The realm trembled and quaked as divine the size of mountains warred against one another. On one side an army of flesh titans; the other, warriors of bronze joined with stone sentinels, tree giants, and life in the shape of Kolune women.

A force that would have made many in this session fearful, bend the knee and offer fealty. The giant Dreamers only laughed as they charged across the lands. The force ramming into the Orders without a care. Their beams of darkness ricocheting across the lands as Orders blocked their attacks.

It turned into a melee for most of the combatants, with only Lisoes avatars staying back, hindering the Giants with mutations. The rest defended her, as she had the greatest effect on the Dreamers. But with each miracle the less true that became. The Warper skill at undoing her works increased with each attempt. Her relevance was waning as it had done for her husband.

Yet she did not stop, none of them did. Life and fire and stone, they worked as one to hold back the monsters. To try and slay beasts of ever weaving flesh.

The realm crumbed under their collective influence, the planes of snow, ice, and stone turned into a terrain of jagged peaks as titans bludgeoned each other.

For a time that was all there was. Titans that broke but remade themselves and reentered the fray. All the while armies of both sides clashed. Ascendants warried with Dreamers, the land melting and burning under their heat. Large clouds of mist filled the night air, its thickness enough to block the view of the fight to mortals.

Malan had watched it all. Marveling at the sight as order was brought low and the realm filled with Wonder again. Alas the spectacle was a passing one, but it raged for a week.

A marvel that, the Orders lasting such a length of time. But the end was written, while Giants of flesh continued to renew, slowly the Titans of order did not. Titar was the first to peter out, his constructs of stone and sigils weaking with each remake, till finally they didn’t rise again. Then went Cycure titans made of trees, the constructs shattered by the strength of unwavering flesh.

The environment certainly wasn’t helping her either, with its constant shift of rapid extremes.

With their fall, the Orders weaking and numbers dwindling, defenses came under titan attack. No matter how hard Wargain tried, he couldn’t sustain enough avatars strong enough to contest every Giant. Some were allowed to move forward, their main eyes pulsing with power and struck out with beams of dark.

Malan had expected the beams to puncture straight through the works of Titar. But they held, for a few minutes that is. Shelters of stone crumpled, allowing the cold and snow to surge in.

One by one across the lands, strongholds were broken open, even some fortresses as the Order lost ground. Giants marched forward, the endless horde doing the same. They charged into the broken defenses, rushing across lands quickly dying.

Malan heard the screams of death, for his Shadows followed the Warpers armies. He got to see the destruction, the undoing of an empire that was supposed to take the realm.

He watched the slaughter, engrained it into his mind, not out of a moment of triumph, but out of grief. They were helpless, all those people, it mattered not many were warriors, blades had no use against those monsters.

Malan got to witnessed the price of keeping the masses ignorant and dependent on their pantheon. The moment their jailers lost control; everything fell apart.

It would have been different if they had been his following. Each and every mortal would have had the means to defend themselves. The lands would have screamed with the echoes of countless miracles and arcane works. The monsters would have faced creation itself as mortals bent the plane to their will.

Instead, instead… there was only a slaughter.

The Dreamers tore through mortals like water, in hours there was no living man or woman left. What remained were the souls, most lingering in the tomb of their stronghold. Gazing at the destruction in a daze, then later, with burning hate. The amount of death that had taken place, and still fresh corpses, allowed Wraths and Shades to manifest.

They attacked Dreamers, actually caused grievous wounds, but they healed and the monsters went about curtailing the dead, showing them for all their fury they didn’t have the means to enact revenge.

Souls were left to grieve after, to walk about their tomb, lost to confusion. They knew nothing, hundreds of thousands taken by the current of rapidly happening events. It was a given some would seek answers, seek him and his Shadows that walked amongst the lost within the Glen. His following had been eager to guide, and reveal all to the ignorant.

Souls were led, witnessed the realm closed off to them, the frozen waste and the battle of gods taking place.

In different times he could have gained an army, with time and preparation he could have provided them the power to manifest and attack their jailers. But no longer, all he and his Shadows could offer was enlightenment out of pity, so those killed at least had the understanding of what was taking place.

They had no purpose to serve in this late an hour; so few did.

Those seeking the truth followed his Shadows, who in turn followed the Dreamers. Together they watched the dying of an empire, one stone fortification at a time.

The Warper was playing, it could have had its Titian stomp the forts into pieces, instead, once sigils were broken. Dreamers flooded in and the blood path began.

It was maddening to witness, to see mortals so defenseless. All that potential wasted because of a fool to afraid to let his underlings hold power.

The things, the wonders all could have achieved if they had followed him. The age they could have lived in under his guidance.

‘You all could have lived as gods.’

But ignorance had won out, and so came the price.

The only thing any of his people could do was quicken it. Which Ryan did, to maintain their cover, so the eyes of the Warper didn’t turn on them any sooner than it was supposed to.

Ryan voice spread through the masses, converting all who heard his words. They joined the horde of destruction, taking lives as eagerly as the monsters.

While this took place, the Warper distracted by reoccurring victories, Malan and his pantheon had gone to work preparing for betrayal. After a few questions answered by Madness, Malan was confident his plan had a chance of working.

The entity of end only could sense the living. So a well preserved corpse that could be revived at a moment’s notices wasn’t something it would be able to detect.

It was this fact he was going to use against the Warper, to try and buy them all the extra time needed to reach the next phase. His Shadows had worked tireless preparing chambers underground, places the Preserved could wait for their moment of revival.

After their constructing, the chambers were discounted from the Roots of Wonder, that way the Dreamers couldn’t just follow their path and find sights of resurrection.

It wouldn’t take long for the Warper to catch on to his scheme once living began to appear randomly within its vision. There weren’t many gods in existence who could revive the dead.

Because of this fact, and the actions the Warper would take once it knew what he was doing, Malan had his Preserved scattered throughout the continent. The Warper of flesh wouldn’t be given a centralized place to aim for, it would have to search the whole content for the sights.

Yet none of them knew if it would be enough, nor the criteria that had to be met. Madness was equally clueless about a certain number of living beings that needed to be around for the next phase to start.

Malan was confident the Warper knew the answered, but it wasn’t like he could just go ask it. Nor could he revive multiple Preserved at a time, too many sights would be lost too quickly. So he was going off the assumption that only a few people needed to be around. Because if it was any more than that, then it wouldn’t matter. His pantheon wouldn’t be able to keep enough living around to reach the next phase.

There was of course still a large chance that none of what he was doing would work. The Dreamers were so many, if the endless hordes began tearing the realm apart searching for his sights, they would find them.

There was only so many places to hide in a realm filling with beasts. He could only pray that pantheons on other continents were faring better than Wargain, that they would distract the Warper enough that it wouldn’t notice his first trick instantly.

Because it wasn’t just enough to survive to the next phase, Malan had to get living followers to Zones as well. The Warper would know this, and would block anything living headed in their direction.

And while it focused on the living, his Shadows would be at work. as long as Malan had some flesh, or bone to work with, he could remake the whole body. It would cost a great deal more Devotion to pull off, but he had done it many times in the past.

All he needed was his Shadows to get to the zones, they wouldn’t be able to enter them sadly. But if they were close enough to fall in after being revived, then that was all that mattered.

Madness had been adamant that mortals could survive almost anything once inside a Zone. A safety measure so pantheons couldn’t end each at the last moment. Once living made it to a Zone it was consider a guarantee they would get to be involved in the next phase.

A phase all of them would be stuck watching with no means to interact.

To better their odds he had to get as many followers into a Zone as possible, and most of all the one they were to ascend into a god. It would the ascended responsibly to lead their following, and perhaps win the session. Something Malan had thought laughable not long ago, but with the way the Warper was grinding away opposition, it wasn’t so far reaching a dream now.

If there were some who made it into Bastion, they would be shadows of themselves. Their power spend and religion reduce to a scattered remnant.

He had asked Madness about what would happen if only one pantheon made it to the next phase. If they would win by default?

His oldest friend didn’t have a definitive answer, as it had never seen such a thing happen. ‘There would be some trail to face.’ It had offered. ‘The Celestials aren’t ones to hand over such a thing, remember.’ Madness had spoken intently. “Winning allows a Sovereign access to perks that can’t be gained any other way.’

Which meant his following, no matter how events turned out, would be facing something life threatening. Would need every advantage he could give them, which wasn’t much thanks to the Warper.

‘At least Wargain will be out of the way.’ He had thought, watching his old and most hated foe be humbled.

The Warper of flesh had kept its word, proved that Wargain was no monster slayer, at least not one capable of facing against things it could conjure.

Malan could see it had an effect on Wargain, his rival was no longer boastful, or belligerent. Nor did he appear to believe the realm should obey his every word. Wargain for all his faults, wasn’t blind. He could see truths, the changing of events that others would ignore.

In the past such an annoying trait allowed him to survive and thrive against rivals that came and went. But no longer, the end was here, the final show. And all of them had been found lacking in strength.

Avatars of fire and bronze succumbed to the might of flesh titans that kept getting stronger. Malan watched Wargain fight in a defensive style, no longer did his creations use shields, since they didn’t offer protection. Instead the warrior god dodged, and parried with the use of twin long axes. It wasn’t enough, and more and more Malan witness two or more avatars be used to combat one Giant.

It was a desperate act, a need for his summons to stay close and keep Giants distracted. If left unattended, they began using their void beams, and the destruction those rot was something to avoid at all costs.

‘Not much longer.’ He thought and manifested an avatar in his afterlife. He appeared within an enclosed chamber full of books and high arched windows that let in a comfort amount of light.

In the center surrounded by tomes and artifacts that aided in the study of creation. Sat a Dargown of bale blonde, hunched over his seat eyes pouring over text. Looming over him was Derrin and Rimean, the two silent, meaning they were speaking to each other through sendings.

The dreaming mortal, rather than being unnerved by two gods watching, seemed oblivious to them as he studied tomes. He remained that way even as Malan approached and gained the attention of the other two deities.

‘Quite the committed one,’ Malan sent to his fellow gods.

Derrin grinned and nodded his head rapidly. ‘He’s always been a dedicated son.’ The sending was coated with a sense of pride as Rimean added. ‘He will serve our purpose.’ then looked down at the mortal. ‘As long as he has others by his side to kept him grounded to changing events.’

Derrin rolled his eyes. ‘He’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He just gets a little too focused on his work at times.’

Malan smile as he joined the other two. Such a thing could be said for most Dargown, single minded when a passion took them. It was a great strength, and weakness. For all the boons it brought that trait had been the main cause of his people fall.

‘I’m sure he does,’ Malan sent back to his fell Dargown. ‘But extra insight will be beneficial, if we can provide it.’ Malan sent visions to his fellows, showing the Warpers rampage and his increased wondering if they would be able to last to the next session.

Derrin let out a straggled chuckle, in an attempt not to bother their pupil. Not that the mortal noticed. ‘Of course,’ Derrin sent. ‘They would fail us when we wish them to succeed.’

‘We did make existence difficult for them.’ Rimean added. ‘Now we must adapt or be swept aside with them.’ Rimean returned his gaze to Malan. ‘We have been conserving our strength as requested. And while the amount would certainly be something to stop mortal armies, it will do nothing against the Warper long term. Perhaps delay it for an hour or two if we tried open conflict.’

Malan nodded in agreement. ‘We can only pray my trick of resurrection will stall the Warper long enough.’ Eyeing the chosen mortal, he added. ‘As planned, all you two have gathered shall go to him.’

They both followed his gaze, while the chosen remained fixated on the tome in front of him.

‘He might have a chance at winning,’ Malan told them. ‘If we can get him to Bastion, any opposition that survives will be as humble as Wargain.’

‘A shame we can’t provide him more Devotion then.’ Derrin mused

‘We could,’ Rimean offered. ‘If we are willing to take risks.’

Malan shook his head. ‘We can’t take power from others places, or hinder our attacks. The Warper is watching, I can feel it eyeing our forces. Taking stock of what we have and if we can make any lasting stand.’

He wasn’t sure if the Warper was doing it on purpose, letting its intentions be felt so openly, or that maybe it didn’t care. None of them could win, so maybe it saw the whole affair mute, why would he want his forces to make to it the end? What would his religion be able to accomplish without a god aiding them?

He had to assume ascending someone else to take up the mantle and win in their sted wasn’t a common practice. Not with how important the prize was.

‘I made my intentions clear,’ he sent to them. ‘I wanted Wargain defeated above everything else, if it sees us doing anything outside of that it will grow suspicious.’

Surprise was all they had left to try and survive, remove that and they might as well stop and just watch the mayhem take place.

‘He will need more lessons on restraint and resource management then,’ Rimean sent. ‘He already knows the difficulties of his assignment, but further mentions can only help focus his mind.’

‘I have more arcane practices he can use.’ Derrin added, his eyes aimed upward, lost in thought. ‘Better understanding of creation and its turning runes will help him conserve strength.’

‘Do what you can,’ he told them. ‘What we can’t teach him,’ Malan offered. ‘We can teach to the Advisors instead, they can share their knowledge later once they’re in Bastion. Madness mentioned they would have time to settle in and recoup before the last phase begins.

Derrin fiddled with his hands. ‘It’s not fair we’ll only be able to watch,’ grumblings followed through the link. ‘It’s going to stir me mad not being able to offer aid.’

Malan patted his fellow Dargown shoulder. ‘Our natures won’t be happy.’ He stated. ‘But this is the price of our use of Cores, it will only be for a short time Derrin, then we will get to affect the realm however we see fit.’

A fresh start, all their rivals and woes wiped away forever.

Derrin sighed. ‘A short time,’ he mumbled in sending.

The sound of a tome being closed had Malan eyes return downward. The chosen reached for another tome, but his hand stopped. Three shadows loomed over him, and it appeared now, with no knowledge to distract his mind, the chosen took notice. He looked up, eyes going wide when their gazes met.

“Guiding light,” the chosen said thrilled and embarrassed as he bowed his head.

“No need for titles,” Malan spoke as he bent his knees. He could have tried to make himself smaller, but mortals held a belief that divine were supposed to be larger than themselves. Something grander, so it wasn’t easy and often times impossible.

“You have proven yourself Axel.” The boys ears twitch at the sound of his name. “I know I haven’t been around as much as I should have, the realm falling apart as it is. But don’t think I don’t know of you and don’t carry you in high esteem.” With each word the chosen relaxed, and raised his head, reluctance still hampered his body, but soon enough their eyes met again. Malan showed him a comforting smile, it was easily, the nurturing part of himself coming from the healer.

“I’m here now,” he added, since there wasn’t much left for him to do. The Orders were taken care of, and plans were already in motion to survive the Warper. He now had the time to help Derrin and Rimean in their training of the new god of Wonder.

“And will be another tutor for you.” He summoned a book into existence, one detailing the restrictions of godhood. Axel wouldn’t be provided a core, so his limitations wouldn’t be as severe, but he would be hampered.

The same as his ascended champions, Axel would soon suffer the pressures of reality as it demanded he fit a certain role. It was best he knew that from the beginning, planned around it, and learned his limitations as quickly as possible. He wouldn’t have much time, the poor boy. He was in an unideal situation, but he had proven to be adjustable.

“Your time of proving draws close.” He stated as he placed the tome on the table. “As well as your time as a mortal.” It had already begone, followers of theirs had started worshipping him.

It had been easy for all involved, Malan was well known for his raising of mortals.

Already he could see the changes it brought, Axel ability to absorb lager quantities of knowledge without repercussion was a blatant sign.

A quick glance of his past actions, by those who watched over him. Showed Malan that Axel rarely ate, and when he did it was out of a habit or desire for a delicacy. His skill with the arcane was greatly improving to, as well as his ability to manipulate creation and see its working beyond that of mortal. Axel could have passed for a son of a divine, which meant it wouldn’t be much longer.

Once he was endowed with large quantity of Devotion the change would be instant. A new god would be born at the end of all things, and would carry with him the survivors of this repugnant age.

Axel looked down at the book, paw already reaching for it. The act calmed him, meaning to Malan trained eyes that the chosen was one of those types that found peace within their work. A useful tool, if proper tempered. But it could quickly cause blindness and the ignoring of troublesome affairs. But for now, a deep desire to work was beneficial for all.

The chosen opened the leather and gold trimmed tome, eyes gliding across the pages that never ended, more information appeared as the old fell away.

Malan, and the other two gods found themselves swiftly forgotten as Axel focused entirely on the knowledge.

‘He’s already picked up a nasty habit,’ Malan remark in sending to his fellows.

‘He has always been like that,’ Derrin added. ‘Pure dedication to his craft,’ Derrin sent with pride. ‘I knew he would make it to the top, such a wonderful son.’

‘If time wasn’t so precious to us,’ Rimean sent after. ‘I would have begun training such behavior out of him.’

‘Madness,’ Derrin sent, and turned towards the Heon.

Rimean continued on with his sending, even while Derrin sent complaints. ‘But it’s useful for now, and the Advisors can keep him from becoming to single minded.’

‘It will have to do,’ Malan sent back as he comforted Derrin with a few patts on the shoulder.

The other Dargown ceased his complaining after a few more moments, the entire time Rimean ignoring him. To be fair, Derrin rant on the qualities of Dargown dedications didn’t seem aimed at anyone specifically, more of a droning of information meant for anyone to listen to.

‘We all know its importance,’ Malan sent, ending Derrin tirade to the void. ‘It’s just for our current situation, it could possibly cause problems. Remember,” he pressed into Derrin mind. “Your boy is to be the guiding god for our religion, he needs to be aware of our followers.’

‘Of course, of course,’ Derrin sent. ‘My boy knows, he understands his importance, he’s preparing you see,’ the god of tomes said, pointing towards his son. ‘He is spending every moment he has learning.’

Malan nodded, not bothering to mention yet again how the boy was so wrapped up in learning he’d forgotten about three gods looming over him.

‘It might not matter,’ Rimean sent a breath later. ‘With the way the Orders are falling, our own end may reach us swifter than planned.’

‘All we can do is try,’ Malan sent back, their main goal was being achieved, the Orders gone, the rest was additional knowledge he was curious about. Plus Malan indulging in his own nature, the urge to have his following survive.

‘There’s always next time,’ Derrin added cheerful, unbothered with the possibility of failure. ‘And the time after that, and then the next, then forever,’ he prattled on.

Malan let out a small chuckle, that was the truth, though they may fail, it was a meaningless thing compared to the expanse of eternity. New opportunities would arise and they could try again. Learn, adapt, repeat, and one day win this contest.

It soothed him, thinking long term, the fact he would still exist and his goal moving forward to its ultimate victory. But not too much, the present, and his nature kept him from pure peace. The realm was dead, the last remnants of life being snuffed out, and his people on the verge of ruin, again. He was compelled to act, to shelter, heal and guide those praising his name. And he would, as best he could. If all went well, some would survive for a little longer. See a sub realm and face challenges made to determine a victor.

His being wasn’t happy with that though, it was only better than the alternative. ‘That’s the best I can do.’ He told himself, the nurturing part upset with all the destruction and death. ‘It’s all I can do.’ he repeated, but it hardly listened.

‘I’m too weak to achieve anything else.’ If only he had a Source core again, the power it held, the supremacy of his might, he could have fought the Warper head on, and won. Yes he was certain of it, he would have won.

But he only had a Sovereign core, and those provided such small droplets of power.

‘I, we, will do better next time.’ Everything was against them this round, but the next held only possibilities.

Gazing at Axel, another god of Wonder to be ascended, Malan pictured the future. A large pantheon of gods with Sovereign cores, a force that could never be vanquished or truly defeated forever. And together with their collective might they would be able to face the trails of creation. Would be able to keep the light of Wonder shining bright.

It put a smile on his face. Wonder may have been stalled today, but tomorrow? Towards the future? Wonder ruled and its day would come, and when it did, he would make sure it lasted forever.