The roar of thunder and pounding rain outside flashed with lightning, an image of Wolfgang’s shadow imprinting against the fashionable marble walls of the Caracas capitol building in Venezuela as he walked through its hallways.

With a low hum in his voice and hands clasped behind his back, the Legend of the Angel of Death smiled as he paused in front of the glass window; water trailed down the panel, the trees below bending with the lingering effects of the passing hurricane, gradually dying down over the past few hours.

He’d remained in Cuba long enough to feel the trigger of his Soul Stone and Rachel’s triumphant return from the predicted battle against the outerversal entity known as Revilla; the entire exchange had been most educational due to the foreknowledge he’d been granted.

Wolfgang’s calculating, light-blue irises lingered on the sections of the road below that showed signs of damage, and much of the once lustrous city was now in a state of repair.

Everything had proceeded as he’d been told, yet going through the process himself provided a means of molding further progress that could be made. Naturally, he didn’t agree with everything he’d been a part of, but that was the cost of evolution and advancement—growth always came at a cost—science demanded trial and error.

His studious gaze drifted over the city, still hunkering down from the internal conflicts that had shaken the democratic socialist structure to its core; the previous leadership and the majority special interest groups that had overseen its previous administration were more or less crushed in the end.

Venezuela’s democratic socialist structure had been soundly crushed by the totalitarian regime of Legendkin and Mythickin currently holding all power in the country; from what he’d been told, it wasn’t really much of a fight, considering the conditions the lower-class citizens were under that rallied behind the various totalitarian revolutionaries.

Now, the three leading factions had come to an arrangement because of a single individual at the center of their rather diverse group of influencers. Mind drifting back to the start of his journey, Wolfgang waited for the nucleus of their little cell to meet him.

Three days after The Oscillation, he’d been approached by a woman that offered such a groundbreaking proposition, he had no choice but to accept. In the wake of that decision, he’d accomplished much in Cuba’s collapse, and everything had more or less gone according to plan, yet the results were somewhat lackluster compared to his predictions, as he’d been warned.

Progress requires sacrifices, and the experiment certainly yielded results… Tweaking is required. Breakthroughs never come without risk, conflict, and naysayers, seeking to stifle progress due to their subjective bias on morality. What a fascinating time to be alive.

A familiar female voice tickled his ears from down the previously empty hallway, drawing his attention. “Hmm-hmm. You performed your task flawlessly, Wolfgang… as I expected. How was your flight?”

Features becoming unreadable, Wolfgang took a step to the side to survey the crimson-cloaked figure several meters away; this was the creature who had orchestrated Cuba’s collapse like a conductor directing a symphony of sound.

Unable to perceive her features from behind the cloak, Wolfgang let his mind play around the information he’d received from his time in the collapsing country, yet he knew what her cowl hid. “A rather turbulent trip, given the weather, yet the pilot you utilized was marvelous, hehe, and someone from my homeland… The Black Devil.”

“He is a rather interesting fellow,” she mused, moving to stand beside him, and Wolfgang’s focus returned to the recovering city outside. “Did you find your answers?”

“Mmh… You were correct in the diagnosis regarding the Seeds; they are not all the same, and while the process of extending their potential to humanity will certainly give rise to an evolutionary advancement not seen since the divergence of our mental faculties from that of the common animal… it will not exceed the Divine, as you call it.”

His vision drifted to the small girl’s face as she pulled back her hood, revealing silky black locks, pointed ears, and fangs; Twilight’s illuminated crimson irises shifted to him, reflecting the same face as the girl he’d met in Cuba, of which Wolfgang knew was no coincidence.

So far as he could tell, Relica’s Seed had been infected by coming into contact with the entity who had manipulated her into gathering this very council surrounding Twilight—she’d been Twilight’s plant from the beginning—it wasn’t as if this was Scarlet herself, but the artificial body the splintered entity was able to take in her fragile state.

In the end, the Sorceress could not be trusted, which led to her memories being wiped, seeing as she would side with Revilla out of self-preservation.

This being was neither Goddess, Divine, nor Hell Lord, but something else entirely; in fact, she hated them so far as he could tell. As could be expected, she wasn’t above working with those who espoused their gods, yet something enticing about her drew the most unlikely of people together.

“There are ways to uplift humanity to such heights, Wolfgang, and naturally, given the proper nutrients, these Seeds can break into that sphere, which is why we can exploit these Gateways.”

“Hmm… The policies you’ve been advocating for to give these forming Guilds more leniency to act without oversight,” Wolfgang nodded. “My experiment to bring humanity beyond imagination may have been too… rushed, I suppose. It will give the majority a means to compete with those naturally granted these Seeds.”

The twist of Twilight’s lips told him she didn’t entirely agree, her bright eyes wandering to the end of the hallway as he felt the elevator come to a stop, a powerful spiritual presence within.

“Just as in any evolutionary process, nothing is fair, Wolfgang, and it never will be; no genetic imprint—be it spirit, Intelligence, nor physical—is the same, and as not every person can become a bodybuilder, just because someone has a Seed or muscle, it doesn’t mean they can exercise it to the same degree.”

Wolfgang nodded, understanding the comparison. “Yes, well, I am satisfied that they have the option to exercise it nonetheless, which has brought humanity one step closer to the Divine… Speaking of which…”

Predicting how this scenario would turn out, Wolfgang kept his posture lax, light-blue irises shifting to the beautiful woman in a light-blue dress; her braided, shimmering golden hair that fell to her rear swayed with her swift movements. “Jeanne. How did you manage to slip—”

“Wolfgang…” Her closed fist met his jaw, dislocating it as his feet left the floor, shoulder striking the wall as he slid across the smooth marble floor.

“You filthy cur,” she growled, Twilight stepping off the side with a small smile as the Legend turned her sights on the red-robed girl. “I was not told you would not only open a gate to Hell itself but murder millions!”

Twilight held up a hand, voice still calm as the woman’s spear-like flag appeared. “You are understandably angry, Jeanne, and I will explain this decision to you personally when we are able.”

“Explain what?” she challenged, glowing blue irises filled with disgust and indignation. “The slaughter of millions—releasing a powerful devil into our world to cause havoc?”

Wolfgang rose to his feet and expertly reset his dislocated jaw, healing via the contracts he’d made with various Hell entities, yet the overreacting woman didn’t need to know such details. “I believe we can act with a tad more civility. Hmm, Chief Joseph, Māui,” he greeted as the pair exited the nearby room, calling them by their Legend and Myth to make things simple.

The tall Native American chief paused with an even taller, 230-cm Polynesian man, three extra tattoos on his body depicting more achievements since they’d last met.

Chief Joseph sighed, glaring between him and the enraged woman. “Saint Jeanne, we should leave acts of violence out of these gatherings; if we are to start now, nothing but more unnecessary bloodshed will result from the others that join us, and we will get nowhere.”

“Have you heard—did you know?” Jeanne spat, glaring at Wolfgang. “Millions tortured, souls torn to shreds by the forces of Hell that some of the members on this council had a direct hand in. I want answers, Twilight! Justice! Why were specific details left out during our previous briefing?”

Fixing his clothes, Wolfgang kept his composed posture, eyeing the dangerous golden glow around the holy woman; he certainly hadn’t been left in the dark since it had been in private that a few of their compatriots discussed topics a person such as Jeanne would only hamper.

His focus was drawn to Māui as the giant folk hero worked around his neck, narrowed dark brown eyes moving between them. “Let’s hear the report, and then we can decide what to do next. Revilla was handled?”

“Yes,” Jeanne replied, heat still in her voice. “She has been sealed and locked away, which did not come without considerable sacrifices… unneeded sacrifice. We could have avoided so many casualties had I been aware of what Wolfgang had planned!”

Twilight moved past the Chief, and human turned Demigod to linger in the doorway, scarlet irises shifting to the Saint. “You knew what you were getting into when meeting who would be required in stopping Revilla, and did not Raphael warn you this was a difficult decision that had to be made…”

“Do not try to guilt me, Twilight! I am filled with indignation at being treated as a child. Yes, I knew some sacrifices needed to be made when dealing with something as powerful as Revilla, yet the tragedy could have been minimalized.”

Wolfgang worked around his jaw and followed Twilight into the room, not amused by the emotional outburst. “It is precisely this reason why you were excluded, Jeanne. Humph, and why didn’t your precious Archangel warn you, hmm?”

“Incorrect, Wolfgang,” said another woman as the others followed them into the large table many individuals waited at. “Jeanne was simply unavailable when final preparations were made.”

He rolled his eyes. “A difference of opinion, Scheherazade; you agreed there was no other way,” Wolfgang muttered, taking his seat while crossing his legs.

“I agreed only because the other options were far more cataclysmic, and Twilight assured us this Mythic group would be able to stop the summoning, which she did… with a few caveats.”

Jeanne stormed into the room, banner vanishing in radiant light as she glared around the room; taking her seat, she directed her focus on two particular men. “Surely you both have heard by now, Arthur, Solomon. Were you aware?”

A tanned man with a mane of white hair and light, topaz irises leaned against the side of his large chair, seemingly not happy with the outcome and he hadn’t been a part of the discussion, but Wolfgang knew better than to think he hadn’t puzzled out how things would evolve; he was a tad surprised he had stayed somewhat silent on the topic.

Cupping his chin while returning the Saint’s stare, he puffed out a long stream of air. “I figured as much; if my information is correct, the only possible solution was to involve Izanami from the discussion Twilight had on the current state of the heavens. Naturally, to pull the eyes of such a Fallen Creation Deity would come at an extreme cost.”

King Arthur leaned forward, yet he wasn’t currently at the location; being a member of Parliament made it difficult for the fabled UK hero to leave his spotlight, much like many of those present. So far as Wolfgang knew, Merlin was behind the magic that brought him to this meeting.

The handsome blond Legend creased his green eyes, his hands folded across his armored chest, a frown on his lips. “I was left in the dark the same as you, Saint Jeanne, but I suppose it may have been the process of unavailability; of course, such an excuse could have been planned on, seeing the minds we have around this table.”

“What does it matter?” a harsh voice spoke out, drawing many of the silent onlookers to center on the smirking shirtless man; his black hair had red streaks, chest marked with tattoos, and a symbol imprinted on his forehead.

His ruby eyes and fangs glistened in the dim atmosphere, no one present having difficulty seeing in the dark. “It’s done; the wentch is locked up, and before I could plant my fist through her chest,” he growled. “I’m still questioning if I should even come to these remote meetings, seeing as nothing involves me.”

“On the contrary,” Twilight smoothly interjected. “There will be quite the opportunity for your participation as we move forward, Asura.”

Jeanne promptly cut back in. “This isn’t about you, Asura. After confronting Revilla myself, I can understand the need for Izanami’s aid and appreciate the transparency regarding the heavenly realm, Twilight; however, was it purely to strengthen Mythic to handle the threat, and what of the reason for excluding me from the finer details?”

Māui ran his thick fingers through his wavy, black hair. “I can see why you're mad, Jeanne… Millions dead is no joking matter, and that Wolfgang could be a part without blinking an eye shows why Twilight directed us to other important conflicts and issues that could use our attention rather than distract us.”

Wolfgang folded his fingers across his lap and chuckled. “It is simple, Jeanne; Twilight has gathered us because we have influence and abilities unique to us—for you, it is your position in France and the holy affinity you possess. When such things are not required, your services are not needed; this council is here to prevent humanity from ending, which I am by all means for that goal.”

Naturally, Arthur came to her defense, causing Wolfgang to sigh at how narrow their morality confined them. “It isn’t a matter of what was required but the lack of empathy and transparency that Saint Jeanne and I agree on.”

A lovely Chinese woman wearing an extravagant dress tried to be the voice of reason. “Little is being accomplished, and we are all very busy people—not that I am diminishing your concerns, Saint Jeanne—I reflect your position, and we can be certain who was kept within the loop of Cuba’s fate. Can you illuminate us on what that is since the U.S. has gotten involved?”

Jeanne gave the Legend of Wu Zetian, the only legitimate female Empress of China, a pointed stare that amused Wolfgang; as could be expected, there was tension between the EU and China, which meant there would be suspicion.

So far as Wolfgang was concerned—the CCP had relinquished all governing rights to the enigmatic philanthropist earlier this week—and China would be his next destination; from the conversations he’d had with the woman, there were opportunities to be had in furthering humanity’s next stage in their evolution within the nation.

“I appreciate the financial aid you have personally given to many suffering around the world, Empress Wu Zetian, but I cannot give you confidential information the U.S. government has divulged, as it would be a betrayal of France. I can recount a brief summary as to the state of Cuba and the humanitarian efforts many are preparing.”

The Chinese ruler nodded. “Completely understandable.”

Wolfgang sat back, answering questions as many around the table—including the Venezuelan rulers—refrained from comment, choosing to enjoy the company of some of the world’s most influential figures that Twilight had brought together.

Queries came of Wu Zetian regarding the unusual movements revolving around the Chinese military, including the questionable move of resources being sent to Taiwan in its time of crisis, which the U.S. was keeping a tight watch over, yet she elegantly danced around them from the few that engaged her—it did take some of the focus off him, at the least.

However, Wolfgang’s thoughtful mind turned to the legendary figure of Israel; Solomon rarely spoke during these meetings, listening and only replying when spoken to. Almost an air of mystical wonder came from his presence alone, which hinted he knew far more than he let on.

As luck would have it—ever the vocal one to guide the conversation when present—Jeanne brought everyone’s attention to the enigma. “Solomon, what can you tell us about Abraxas?”

Leaning forward and steepling his fingers to listen, Wolfgang rested his chin on them, studying every movement the man made.

His somber, topaz irises drifted to Wu Zetian. “Abraxas is powerful, yet from the report you have given, and the information I have acquired through 3rd-party sources, his entry into our plane was interrupted. He will need to solidify his link to this world… I would look to North Korea for that and Hell’s presence to increase where there is strife. His presence alone draws Hell closer, making it easier to form contracts.”

Brilliant, Wolfgang hummed. Solomon didn’t give any advice but remained entirely neutral to keep opinion away from himself; he answered the question with only facts.

Several eyes drifted to a teal-haired young man, shockingly proficient at hiding his true identity as the Myth of Haetae and an emerald-haired man with a similar shade of bunny ears.

Both Myths remained silent, and Wolfgang wasn’t sure who the Jade Rabbit represented, being a rather mercurial addition to their party, yet he had made comments regarding the area. Although, in past meetings the rabbit also expressed interest in Rachel, which was what Wolfgang found amusing.

“Hehe. So, I can expect to have more demonic skulls to crack?” Asura laughed. “I dealt with a cult on my way here, in fact.”

“Smart,” Arthur growled, ignoring the Indian representative while also centering on the Chinese Empress. “None of us have the authority or a means to interfere, except…”

“Haaa… I can reach out… again. But North Korea has been rather… how should I put this… minimalist when it comes to communication in the past month. I doubt Russia has had any luck, Yulia?”

She brought their attention to a typically upbeat and brilliant woman who had no reserves about showing off her voluptuous figure in the thin, diaphanous gown of water that she wore; with her incredibly long blonde hair, deep blue eyes that matched her lips, and fair complexion, she was instantly a distraction when present.

The Myth of Vila, a Slavic myth and Russia’s representative favorable to the Legend of Anastasia, gave her a gentle shake of her head. “I fear such discussions would not be aligned with the faction I am party to.”

“I suppose I should have known,” Wu Zetian sighed. “I will attempt to reach out—ah, and to curb your heartache, Jeanne, I will be doing the same for Cuba and discussing options with the U.S. ambassador.”

“Thank you, Empress Wu Zetian,” the Saint smiled; Wolfgang knew better than to trust either when it came to an opinion of each other. It was a drama, which much of this initial stage came to, and while enjoying the show, he did not like to participate.

Several had no interest in the topic at hand; they were simply here for what would come after, and Twilight was the one who brought everyone back to the purpose of this meeting.

“I will discuss the details with you after, Jeanne, and I am sure you will agree that this was a far better outcome than what we could have anticipated otherwise. Now, onto the importance of this gathering, as many of you do not have much time left…”

Her crimson irises drifted between the many individuals who had spoken and kept their peace for various personal reasons. “Revilla has been stopped, which gives us a bit more time to prepare for the next stage; due to her—and others—interference, we are fortunate that many incarnated High Deities have been forced into a conflict of their own. However, that does not mean we are still safe from their lingering host.

“Many versions of Hell prepare across the Omniverse to struggle for supremacy, and our universe is the meeting point, which includes the scattered heavens, many left without higher leadership. It is a power struggle, and their influence will soon be felt.”

Her annoyed gaze shifted to a few members around the large table. “Haaa… Some of you fight on behalf of such figures, yet your factions are… understanding—to an extent—wishing for neutrality and peace rather than war or chaos, only interfering in realms that pertain to their sphere of influence. It is an acceptable position.

“That being said, the War of Lesser Deities is about to begin, and to prepare for that, you must convince your nations to accelerate the legislation for fewer restrictions regarding incentives involving the Crystals. Squeezing a little more government profit from individuals will mean little when the titans descend upon your planet.”

Rising to her feet, she moved to the door, likely to rest or drink more blood, considering her constitution was very weak, Wolfgang assumed. “Discuss amongst yourselves ideas as you are able; we will solidify a plan in three months, and Jeanne, I will be in the room down the hall to address your concerns.”

Conversation between parties quickly erupted, many arguing that their own nation wasn't in a position to push out far beyond their own governing scope as they brought things back into alignment; the sphere of influence each of them provided would ripple across the world.

Uninterested in the initial peacocking, Wolfgang left the room, remaining just outside the door to remove himself from unnecessary debate while pondering his next project; the storm drew his eye as he passively listened, trying to glean useful information.

Twilight’s group was composed of influencers, powerful entities that commanded respect, and people who could provide a unique service, such as himself.

His vision shifted to a rather dangerous woman that exited soon after him, bored with the proceedings; her shimmering, light-brown eyes and smirking smile drifted to Wolfgang; a thick, muddy tail trailed after her, and his focus was drawn to her wild, caramel locks, framed by two large horns.

Wolfgang didn’t want to get involved with this hotblooded Mythickin; this draconic girl was nothing but trouble from her boots, tights, and leather-like top.

“Delphyne… What do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hmm… I heard a little tale about a Leviathan girl in Cuba that could take on the actual form. Is it true?” she innocently asked, hands held behind her back at the base of her spiked, weaving tail.

“Selvaria is her name.”

“Interesting… I heard Germany had their own little spitfire of a dragon that has been making waves. Maybe I’ll see about paying her a visit!”

“I wouldn’t know since I haven’t been home in a month.”

“True. Hmm-hmm. I wish I had more time, but Twilight has been a slave driver! She keeps sending me to close these specific Crystals when they pop up, and they’re getting boring. Hopefully, she sends me to something a little more challenging.”

“Indeed…”

“Well, maybe I’ll go play with Māui or Cipactli… at least they’re fun.”

“…”

He watched her swaying tail disappear into the room to gather the powerful crocodile Mythickin and folk hero.

Wolfgang had shivers, recalling the last time he’d met Cipactli after he’d taken on his monstrous, colossal crocodilian State to manhandle and play with Armand; even then, the Myth of the Beast of Gévaudan had been practically immune to missiles, yet Cipactli swiftly showed his dominance.

Twilight was cultivating an impressive, small army of individuals by bridging interests, even when it seemed impossible, such as bringing a Saint into their circle; it was a delicate balancing act that she somehow managed to maintain, despite all the disagreements, and perhaps that was the key, giving each party a chance to talk and come to some modicum of a conclusion.

A small smile lifted his lips as the meeting came to a close, and the holy woman exited with Solomon, likely going to discuss things in private.

“Jeanne. Might I compliment you on your left swing? Quite the power for your size.”

She didn’t seem amused by his compliment, but at least Solomon laughed. “Jeanne was holding back, Wolfgang… considerably. If her intention was to kill you, you would be dead.”

Scoring points with the woman while stating facts… impressive.

“I have no doubt.”

Not addressing his statement, Jeanne squared off in front of him, intense blue eyes showing no humor. “You will answer for your crimes, Wolfgang. I do not care for the reason; you butchered tens of thousands for your personal gain and experimentation.”

“Haaa… Ironically, the religious types always see so little in the value of short-term suffering or loss of life for the larger good it will cause.”

“The results don’t justify the cost!”

“A difference of opinion,” he shrugged. “Hmm-hmm. At least you can be satisfied my soul will join all those I sent to Hell within the year.”

“No one had to suffer that fate, to begin with,” Jeanne growled, braid whipping past him as she left to meet with Twilight before making another scene, “including yours.”

“Ever the righteous one,” Wolfgang muttered, seeing the tail of her blue dress and golden hair disappear into a room at the far end of the hallway.

The German frowned as the enigmatic, white-haired man paused at the door, imperceptible topaz irises lingering on him for a moment before following the Saint.

Hmm… What do you see in that mysterious brain of yours when you look at me, Solomon? Interesting.

Delphyne exited with a skip, Cipactli and Yulia by her side; the crocodile man wore a fitted suit that looked surprisingly good on him as the Earth Dragon goaded them into sparing with her in the open sea and dying hurricane.

“Oh, hehe, isn’t Jeanne so forward? I think she likes you!”

The two other myths laughed at her joke as they made their way to the elevator; Wolfgang’s focus went to the Chinese Empress as she exited.

“Ah, we had business to discuss, Wolfgang?”

“Indeed. I am quite excited to share the details with you, Empress.”

“Hmm… We will continue on my jet. I must return to China.”

“I can hardly wait; this will be my first time in your country.”

“I see… Well, I’m sure it will be a memorable one. Although, aren’t you troubled by how the others are receiving your actions?”

“Results are all that matter in the end, and I deliver. Do I not?”

“You certainly did,” she whispered before giving him a soft smile. “Shall we go?”

He gestured for her to take the lead, flashing his teeth at the prospects before him. “After you, Empress.”

Silence ensued as he walked beside the beautiful woman to meet her escort in the lobby downstairs; they would take a Gate that would teleport them to the airfield—far more efficient than the method he’d taken, and he was eager to share in the lavish accommodations working with the Chinese ruler afforded.

So much happening… Now, if the Seeds can be enhanced by killing, essentially, they are feeding off of the strength of other beings, stretching to accommodate as best the host can receive. What if you captured a Deity and continually funneled their power into it?

“Hmm-hmm, so much to explore.”