Black lightning danced around the skies of Orb, their source a tower that was darker than night. An impossible, silvery sheen danced around the tower, lending it an otherworldly appearance.

“Impressive view, Master Gaius,” said Nexus, “but is there really a need to go to the very top and perch on a ledge that frankly shouldn’t ever be there?”

“Huh? Why not? It’s a good way to remind myself of my insignificance,” Gaius replied. “This whole thing about creating a new world tends to make one conceited and prideful. I don’t need such pitfalls, which is why I must constantly tell myself that I’m a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things. See? No one can see me when I’m up high. Neither can I see anyone from such a height.”

He reached out a hand, and black lightning gathered around it. “So much power, and I’m only making use of an infinitesimal amount it leaked out. The Crying Abyss has so much power that I cannot even begin to comprehend it, all to create this impossible world I have in mind.”

“According to Oculus, the Crying Abyss is an entity born from both prayers and curses, a being that is perpetually frozen at the moment of its inception,” said Nexus. “That’s the reason why it can harness a near-infinite amount of primordial energy, enough to create a new dimension in the rifts between worlds.”

“What a convoluted suicide method,” Gaius muttered. “Right. The Canvas of Memory. Are you nearly done with its analysis?”

“Almost done,” said Nexus. “There’s—

“What are you doing with my grandmother’s favourite picture frame? Also, regarding that convoluted suicide thing…you’re the last person who has the right to criticise that,” said a voice behind him. “You’re always doing stupid things.”

“We’re just trying to make use of it. Don’t worry about it.” Gaius got up and walked over to Isabelle, who was wearing a worried look on her face. “Anyway, as I am now, the only way forward is to follow my heart and my beliefs. There’s probably something wrong with my beliefs, since I’m always doing stupid things, but I…am at peace.”

“Don’t say something this ominous, dummy.” Isabelle sighed. “Now, why on Orb did I fall in love with a dolt like this? We could have just stayed far away from all these troubles, and…”

“I wonder why too. My original intention was to just make sure Nakama and La-Ti had a peaceful future, but at some point in time, my goal changed.” Gaius looked up at the sky. “To prevent any more wars within the Five Lands, I turned myself into the world’s enemy.”

“And why did you want to prevent more wars?” Isabelle asked.

“Why, I wonder…” Gaius sent the black lightning curled around his hand skywards. “To stop senseless deaths, to end the threat of the Crying Abyss, to create a utopia for the weak and the poor…does that really need a motivation at this point? If you really want an answer, I guess it’s because I care too much. It’s just a wish of mine at this point, and nothing else. Since I think I can make it come through, I decided to do what I did. That’s all.”

“That’s a very Gaius answer,” Isabelle replied.

“My name isn’t an adjective, you know.” Gaius rolled his eyes. “Anyway, what brings you up here? There’s lightning all over the place — it’s dangerous.”

“And whose fault is that?” Isabelle flicked his forehead, before looking around. “Is all this crackling and whatnot really necessary in your festival of creation?”

“It’s just some stray bits of power leaking out,” Gaius replied. “Besides, I’m gathering most of them for my own use later, so it’s not really wasted. Given that the Five Lands are busily mustering every last soldier they have, I’m going to have to be very economical about the use of my divinity.”

He glanced at the sea of spectres that had taken up positions around the Central Circle. These lightning bolts were also useful for wiping out those spectres, in case they got a bit too uppity. That said, it was unlikely that they would even entertain the thought of rebelling or something, but it never hurt to be cautious.

“Right,” said Isabelle, “how do you intend to deal with the armies of the Five Lands? Are you going to kill them all, and then gather their souls with the Canvas of Memory? Or do you have a better plan?”

“The main threat comes from the semi-divinities and the great gods,” Gaius replied. “Not the common people. I’ll let them play around with the spectres over the next few months. The Demon God was a let-down in fostering unity, but the same can’t be said for me and the Crying Abyss.”

“How confident.”

“That’s just how it is, really.” Gaius shrugged. “How’s La-Ti?”

“He’s still cooped in his room and staring at the small sculpture of Weiwu,” Isabelle replied, her words sad. “His passing really did a number on him.”

“Can’t blame him for not wanting to talk to me,” Gaius replied. “The Chanter of Innocents should really have made a beeline for La-Ti in his actual final moments. Do me a favour and continue looking after him, okay?”

“You’re not coming down? You’ve been sitting up here for a month, though,” Isabelle replied. “Everyone’s getting worried. Even La-Ti’s wondering if he should apologise for throwing a tantrum.”

Gaius rolled his eyes. “It’s nothing to do with you lot, really. I’m just trying to calculate any unexpected variables. The great gods, surprisingly enough, haven’t tried to communicate with me or anything, and I’m feeling antsy. Am I missing out on something? I’m not sure, but this is the only way I can prepare.”

“Being by yourself for a whole bunch is making us worried, though,” said Isabelle. “The others are all moping around and everything.”

“Isn’t there a whole bunch of books in the Library of Ancients?” Gaius asked.

“The kids don’t want to read about history, politics and bad jokes,” Isabelle replied. “And well, they’re too worried about you to actually do anything else.”

“Fine…but on the condition that I’m cooking today. No more ‘I’m too short’ or ‘It’s my job’ business, okay?” Gaius cracked his knuckles, only to wince when his joints screamed out in agony.

“Gaius?”

“Someone on par with the great gods, only to be felled by joint pains. Wonderful.” Struggling onto his feet, Gaius massaged his knees, elbows and wrists, before shaking off some dust that had gathered on him.

“This is why you shouldn’t sit in silent contemplation for a whole month,” Isabelle replied. “Come on, let me give you a hand.”

“There goes my image…”

“Please. Like we had any pretences between us in the first place.” She grinned. “Come on. Stop stoning up here and join us.”

“Fine, fine…”