy from even these insignificant creatures.


Mal Keshar drinks the potion and feels energy flow through his skeletal form. The power of death surges in his vacant body, threatening to overflow, to burst free, but at the last moment, he reins it in. The stream of magic trickles down to drops, diminished, tempered, but manageable.


Mal Keshar drinks the potion and feels energy flow through his skeletal form. The power of death surges in his vacant body, threatening to overflow, to burst free, but at the last moment, he reins it in. The stream of magic trickles down to drops, diminished, tempered, but manageable.

Someone left their experiment unfinished here.


Someone left their experiment unfinished here.

There are some robe scraps stuck to this skeleton. This must have once been a mage.


There are some robe scraps stuck to this skeleton. This must have once been a mage.

Ash swirls upward, charred remnants of the once living. Charcoal from bone, embers from flesh, he consumes the pallid cinders, siphoning away the energy with a draining touch.


Ash swirls upward, charred remnants of the once living. Charcoal from bone, embers from flesh, he consumes the pallid cinders, siphoning away the energy with a draining touch.


This place seems familiar.

The blood is drained and the flesh is stripped. The bone remains, waiting to be reanimated. A necromancer’s most basic weapon is that, the puppet body of a skeleton.


The blood is drained and the flesh is stripped. The bone remains, waiting to be reanimated. A necromancer’s most basic weapon is that, the puppet body of a skeleton.

... but that is not what I am looking at, is it? This is... <i>my</i> face. This is what I have become...


... but that is not what I am looking at, is it? This is... <i>my</i> face. This is what I have become...


A skeleton, yourself.

A skeleton — a puppet for Darken Volk’s manipulation, yes.


A skeleton — a puppet for Darken Volk’s manipulation, yes.


A puppet of your own machinations.


I...

From the outset, deep down, you knew. If you followed this path, they would never accept you. Yet, you manipulated yourself into believing the opposite. You could not face the truth.


From the outset, deep down, you knew. If you followed this path, they would never accept you. Yet, you manipulated yourself into believing the opposite. You could not face the truth.

But I was right. My logic was sound. My reasoning was flawless. They should have accepted me...


But I was right. My logic was sound. My reasoning was flawless. They should have accepted me...

A puppet shackled by the limitations of your own feelings. No matter its faultlessness, logic could not have displaced the reality of your world. A culture of preconception supplanting even the instinct for survival.


A puppet shackled by the limitations of your own feelings. No matter its faultlessness, logic could not have displaced the reality of your world. A culture of preconception supplanting even the instinct for survival.


Enough of this.

This is what you have become. A decaying soul chained within the puppet form of a skeleton.


This is what you have become. A decaying soul chained within the puppet form of a skeleton.

A rotten soul? I was never concerned with such things to begin with. When you are slain by orcs and decompose into nothing but a maggot-eaten carcass, no ‘soul’ is going to be of any use.


A rotten soul? I was never concerned with such things to begin with. When you are slain by orcs and decompose into nothing but a maggot-eaten carcass, no ‘soul’ is going to be of any use.

Better to sacrifice the spirit and live, than to die with dignity?


Better to sacrifice the spirit and live, than to die with dignity?

Dignity in death is a notion contrived of by fools. It is an assertion of lies, told by humans to comfort themselves in the face of an immutable force. But not I. By sacrificing my soul, I have conquered death and will live on past all those who tried to destroy me.


Dignity in death is a notion contrived of by fools. It is an assertion of lies, told by humans to comfort themselves in the face of an immutable force. But not I. By sacrificing my soul, I have conquered death and will live on past all those who tried to destroy me.

For what purpose? You will persist on, bitter and alone, until the end of time?


For what purpose? You will persist on, bitter and alone, until the end of time?


I regret nothing.

I sense the lair of something powerful nearby. Capturing that castle may be a worthwhile endeavor, but I shall have to approach carefully.


I sense the lair of something powerful nearby. Capturing that castle may be a worthwhile endeavor, but I shall have to approach carefully.

<i><big>What manner of vile creature intrudes upon my domain?!</big></i>


<i><big>What manner of vile creature intrudes upon my domain?!</big></i>

<i>I suppose there is some irony in this.</i>


<i>I suppose there is some irony in this.</i>

I was not aware that dragons still existed. This was most unexpected. Nevertheless, this shall be a worthwhile test of my new powers.


I was not aware that dragons still existed. This was most unexpected. Nevertheless, this shall be a worthwhile test of my new powers.

<i><big>A derelict corpse like you has no business challenging a dragon! Even my lowly elementals will be more than a match for you. Rise, my thralls!</big></i>


<i><big>A derelict corpse like you has no business challenging a dragon! Even my lowly elementals will be more than a match for you. Rise, my thralls!</big></i>

Fire magic. Annoying, but you are not the only one who can summon minions to your aid.


Fire magic. Annoying, but you are not the only one who can summon minions to your aid.

<i><big>A few decrepit souls will do you no good, necromancer. Your bones shall soon join my garden of carcasses!</big></i>


<i><big>A few decrepit souls will do you no good, necromancer. Your bones shall soon join my garden of carcasses!</big></i>

<big>How dare you?! That stone is my throne! I am the king of this domain!</big>


<big>How dare you?! That stone is my throne! I am the king of this domain!</big>

Peasant, warrior, king, and emperor, all living things are the subjects of death. Eternity will claim your soul as its own if I do not.


Peasant, warrior, king, and emperor, all living things are the subjects of death. Eternity will claim your soul as its own if I do not.

There are many corpses around here. I can put them to use.


There are many corpses around here. I can put them to use.


How could this happen...

You were not as powerful as you thought.


You were not as powerful as you thought.


<i>It’s... so... cold...</i>

So, the beast dies. I will have to make a few modifications to this lair later. First, I shall have to test the extent to which I can push these new powers.


So, the beast dies. I will have to make a few modifications to this lair later. First, I shall have to test the extent to which I can push these new powers.

Excellent! My will is even strong enough to conquer a dragon. None can stand against me any longer! To those who cursed me prior, I spit at thee! For I am Mal Keshar the Damned, he who is spurned by all who live and draw breath! I laugh, for now, you are all naught but remains and dust, and I live on, alone...


Excellent! My will is even strong enough to conquer a dragon. None can stand against me any longer! To those who cursed me prior, I spit at thee! For I am Mal Keshar the Damned, he who is spurned by all who live and draw breath! I laugh, for now, you are all naught but remains and dust, and I live on, alone...


You have preyed on too many of my men. Our territory will be much more secure without your undead pestering us.

We have finally found you, lich! Long have we heard of your abominable deeds, ensnaring the living with your dark sorceries and molding them into your slaves. Your wretched unlife ends here!


We have finally found you, lich! Long have we heard of your abominable deeds, ensnaring the living with your dark sorceries and molding them into your slaves. Your wretched unlife ends here!

I’ve finally found your lair, lich! You have attacked my tribe and wreaked havoc on our homes for many years. You slew my father and turned his body into one of your nasty creations. With your death, your annoying minions will pester us no longer!


I’ve finally found your lair, lich! You have attacked my tribe and wreaked havoc on our homes for many years. You slew my father and turned his body into one of your nasty creations. With your death, your annoying minions will pester us no longer!

I almost feel as if the universe is mocking me by sending me this many imbeciles...


I almost feel as if the universe is mocking me by sending me this many imbeciles...

I will destroy you like the last foolish hero who challenged me.


I will destroy you like the last foolish hero who challenged me.


Another foolish hero? Seriously?

Is there an endless supply of foolish heroes with death wishes? Honestly, where do you all come from?


Is there an endless supply of foolish heroes with death wishes? Honestly, where do you all come from?

Am I doomed to fight foolish heroes forever?


Am I doomed to fight foolish heroes forever?

How long is this going to keep happening?


How long is this going to keep happening?


At this point, I would be more surprised if these foolish heroes stopped showing up.


At this point, I would be more surprised if these foolish heroes stopped showing up.

Your doom is at hand, lich! It is nigh time you answered for your crimes against humanity!


Your doom is at hand, lich! It is nigh time you answered for your crimes against humanity!

You have preyed on too many of my men. Our territory will be much more secure without your undead pestering us.


Not even real soldiers. How meaningless.


Life or death, it is all the same. There are always those who try to kill me. Ever do they fail.