Lilly stared in open-mouthed shock at Shaleen who simply raised an eyebrow and grinned.

“That’s why, oh and by the way the gate is about to shred and collapse,” Shal stated.

Lilly winced at what was to come.

* * *

ting: welcome to the System beings of Midgard – congratulations you have been selected to beta test a new upgrade of the System – welcome to the System 3.0

ting: any queries or complaints can be directed to the new call centre that will shortly be set up in Bombay

ting: first some corrections have to be made, some of you will have to change – it’s unacceptable to have a world population of approximately 7.6 billion humans one elf, one half-elf and one catkin. In the first phase twenty percent of all humans will be granted the boon of becoming members of other races – congratulations to those lucky beings

* * *

Antonio was moving smoothly through the water inspecting an interesting looking rock formation when:

ting: congratulations you have been selected to become ... not viable not suited to environment ... to become ... will not survive due to ... remain human ... not suited to ... what are you doing six meters under the waves ... um right this should be a second wave transformation ... congratulation you will become Midgard’s first dungeon core.

ting: a dungeon fairy will be supplied soon, sometime in the next few months...

To his considerable chagrin Antonio was transformed into a multifaceted emerald that soon sank to the sloping sea floor and once there he/it slowly rolled deeper until he came to a rest against a cluster of rocks twelve meters under the surface. While recovering from the attack of dizziness brought on by all the rolling he had just done he was inundated by information from the System regarding Dungeons. As soon as he managed to clear his head from that intrusion he received another wodge of data from Bast along with the offer to be reunited with Felicia. Still feeling dizzy he accepted without thinking things through.

* * *

Captain Manukov watched as Sergeant Novosiltsev scrambled aboard his Mil Mi-26. Manukov was surprised at how smoothly the withdrawal had gone, then came the twin detonations, followed by a strange inhuman shrieking and everything descended into chaos.

They all heard some variation off:

ting: new titles gained – Godslayer – Hero(ine) of the Russian People – Defender of Midgard

ting: as holders of the highest level of assorted stealth skills on Midgard you have been selected to become elves, as a reward for your unselfish bravery your families and loved ones will share this honor

Despite their confusion the pilots and crew of the gigantic helicopters sent them racing South intent on leaving the danger zone as swiftly as possible.

* * *

Guildmaster Vartark looked up as his secretary Siri-Anna entered his office carrying a sheaf of papers, “Ah, good, have you updated Forax’s records?”

“Yes guildmaster,” Siri-Anna replied glancing idly at the two glowing lifestones on Vartark’s desk just as they blinked and acquired a faint blue sheen. “I see guildmaster Lily has made it to Midgard.”

Vartark glanced at the lifestones, blue eh... water world then.. in—” Vartark collapsed into his chair as he felt the soul deep agony of the destruction of his links with his Gods.

Siri-Anna collapsed to the floor in a faint, while various screams and other sounds of discomfort could be heard coming from elsewhere in the guild.

Vartark noticed the two lifestones flare before settling down to glow brightly ... he wondered what had happened to strengthen Lilly and Elorinal – then he was left completely speechless and in shock when he received the system wide message announcing the destruction of the Gods of Light.

* * *

Traleen and Rapheel strode through the streets of Foraville, other citizens hastily made way for the two adventurers, after all everyone knew adventurers were a dangerous and unpredictable lot.

Rapheel had been inspecting his spellstones with growing distress, then he tried to correct his least powerful healing stone and received a message from the system on bettering the work of the stone’s creator and announcing the creation of Rapheel’s Runestone of regeneration. “Erm, do you have any idea what kind of Priestess can take the form of a giant falcon, not to mention a monstrous fire breathing giant wolf?”

“One belonging to Loki obviously, the stinging monster flies were unusual too,” she replied. “mind you dear, the thing I found most surprising is her going from classless level 1 to Priest level 8 in a matter of hours ... What the...” Traleen stopped looking round in bemusement as everyone bar one filthy urchin collapsed with cries of anguish and pain.

Then came the Systems announcement. Traleen and Rapheel looked at each other and broke into a run leaving a delighted urchin looting the helpless.

* * *

Shal lay watching the sky and the thick concentration of manna stormlets all the while laughing with true joy.

ting: as you aided Loki’s plans – title gained Defender of the Russian People – level up – level up

“YES! Loki you’re the BEST! I love you!” then she continued laughing.

Lilly and Elorinal were shocked by the news of the Pantheon’s demise but felt a link form connecting them to this world. They looked with consternation at the young High Priestess as they sensed that she was currently reflecting her Gods worldview. This unbridled joy at the death of countless beings was worrying.

ting: guildmaster a dungeon has been created far to the west

* * *

Ashes smiled broadly as took advantage of the opportunity that the Russians – whoever they were – had handed, she was grateful that the adventurers had left at a run. She accumulated so much loot that she had to acquire a cloak to make a makeshift bag and then she regretfully left when some of her victims were showing signs of recovery.

Once under cover, and after some reflection she decided it was time to strike out on her own so she swiftly made her way out of town.