***

---Somewhere Northwest of Saderan Capital ---

Date: August 10th, 2026

For centuries, Taylin committed his life to bringing order to Falmart. Just like Idos, hovering above the dark sky.

For the longest time, he thought that he understood the world. Half of the world wished to be civilized, and the other half wanted to be barbarians. Without order, slaughter and chaos would rule the day. All the innocents would be rotting in the dirt while the barbarians celebrated.

After creating the Empire, Taylin truly believed that things were getting better. His alliance with Rory, forged a powerful alliance between the God of War and the Cosmos. Strong and enduring. Nothing could stop them.

But then the Other Worlders arrived.

In the beginning, Taylin thought they were just another new enemy like all the others. Realizing how dangerous they were, he knew he must do everything in his power to protect his and Rory's creation and save Falmart, or everything they built would be reversed back into a dark age.

Discovering that she sided with these monstrous Other Worlders was devastating. He could not understand how Rory could side against her own people. Especially siding and even falling in love with a mortal.

Suddenly hearing screams echoing through the forest, Taylin could tell that a village was in danger. A sound that he is too familiar with.

Rushing through the night, he stopped at a clearing in the forest and found a small village. The few buildings are set ablaze as barbarians raided the village.

Reaching the first hut, Taylin heard a terrified woman’s scream. Looking around the corner, he saw a neko lying dead in a pool of her own blood.

Hearing sounds from the center of the village, Taylin quickly moved along the houses’ alleyways. On the dirt street, there was a large group of minotaur’s and volraden’s. With them are three female nekos, while they watched males be forced to fight against each other to the death.

Stepping out from cover, Taylin walked toward the group. The volradens heard him coming and the group turned to face him, spears at the ready.

"What is this?" The Minotaur leader asked. “You missed one.”

Two warriors from the group approached. Before they would attack, they were sliced in half with no effort. Their bodies fell onto the mud as Taylin walked past them.

At first, he saw confusion in these barbarians’ eyes before they realized what they were dealing with. Some started to panic as they knew there was no escape while others prepared to fight. The ones who were not trapped in fear charged and were sliced in two with ease. The ones who were frozen did not face any mercy.

Seeing the corpse of the barbarians, Taylin approached the last Minotaur who sat on the ground. The Apostle only saw fear as the mighty male pissed himself as he backed away, begging for his life, and apologizing for his sins.

Ignoring the pleas, he sliced the Minotaur's head with one swing. When the head fell into the mud, the blood mixed with the muddy brown puddle. Besides feeling pleasure from removing scum from this world all he could feel was rage. This being the fifth village that he had to save or take revenge after leaving Sadera.

This was not an issue before the war as the Imperial Army once protected these lands but no more. The Other Worlders then arrived and started a war for control of Falmart. Everything they have done has only brought devastation for everyone who were once subjects of the Empire, and he doubts that they even know. All the suffering is because of the Other Worlders however, he still couldn’t understand why Rory would join such a faction who cared so little for the daily lives of the people.

He hoped that Rory would see the light and that this war was destroying everything they once worked so hard to build. The more they fight against the Empire, the more towns and villages fall.

His words fell on deaf ears, and they only convinced him that he was in the wrong. The mortal he hated so much ended up being correct. The realization that continuing the war only resulted in what he feared the most. Chaos and darkness rain supreme across the lands.

Listening to the few remaining neko villagers crying from the horrors they just suffered, Taylin put his broken battle axe behind his back and walked away.

Hours of wandering through the forests. The silence of nature removed all distractions, allowing his mind to wander through all the recent events.

Stopping by a lake, Taylin saw the reflection of Idos. Gazing toward his moon, mentally debating if he misinterpreted his god's wishes all this time. If he did, he wondered why Idos didn’t stop him.

"Going through a rough time, I, see?"

Hearing the sudden voice, Taylin turned to face the unknown intruder but saw no one. As an Apostle, he had superior hearing however he heard no footsteps.

Out of nowhere, a human man walked out of the forest. To Taylin's surprise, he couldn't hear this man's footsteps. What bothered him was that while he looked like a human adult male, these strange white feather wings were attached to his back. Like a draconian or monarch however more humanoid. "Who are you?”

Walking up to Taylin, the winged man picked up a rock and tossed it toward the lake, skipping on the surface twenty times. "I am here to speak with you. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Finding the overconfidence from this man annoying, Taylen grabbed his half-broken axe and prepared to strike.

"That would not be wise," the winged man said. "Tell me, why have you given up on your purpose?"

"I have not… given up," Taylin struggled to say.

"Very convincing," the winged man said. "And wandering throughout the wilderness is fulfilling your purpose?"

"I… ah…," Taylin slowly lowered his axe as the winged man did not look threatening. "I do not know what to do anymore. This is all I can think of."

“I understand,” the strange-winged man said. “Why do you think you are lost?”

Not thrilled by the question, Taylin stared toward the lake, looking at the reflection of Idos on the still water. He has no idea why he felt lost, just that he knew he was. The world he knew and understood is gone; however, he knew deep down inside that what he was doing was correct, but there was this deep guilt and shame.

“Let me ask you this,” the winged man said. “Do you regret anything over the past year?”

With a short silence, Taylin said, “No. I feel no regret.”

“Then what do you feel?”

“That I failed. I stand by my belief that we must provide stability. Without stability then there would be no tranquility and only chaos. Like what happened with that village back there.”

Taylin then looked toward Idos. “For example, Idos is the God of the Cosmos, Stability, and Tranquility. Without those three things, there is only chaos. It is the natural order of things. If the subjects of this world do not follow this system on Falmart and the other continents will only be a wasteland. Barbarism is not natural, but man-made for self-empowerment.”

“You are correct,” the winged man said. “Then you were correct to side with the Empire to fight against the warriors from Earth.”

“That, I no longer believe,” Taylin replied.

“And why is that? I thought you blamed them for all this chaos.”

“I do,” Taylin said. “But….”

“But?”

“My village was destroyed when I was a boy by a rogue group of goblins. I swore that I would never allow such an event to happen again. That is why I pushed to form the Empire. To prevent that from happening again. But then….”

“Rory?”

“Correct,” Taylin said. “We had a falling out in the direction of the Empire.”

“And why did you form the Empire?”

“I just told you.”

“I am asking you again.”

“I did it to… control everything.”

“Then why did you side with the Empire when the war started?”

Hearing the question, deep down inside Taylin knew the answer. He stared back at the moon, looking for any excuse not to respond. “Because… my pride. I did not like that someone stronger came to destroy my life’s work. I think I did not like that someone not from this world could do it better.”

Speaking those words, Taylin felt a heavy weight fall off his shoulders. “From the very beginning, Rory was correct to side with the Other Worlders. I wanted to keep everything the way they were and because I was too attached to my creation, I could not see how it morphed into evil. I allowed it to be corrupted into what I vowed to fight against.”

“I see,” the winged man said. “What do you plan on doing now?”

“I do not know,” Taylin said. “I do not know my place in this changing world."

"Then the question is this," the winged Nan said. "Do you still believe that you have a purpose?"

Taylin found the question hard to answer. While simple, it was very loaded. He then thought of Rory and how she found a place in this world. "I do. I should have been helping Rory instead of fighting against her."

“Why?”

“Because that is what my god commanded. I follow Idos, not my pride. If these newcomers bring tranquility to this world that will endure then I should lend my axe.”

"Then you know what to do even when the moment arrives."

Confused by how the winged man said that Taylin turned and noticed him leaving. "You did not tell me who you are."

"Next time we meet, you can call me Michael."

"Michael?" Surprised to hear an Earth name. Before Taylin could ask a follow-up question, a bright light emitted from the man, and he disappeared. Taylor is utterly shocked at the light as he never sensed such a level of divinity before. He even feels that this man is above that of Idos, himself and realizes that if he decided to attack him earlier, that man could easily vanquish him. Recovering from the shock, his senses told him that he was not alone, and he started to scramble his mind about who exactly the Winged Man is.

Turning around, Taylin gripped to his age, staring into the forest.

"You are a hard man to follow."

Emerging from the forest, Mabel, the Apostle of Zufmuut. In her hand is her Bloodsword Diva, emitting a dark red glow, like her eyes.

"What do you want, Mabel?" Taylin asked, sensing a strange danger from her as he prepared his battle axe.

Mabel laughed, however her eyes never stopped staring at him. "You will serve Zufmuut, Taylin. I will free you from yourself and all shall serve the new gods."

As she finished speaking, she leaped forward, sword at ready.

***

--- Belnago ---

Date: August 15th, 2026

As the Air Force tiltrotor aircraft CV-22 Osprey called the approached the religious city of Belnago, Sharpe saw how extremely nervous Rory she was as held his arm tight. Even with all the shaking coming from the helicopter, he could feel the tension coming from her seat. A strange sight coming from her.

Since befriending the Apostle of War and Love, Sharpe learned about her fear of Hardy, which goes along with her underground-phobia. A goddess who has a strange but highly possessive and abusive attraction toward Emroy’s Apostle.

Taking Rory’s hand, Sharpe said, "You did not have to come with. We all understood why."

"No… no," Rory said. "I made a promise to always stay by your side and I shall maintain that promise. I am not walking away now after everything that has happened. I am ready to conquer my fear."

Taking her hand, Sharpe held it tight to show support. He then looked toward the other Apostle, Giselle. "What should we expect once we arrive?"

"She knows we are coming so her minions will be prepared," Giselle said. "I assume she will be thrilled to finally meet you all in person."

“Any Imperialists we should worry about?” Sharpe asked. “I doubt they would have gotten the message that the war is over by now.”

“While Belnago is within the old Empire’s domain, Imperial troops were not allowed to occupy it,” Giselle said. “The Empire provided protection from the outside world, which is now Pina’s responsibility.”

“It is like that in all temple-cities across Uros,” Rory added. “Think of it like your Vatican City.”

Sharpe couldn’t decide if he liked what he heard. On one hand, he is thrilled that there won’t be any League forces getting in the way. However, that also means this is another different faction with their own agenda and he remembered what happened last time they faced this religious group before back in Mount Tube.

"Does anyone else have this deep chill running down their spine?” Alicia commented.

"Yup," Frost said. "I think we all do."

"How do we know that Hardy and her guards won't try to kill us again?" Alicia asked.

"Wait, back up," Sofia stated. "What do you mean by that? Hardy tried to kill you all?"

"I also would like to know," asked Reldom Masulk, who was sitting next to Sofia Everett. "It is not every day when a goddess wants to directly kill someone."

A strange silence filled the Osprey as no one responded.

When Sharpe got approval to go to Belnago, it was decided to stop at Rondel to pick up many of the Rondel Knights. As the magical city had a strong economic relationship with the religious city, it was assumed they could help smooth out any possible differences that might appear as Vanguard-7 would be too far behind friendly lines to expect support. A situation the Rangers have grown used to.

The one Ranger who is missing was Sergeant Major Randy Dodson, still recovering from his wounds at Alnus. Sharpe ordered him to stay behind which led to an argument about the wounds that Sharpe suffered from Zorzal’s ambush.

Still feeling the pain on the side, Jerry and the other doctors said he should wait a week. While he would have preferred to wait for a proper recovery, too much is at stake and to many unknowns with the path forward. He wanted to get to the city as soon as possible, before Darlko could do anything else.

On the lighter side, since leaving the magical city of Rondel everyone noticed that the new Head Knight Reldom Masulk and Private First-Class Sofia Everett have been inseparable, mumbling to each other to pass the time. Sharpe knew they helped each other in defeating the prior Rondel Knight leader Russus during Lelei’s graduation. During their flight, Sharpe and Andrew heard comments by the other Rangers wondering if there is more happening between the two.

"I thought you all knew about the incident with the Flame Dragon?" Frost asked.

"We did," Sofia said. "You guys kicked it and this Apostle's ass." She then pointed toward Giselle.

"That is only half the story," Alicia said. "According to Giselle, that incident was a test by the goddess of the underworld. The entire operation was a trap for us to see how we would react."

“At the cost of my people,” Yao angrily said, glaring at her formal Apostle. We worshiped her with all our heart and mind only to be repaid with death and destruction!”

"I am sorry," Giselle said, ears draped down with shame. "My goddess commanded me. I could not refuse."

"I see…," Reldom Masulk then looked toward Sofia. "I regret coming with you now."

Thrilled to see the team as their usual self. What happened at Sadera could have broken anyone. With the realization of the real enemy finally coming out of the shadow. With ghouls and demons appearing out of nowhere and then Valker. The only reason anyone was alive was because of the last-moment intervention by Emroy and the use of high-energy laser weapons against Valker and Lelei’s hypersonic spell. This apparently caused Valker to retreat and cancel his necromancy upon Sadera and the portals where the demons come from.

Originally, Sharpe ordered them to stay at Fort Minick to rest and he would go on this mission without them. If their mission were to go south, then they would remain safe. They all refused to stay behind, especially the Girls who scolded him for putting himself in danger and reminded him that he has a family.

Hearing the pilot mention flying contacts, Sharpe stood up and rushed to the cockpit. He saw five wyverns with riders in front of them, emerging from the clouds.

"It is a greeting party," Sharpe said. "Follow them into a landing zone. However, break away as quickly as possible if they try anything."

As the tiltrotor aircraft approached the city, the wyvern took position around the helicopter, escorting them to the city.

The Knights and Rangers looked through the window, mentioning all the details.

Looking out the window, Sharpe saw a massive stone statue of Hardy at the center of a large stone plaza. While Sadera had marble buildings and Ticaret had tall towers, the first thing he noticed was all the religious temples that occupied most of the city. Many were built into the mountain.

"This is one of the oldest cities on Falmart," Lelei said. "Older than the Age of Elves.”

“If I recall, Rondel is about three thousand years old,” Sharpe explained. “That means older than five thousand if it was during the Elf Age?”

"You have been studying our history," Rory said. "I would say closer to ten thousand years, but it could easily be older. There is no way to know."

Bypassing much of the city, the Osprey approached a temple built on the base of the mountain cliffside that led into the mountain. On the mountain side, massive statues of many different races, warriors, and priests are carved into the mountain. Below, a large plaza that seemed to be a landing past for wyverns, large enough for the wide helicopter.

As the Osprey landed, the pilots expressed concern with all the wyverns flying around. Normally these beasts would have been shot down from a distance, so they are not used to these beasts this close.

Once landed on the plaza, the Knights and Rangers exited. A dozen Draconians and some Amazonians approached. Some are in armor, while others are in robes.

“Whoa!” Chapman said. “Those are some sexy Amazon women. I would love to go one on one with them.”

“Gross,” Lelei mumbled.

“Be careful what you wish for,” Rory said. “They would probably snap you in two.”

Giselle waved them over, telling them everyone was under her protection, and Hardy wished to see them. After a brief exchange, one draconian wearing colorful robes said, "We were wondering when the war would arrive."

"Ideally, we would prefer to be tourists than soldiers," Sharpe replied. Seeing the confused reaction to the word tourist, he explained, "I mean as guests."

"I see," the draconian said. "Giselle said that you came here to speak with our goddess?"

"That is correct."

"Thousands come here to speak with Hardy. What makes you think she wants to see them?"

"Because I have questions regarding the demon threat,” Giselle said. “I know she had a relationship with my world, the Roman Empire, who came here two thousand years ago.

"That is only a legend," the Draconian said.

"Not true," Rory said. "In the heart of Sadera, we found proof that the legend was true."

"You do not have a voice here, Rory, Apostle of Emroy," the draconian said. "This is not your domain."

"Do not speak to Rory like-," Sharpe quickly said before being cut off by Rory.

"It is okay," Rory said. "I am on their holy ground, so I must respect their rules."

Not thrilled by the disrespect to one of Sharpe's closest friends, he decided not to press further. Apostle and God rules that he does not understand, and the last thing he needs is for them to be rejected and not get his questions asked.

"My fellow nobles," Reldom Masulk said. "I am here to represent Rondel and I am here to inform you that the Council has sided with these Terrans regarding the demon threat. Sadera was sacked during their city invasion, and you must by now know that Rondel was devastated by a summoned demon, from Darlko. We have evidence that Zuufmuut has his hands in all of this. The Council believes that Belnago will potentially be the next target because of her past relationship with the warriors of Earth."

"I did hear about the devastation of your city and what you said about Zuufmuut’s involvement is very troublesome indeed," the draconian said. He then spoke with the other Draconians and Amazons as they debated what to do.

“Very well, we will grant you all the audience with her Holiness. Come this way,” the Draconian priest states as he prepared to guide them to the temple of Hardy.

“One more thing. Before we go, it is time for you to remove this. My Goddess does not like her Apostle being shackled like this in her presence,” Giselle pointed at her shock collar. “You promised.”

Sharpe reluctantly agreed to free Giselle.

--- Inside the Temple of Hardy ---

Walking through the large chamber made from stone and marble, statues of Draconians stood tall, each holding a spear with many different colored jewels as eyes. All around are priests, missionaries, or people roaming the hall on some kind of pilgrimage. Seeing priests and priestesses giving speeches to their followers, religious gifts being handed out to guests, and donations being taken from many people, all looking to be blessed by the Goddess Hardy.

With a sudden stop at a massive chamber door, the Draconian guard turned to face Sharpe and said, "I cannot follow you in. Be warned that you will all be cut down with no mercy if you displease our goddess."

"Not looking to pick a fight today," Sharpe calmly said. "As I said, we just have some questions."

A Draconian swung a hammer into what looked to be a sizable Chinese wong, sending a loud sound throughout the hall. The door slowly creaked open, implying that it only is available sometimes.

Feeling the fear coming from Rory, Sharpe looked toward her and patted her on the head. "Cheer up, kid. Think about it like this, we won't have to pay taxes later if anything goes wrong." Noticing a confused and angry look on her face, he winked and walked through the door, with Giselle following as Rory caught up, mumbling how she did not like being called a kid and she is much older than him.

With the size of the door, Sharpe expected a long journey to Hardy's home. To his surprise, they walked right into a smaller chamber with a stairway heading up to a throne.

“To my goddess Hardy of the Underworld, I, Giselle, have returned to you. As per their request, I have brought the Terrans with me, and I have urgent news to share with you.”

A dozen torches ignited all at once, brightening the chamber. With the distraction, no one noticed a divinely beautiful human woman appearing sitting on the throne.

As Rory slowly moved behind him out of fear of Hardy, Sharpe analyzed the strange woman. Beside her godly beauty, He couldn’t see anything special about her, unlike with Valker. To his confusion, Hardy stared at him, similarly, exploring every aspect. It almost looked like she was trying to decide how excited she should be or what he might do, like staring down at a pet.

“Greetings honorable guests to my domain,” Hardy said. “Do not be afraid, Lieutenant Colonel, I see all of you as my pets, regardless of which world they might come from. Except for my dear stubborn and lovely, Rory Mercury. It is silly for you to choose this man over me!”

Realizing that she had just read his mind, Sharpe wasted no time asking his questions. “Then you know why we are here.”

“Yes,” Hardy said. “I know what has happened at Sadera. The enemy has finally made their move again.”

“What do you mean again?” Rory asked as she stepped out. “Wait…, you knew this was going to happen?”

The only response from the goddess was silence.

“What is going on?” Sharpe asked. “I saw paintings with you interacting with my kind. You knew about the attack on Rondel and Sadera and we only get silence?

“I warned you, Jackson,” Rory said. “The gods do not act like us. They don’t communicate like us. That is why we Apostles were created, to act on their will.”

“My lovely Rory speaks the truth,” Hardy said. “I will make you a deal, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Sharpe of Earth. Give me my long overdue wife, and I shall tell you what you seek.”

“What!?” Rory yelled. She then glared at Giselle. “You knew and didn’t warn me!”

“You know the rules,” Giselle said. “I am sorry.”

“Luckily, I don’t care about these rules,” Sharpe said. “You already know my answer, Hardy, so why did you ask? Is this another test?”

“Rory knew what the price would be,” Hardy said. “There must be a price for the answers you seek.”

“And we already paid that price,” Sharpe replied. “The Roldem Valley event. You sacrificed them to test my people, yet we saved many of them. Also, you owe Yao and her people a huge apology.”

Again, there is only silence from the goddess.

"I think she does not accept your offer," Giselle said.

"Then we are leaving," Sharpe quickly responded, staring directly at Hardy.

"Wait, then we wasted our time coming here," Giselle said, confused by what was happening.

"Not at all," Sharpe replied. "Hardy knew I would never accept that term, regardless of the stakes. But here is the thing, I already know she knows something about this new threat, and maybe the gods of Falmart might not feel emotions like us mortals but Valker, Darlko, and their alliance with these Demons scare the crap out of them. Judging by the fact that Emroy’s willingness to intervene in our latest encounter. Especially with the fact that another god's apostle is switching sides due to the brainwashing inflicted on them by Mabel. So, stop horsing around or we are leaving."

Rory stepped from behind Sharpe and said, "And we know about your relationship with the Roman General, Kaeso Sura. Together, you fought the demons and drove them off. We already know your secrets."

"Very well, you cannot blame a goddess for trying," Hardy said in defeat. "I will have to win you over some other way, Rory, but now, a bigger concern faces us all."

Without warning, Hardy appeared between the three, disappearing from the throne. It took them by surprise, and they backed away in their own separate direction. "As you already know one day the Gate appeared on the plains of Alnus Hill, far earlier than expected. Then the demons came through with the intent to consume our world. They seemed to be a vanguard force, sent in to weaken their enemies and to test their strength."

"We know that already," Rory said. "We all know the legend."

"But you see," Hardy said. "In a desperate attempt to stop them, I was able to take control of the Gate and opened it to an unknown world that was nearby."

"Earth," Sharpe said.

"That indeed became correct," Hardy said. "The intent was to drive the demon army through it and save Falmart. The armies of Elves, Orcs, and Dwarves were successful in luring the demon Vanguard back to Alnus Hill, however. Much of the Demons were pushed through to Earth and their leader through the Gate to your world, however the allied armies were mostly destroyed in the process. While successful, there was still a large Demon force destroying Falmart unopposed.

Then, an army marched through the Gate, a human army. They defeated the armies of hell on their side of the Gate. Once they ventured to our side."

"So, the paintings are true," Sharpe mumbled. As he listened to the story, he wondered if that was where the story of heaven and hell came from in the bible. The tale of Armageddon when hell invaded Earth to begin the rapture. He couldn't believe how one small moment on an alien world greatly impacted Earth's religions.

"Correct," Hardy said. "The Romans and their allies were trapped on this side of the Gate once it closed; however, in a strange way for a human, they agreed to assist the elves and dwarves and defeat the demons."

"Why is that strange?" Sharpe asked. "Humans are naturally war-like."

"The Gate naturally opens to other worlds to allow races to migrate here," Hardy explained. "As the Big Man calls it, a sanctuary world. The Gate opened to your Earth hundreds of thousands of years ago, allowing humans to populate this world. However, this time the humans from your world were far more warrior-like than before, differently. A civilized race rather than hunter-gather servant like."

“Hold on, back up. Who is this “Big Man” again?” Sharpe asked.

“My dear Sharpe!” Hardy pleasantly said. “By now, you should have learned after everything you have been through.”

Annoyed by the lack of response and knowing Sharpe knew that he has been jerked around in the dark for a long time now, he responded, "Fine. While I love history lessons, I need to know, how does this help us?"

“How did they defeat the demon overlord?” Rory followed up.

“I am disappointed in you,” Hardy said as she appeared back on her throne. “You saw the answer under Sadera. Right in front of you.”

Staring at the goddess with confusion, Sharpe tried to recap everything he saw in that dungeon time capsule. The only painting, he could think that mattered was the one with the Romans fighting the Demons. It is clear every detail had meaning and that is when he realized that Kaeso Sura was not holding a traditional Roman Gladius or Javelin but a lance.

“What was the weapon that Kaeso Sura used?” Sharpe asked.

“I do not know, but it was a divine spear from your world,” Hardy said. “The General said that it was blessed with the blood from a profit called Christ but that is all I know.”

“Jackson, do you know the meaning of this?” Rory asked.

“Yes,” Sharpe said. “We call it the Lance of Longinus or Holy Spear. The spear that is used to pierce the side of Jesus Christ, the son of God, during his crucifixion.”

“God, like the Big Man god?” Rory asked.

“Apparently so,” Sharpe said. “Is the Lance of Longinus here?”

“No,” Hardy said. “Kaeso Sura killed the Demon overlord on your world and did not bring it through the Gate. I later learned that they intended to bring the Lance over; however, the Gate closed before that could happen. I can only assume, in some simple reasoning, they wanted to keep the weapon safe on Earth or save it just to keep their Empire from being attacked again.”

Sharpe ran everything through his mind, trying to put the pieces together. Nothing made sense, but at the same time, it all made sense. In some way, shape, or form, everything was true. Faith became fact. It was so much to take in at once but knowing how much was on the line, he tried to filter what he needed to know now.

It is clear that the Gate opened in the Levant two thousand years ago and not in North America. Thinking back on the painting, Soredin pointed out that the battle occurred in the Valley of Armageddon. What little biblical history Sharpe knew, if there was any hope to discover the Holy Lance, he had to go there.

“Thank you, Goddess, for sharing this story,” Sharpe said. “I think I know where to go.”

“Before we go, I have a follow-up question,” Rory said, taking a step forward. “Why did you open up the Gate again?”

For a moment, Sharpe started with confusion toward Rory, wondering why she would ask such a question. He then realized that she had a point. With too much information flowing through his head, he forgot that Hardy was the one that opened the Gate.

Again, only silence.

“You knew?” Rory asked. “You knew all of this was going to happen. That is why Emroy is working with you. That is why he helped us in Sadera. That is why you have been silent all this time unlike the first time with the Romans.”

“That is correct,” Hardy said. “Darkness comes from where you least expect it. Zufmuut somehow communicated with the Demon Realm and has been corrupted by them. Regardless, he has been secretly helping Darlko gain enough power to summon the Gate to their world. And this time, they will bring their full might.”

“So, you needed us to stop them?” Sharpe asked.

“Partly,” Hardy said. “They were close to summoning the Gate so I opened it before they could. My intention was to buy time so I picked Earth because I knew you could resist the Demons, like last time.”

“But why us?” Sharpe asked. “Falmart was already united under a single Empire. Why did the Gate open in North America and not the Levant this time?”

“My intention was to reconnect to Kaeso Sura people, as he called it, The Empire,” Hardy said. “You have seen how corrupted the Empire became. I chose to open the Gate to Earth because I have lost my faith in them to defend this world, unlike their ancestors. I am determined to bring your kind to this world and stay. I manipulated the late Emperor Molt Sol Augustus to attack your world for this reason by opening the Gate to Earth and the conqueror’s mindset of him and the ruling of the Empire fell for it.”

“That explains why Pina and her people always called themselves ‘The Empire’,” Lelei explained. “The name must have been passed down through the generations and Sadera adopted it without understanding the context.”

“That means you started the war between my people and the Empire?” Sharpe said, controlling his anger. “A lot of people died in that invasion.”

“That is the case of all wars,” Hardy said. “I see your mind. You once lectured Empress Pina Co Lada about your World Wars. Do not lecture me about lives lost. I know the wars of your word and the level of barbarisms that came with them. Even the current wars of your world have brought far more destruction and death than anything I have done.

This is the War of two Worlds mind you; much is at stake, even your world could be under threat. After the demons finish with Uros, they will certainly open their Gate to Earth, knowing how far you have come.”

As Sharpe listened, he decided it was best not to argue against a goddess. While he is not happy that his country was a pawn of others, it is clear other forces are at work, forces that he does not understand. “But, why us again?”

“After the Empire went through the Gate, I expected to see the Romans emerge through,” Hardy said. “To my surprise, you came through. And you were not the same as the Romans. Far more advanced than we expected. You see, I was connecting to the collective spirit of Kaeso Sura people. Besides reopening in what you call the Levant, it opened in Philadelphia. I can only assume your people are the spiritual successors of the Empire.”

“Thank you for sharing this, Goddess,” Sharpe said. “I believe I know what to do next. Everyone, let's go.”

As the two left the goddess chamber,

“How do you think your people will take, knowing that Hardy planned the attack on Philadelphia?” Rory asked.

“I have no idea,” Sharpe said. “Probably nothing, as it is not wise to go to war against gods.”

“Like we are about to do right now?” Rory said.

“Yup,” Sharpe said. “It is strange how most accomplishments are because people did something stupid. But now, let’s deal with one God at a time.”