Silence ensued at Demon’s inquiry; Elinor stood before the caged entity in the dark prison with an imperceptible stare. His response had rearranged several priorities in her mind. He didn’t press her as Elinor examined the being, telling her Demon knew precisely what he’d insinuated.

Fragments of Elinor’s ten thousand lives gave her a wealth of experience, which had less to do with memories or information and more to do with an instinctual imprint from each.

Most of her additional knowledge about her life as a Goddess came from the visions she’d been given throughout her various incarnations, which granted her a well-spring of insight that acted as gut impressions to focus on key points that resonated within the back of her mind.

Since coming to terms with the unified consciousness of Irkalla and Elinor, her less seasoned half had knowledge that painted an entirely divergent picture now.

If you were taking a surface examination of the path she’d walked up to this point and intersected that with Demon’s actions, it could be perceived he wasn’t entirely against her, yet that was the brilliance of the creature’s actions.

After several minutes of careful consideration, keeping an even gaze, a small smile lifted Elinor’s lips. “You knew I was a Divine being when attempting to take control of me, thereby accelerating the unity between Ishtar and my previous consciousness in that struggle. Because of your intervention, her Seed was able to draw strength from my own and manifest itself.”

“We could do much together, Empress. Hmm… Is it appropriate to still address you as such, I wonder?”

It was a leading question, yet only effective if able to derail her thoughts. “You may call me Irkalla.”

“Oh? I do recall such a divine name whispered among past civilizations… Powerful, and a figure of the dead. Your return should be celebrated, no?”

“Hmm-hmm.”

“Am I wrong?”

Head tilting ever so slightly to the left, the edge of her mouth lifted into an amused smirk. “You are quite the entity, Demon.”

“Hmm… What have I done to deserve such praise, Irkalla, Goddess of the Dead?”

She let him stew for several seconds, illuminated emerald irises remaining on his head while moving her spear to hold behind her back, leaving a trail of Death Energy.

“You are a caged being of chaos and strife from the 4th to 5th dimension, weaving your influence throughout multiple worlds to feed on their conflicts; my current analysis places you not as a creature of the Infernal or Heavenly Realms but the shadows between.

“That being said, as your nature entails—including your incapability of understanding particular concepts that you indicated during our initial interaction—your actions are not to be interpreted as inherently malicious but a state of grasping evolution through controversy.

“As such, you can neither be for nor against any particular side, which thereby poses a direct counter to the Song of Peace and Understanding put forth by Apollo… You are immune to such a task by the simple fact of your nature.”

Fingers tightening around the two sides of her staff, Elinor’s vision narrowed. “I speculate you may have been inducted into The Covenant as a wildcard by one of its upper members after my entry, capable of instilling chaos throughout the world in unpredictable ways.

“In addition, Single Existent entities—such as myself—create an unpredictable reflux in the time continuum that blurs the future and changes the course of an omniverse—you know this very well, likely having someone grant you a modicum of insight into the 7th-dimensional sphere—yet you are not something that takes sides in any deal crafted, be it a God or Hell Lord.”

A low chuckle reverberated from the Shadow Dimension entity. “Very perceptive, Irkalla; you have certainly taught me much by this interaction… My question still stands. Shall we do business?”

“Hmm… I care little for the chaos you seek to invoke, yet you are a creature that does not lie nor understands the concept; you make deals that can be granted if conditions are met, being the crafter of ingredients brought to you rather than the obtainer yourself.

“I first thought of you as my enemy, yet you cannot grasp the idea… You are a pathetic being that knows only manipulation and entropy to further its curiosity in decisions regarding order, unless…” she trailed off as a thought struck her that lifted her smirk.

“Chaos personified. You desire a Seed yourself to satisfy that curiosity. The only question is… Who will it be taken from?”

Turning away, Elinor snickered. “Why should I deal when you have nothing I desire on the table? Noa…”

“You called… Mmh?”

The Runic A.I. appeared beside her as chains were heard, Demon clapping his hands together and drawing Elinor’s gaze; naturally, she expected him to interject.

When negotiating, it was never the smart move to be the instigator, offering the first bet when knowing the end goal of your target; it was best to allow them to set the exchange to see how much they were willing to go into the deal and be ready to walk away.

“I cannot express my delight enough, Irkalla! You are something truly divine that will shake this boring world to its core, and I have just the piece of information you desire.”

“Oh… Pray tell; why should I give heed in good faith to this supposed information? Just because you do not know how to lie does not mean I should play into your blatant manipulations; give me a reason to entertain your machinations.”

“Hmm… very good; if I am to go further, you will need evidence that I have something of worth. How about something I am sure you have been questioning in this new… enlightened state?”

“I’m waiting,” she pointedly prompted.

“Hehe. Indeed, you have… I am sure you are quite busy preparing to achieve some means of gathering the resources to revive the other dead Divine I sensed within you. However, I would argue a more pressing bit of information lies at the bottom of the pit within your valley… someone you might know, Empress Irkalla.”

Elinor’s narrowed eyes didn’t leave the creature as Noa nervously looked between them in the oppressive atmosphere, and after a few seconds, Elinor released her right hand to bring the point of her spear to the black granite ground, creating a soft sound of metal against stone.

“Noa, take me to the Council Room.”

“Yes, Empress!”

Silence followed as her environment changed, and when it cleared, as expected, only one member of The Covenant remained; Aidrh’ruz sat in one of the large chairs, split bull’s tail lying still against the floor with his two broken-chained hooves resting against the floor.

She would get to him in a moment.

Currently, Sari’ael was making her recovery known to her subjects, gathering outside of the palace to understand the situation.

At the Life Room, Tiffany examined the results of the eruption of Life Force the fruits had released, unhappily met with a space teeming with the energy and making entry impossible.

On the other hand, Edmon waited at the stadium that sat at the back, connected to the palace, keeping an eye on Ke’Thra’Ma as he prepared to fight a Covenant member to prove his strength in the organization.

Elinor wasn’t particularly concerned about the Ke; she had an idea of his direction, and while the resurrected ape loved battle, it was for a purpose, which was precisely why he’d entered into this contest—he wasn’t dumb, nor her enemy or ally.

Edmon, Sari’ael.

“I am here, Empress.”

“Is there a problem?”

Prepare to leave for the Maw.

“Immediately?” Edmon asked.

Immediately, the Ke’s contest is not my concern.

Her Doom Guard dropped everything he was doing to have Noa teleport him to the Seraph, and Voukey’s long-distance communication ability still active, she opened a thread to the Flock General.

You will recover Garu and meet me at the Maw. Sari’ael, you will be returning with Edmon to overlook the battle if time allows; information on the other members is still essential.

“As you command, Empress Elinor!”

Tiffany, Elinor allowing her to peek in on the conversation, piped up. “What of me, Empress?”

You have a critical task to do in a limited time.

“Ooh! I’m getting excited! What do you require of my talents?”

A method to project my battle against the Ri’bot armies to multiple audiences. Is it possible to show it as a hologram in the sky?

“Mmh… an interesting task… Yes, technically, it is possible if I string organs together, such as ears and eyes—connecting the receivers to… perhaps Jukal wings, from the corpses we have and use lips to project sound…”

All I need to know is if you can do it by noon, the day after tomorrow.

“Forty-eight hours, eh, considering our 30-hour days… They will be single-use, given my current level and aptitude. How many do you require, and for how long?”

At least two hours. One receiver that follows me and as many as five projectors, one of which must be large enough to be seen across Nethermore if required.

“Yikes… heh, I will… do my best, Empress, but I am doubtful I can string together enough organs to project picture and sound to that distance.”

There was nothing more to be said. Elinor left the Witch to her craft, vision turning to Noa as the fidgeting woman twisted her hands against her abdomen; it was to be expected she’d be nervous after her creator returned.

“E-Empress…”

“I figured Ke’Thra’Ma would want time to speak to me but inform the Ke I must investigate a critical piece of information I have received from his mentor.”

Knowing it would not only make the white ape curious but satiate his pride at being turned down, Elinor shifted her attention to Aidrh’ruz, watching his burning crown flicker above his monstrous head.

“I suspect our deal will be sealed upon the rise of my little sister, when the resonance will once again touch the heavens and create the ripple effect to peer into the Divine Dream, yet as the others have warned… I would refrain from using Becdeth as your anchor.”

The creature’s colossal frame leaned against the side of the chair to level his flaming eyes in her direction, his two upper arms flexing their fingers. “Hmm-hmm-hmm… Irkalla, I find your story enthralling… Inspirational. So many lives, and to prove your strength on the mortal plane without the support from your innate powers. If I lose myself in Becdeth’s dream, it shows these shackles I wear have merit.”

“Suit yourself, but Ishtar will require your services. Be sure to not be pulled away from the Divine and into the Abyss its lulling voice offers; I cannot tell you what awaits you within, yet I know you will not return.”

“We shall see which entices me more,” he chuckled. “I search for a taste of the forbidden.”

“Sometimes the forbidden is labeled as such for a reason; good luck in your search for meaning, Aidrh’ruz. Noa, take me to Sari’ael.”

“Yes, Empress…” Runes surrounded her as the hybrid Nalvean-human spoke. “Umm, the Ke is interested in what you find… He assures you, eh-heh, that you’ll miss quite a battle.”

“I’m sure,” Elinor stated, having some interest in seeing the conflict, yet there were more pressing priorities.

Sari’ael’s light filled her as Noa teleported her into the sky, overseeing many of her citizens; the mix of races instantly focused on her, and she gave a short speech in the utterly silent throng that dropped to their knees, unable to deny the feelings they’d experienced.

“I am Irkalla, the incarnation of Ereshkigal; some of you may have heard of me from mythology on Earth, passed down by the Mesopotamian or ancient Babylonian civilizations. Soon, I will revive my little sister, Ishtar, which many of you saw in the visions given to you when the heavens were parted.”

She paused, not finding a single head risen, and dismissed her staff; the belief was firm while in her presence, yet as all those of faith, it could waver from time to time. It wasn’t as if she or Ishtar required their belief, but there was power in it.

“When next I call you, it will be to introduce her; prepare accordingly.”

Much to do and addressing what she could in every moment, Elinor prompted the Seraph to take them to the Maw, contacting Garu before they left the city.

You will be the only soldier I bring in my fight. Ready yourself.

“I am honored, Empress!”

Sensing a tad of hesitancy that he wished to add something and ignoring the worry from Tiffany and Edmon, she didn’t let the Ri’bot’s concern slide.

What do you wish to ask me, Garu?

“You… made it clear that I will be the only soldier to join you. I only fear that Nelika will desire to join.”

Recalling the report he’d privately given when entering the city, Elinor knew she was not battle-worn, yet it could prove to be a valuable show of her power that brought further resources to her budding nation.

To be clear, your only task will be to provide a cover of fog at times; you will not be entering combat. Yet, if she can hold onto Voukey’s leg for an extended period of time, it should plant the seed of belief in her heart that could spread to her people… I will allow it if she can abide by those conditions.

“I will inform you of her resolve when we meet.”

Elinor's gaze drifted to examine the resplendent angel's condition, leaving the city and flying over the dark night jungle with the Seraph’s swift flight.

Sari’ael’s tanned shoulders, face, and thighs were free from burns, her hair and wings mostly recovered, and the woman’s upper feathers showed their metallic-like luster once again. Still, Elinor knew she was not fully restored to health.

Edmon had returned her weapon, which meant it was locked inside the radiant upside-down triangular jewel between her collar bones and breasts.

If Elinor could help it, she didn’t want her to engage in combat; unfortunately, everything about the dots connecting in her brain felt wrong when it came to the Maw. Entities that could rot matter were nothing special, but having that effect against the Undead was an entirely different matter.

Her focus shifted to the open fissure in her valley, mentally picturing a mountain-sized dragon ripping it up decades earlier. She scanned the scar in the still jungle night, following the flowing waterfalls pouring over its edges to create a soft, obscuring mist.

Halting over the center of the hole, Elinor’s narrowed vision searched for the hand Violet and Azalea reported, yet nothing but the swirling fog could be seen below.

Angélica, she prompted her ex-Colombian-military sharpshooter maid, who had dutifully played her part in keeping a watchful eye over the area. What do you have to report?

“The mist has risen and fallen due to the increase and decrease of water levels from the snow melting, but other than that, Empress, I haven’t noticed anything of note since my post began.”

Elinor caught a private inquiry made to the Seraph regarding the state of her maid’s husband and released her from her duty; in nearly a month, she’d waited for something to come of this mystery, yet the dangers it posed remained within its realm.

Now, it was time to discover what lurked below; Demon’s words tickled at the back of her mind as she summoned the Staff of the Dead and threw the spear into the void.

Edmon and Sari’ael watched it disappear without the ominous shadowy hand of decay appearing; the Seraph reported her own findings.

“Empress, I sense nothing below… Not a sign of life—plant, animal… A barren void. Yet… there is a dark force permeating space.”

We go down, Elinor replied, using one of her new Skills to scan for life in the vicinity of her weapon; the angel was correct, and she could feel the itch against her skin.

Descending, a frosted shell encompassed them as Edmon generated the protective cover. The haunting mist gradually closed around their barrier with the obsidian walls of the fissure on either side before the veil blinded her.

Sari’ael, don’t look for life… Scan for both active and lacking perception, or a rift in the universal spiritual wave, Elinor instructed, knowing the Seraph would have a far easier grasping consciousness than she, given her current limited aptitude and Skill Point distribution.

“Interesting. You believe those within have the means to mask their living presence due to an aura of decay that rots the spiritual wave itself?”

It’s a possibility.

Edmon’s dark helmet shifted as they continued to enter the void. “So far as I can tell, this fissure is at least 1,500 meters deep… comparable to the Grand Canyon. Why would the Avana destroy the Silver Queen’s fortress to dig all the way down here?”

Elinor’s focus centered on where her spear finally struck the earth, digging into it and giving her a clearer picture of what was below; Demon had been right, which opened up alarming possibilities he knew would instantly draw her in.

Mind drawing drifting to various plots and possibilities, she knew there was no longer danger to be found in these ancient underground tunnels, yet there was one surprise that met them.

“You were right, Empress!” Sari’ael confirmed, for once showing her surprise in discovering something new. “There is an entity waiting below… as if expecting us.”

“An enemy?”

No… A herald, Elinor mumbled. Take us to the floor, Sari’ael. I must confirm it for myself.

Accelerating to break past the fog, Elinor’s somber, emerald irises drifted across a once-great city; the only sounds that met them were from the echoing fall of the water above.

Rotted mechanisms of outstanding machines appeared to have been used to collect the liquid, seemingly fallen into disarray centuries ago, yet Elinor figured it had been pristine even a week earlier; the powerful, ghost-like creatures that managed to hold off some of the Quen’Talrat’s greatest warriors had been utterly destroyed.

It was difficult to imagine what the place might have looked like before, but now, a dark smog hung over the collapsing infrastructure; only hardened, brown brick remained. The clinging mist of decay caused several tall, multi-leveled buildings to crumble to dust.

Something terrible has happened in the High Heavens… Dust to dust,” Elinor whispered, eyeing the destruction around them with a neutral expression. “Even the lingering spiritual essence has fallen to entropy… Someone has manipulated Existence; there is no other explanation for this similar yet different sensation.

“Did my father give you any insight into this, Empress?” Sari’ael shook her head in disbelief. “I have… never experienced such a malignant force, and it feels like… a God’s hand put forth against the populace?”

“We are meeting the Herald of a God?” Edmon growled. “Him?”

Elinor’s mind returned to the visual of what Violet and Azalea experienced in their brush with the decaying force, centering on a singular entity amid the defiling miasma; this was not the person she knew, which brought many questions to bear.

Standing atop a hill of dust was an onyx-skinned, muscular, and faceless man with a five-pointed crown on his head and only an ebony, silken skirt-like raiment that fell to his ankles; a long battle-ax was clasped in his left hand, his right holding a thin chain connected to a flaming alabaster lantern.

Her vision drifted between the spikes across his forearms and shoulders, more shadow-like than solid, yet she knew they could be used for combat.

Do not hold contempt against him, Edmon, Sari’ael. Remain silent and observe… We tread a delicate line in this exchange.

“If he does attack?” Edmon pressed.

He will not.

“The mist?”

It is not nearly to the degree necessary to harm the Undead.

“I… understand.”

The Seraph restrained a shiver. “He does hold a measure of divinity, Empress; not as much as you, but surely he and I could be on similar ground if unrestrained by the bonds that bind us.”

“You can’t be serious,” Edmon grunted. “Who is he?”

I would argue he is stronger than you, Sari’ael, Elinor evenly replied. However, you have the advantage of being a counter to his innate type of energy.

Silence came between them as they met the entity, and they halted in the air, hovering slightly above him; Elinor held out her hand to summon the Staff of the Dead to her side, giving him a testing smile as he patiently waited for her to speak first—he knew who she was.

“I do not find it amusing that another entity has invaded my domain, Watchman of the Silent Streets—one I do not recognize, which should be impossible given no other should be within Existence—yet here you stand before me. I must question your motives by incarnating into the mortal plane to meet me.”

She paused, coming to a conclusion herself while focusing on his faceless expression and silent posture. “Explain yourself, Herald of the Silent Night. Why is Erra’s high constable here?”

Elinor’s vision narrowed dangerously as the masculine entity’s voice echoed all around them; he was currently around the same power as Sari’ael when not restricted by her current debuff.

“I humbly greet thee, Ereshkigal, Queen of the Great Earth; Irkalla, Supreme Goddess of Kur and Night Relief,” the messenger for the God of Mayhem, Pestilence, and Destruction bowed.

“When my master felt the Twin Queens of the High Heavens awaken, His Greatness sent me to await your arrival. He apologizes for the discourtesy of being unable to meet you in person; we have heard great things about you.”

Speculation was all Elinor had at this point, yet the possibility felt impossible and chilling; she had been the only deity in Existence to be able to glimpse beyond the 12th dimension to the Bead of Existence—she knew as much from her own Herald’s visions in past lives, and now the lack thereof gave her pause.

In disbelief, Elinor realized the only possible solution besides a complete invasion, which would have been out of the question given the response of the heavens above; things were worse than she thought.

Humming, she tapped her chin before speaking, “…Existences have collided?”

“Intelligent, Ereshkigal; it is no wonder my master took you as consort within our own Existence, yet we have another theory… We were pulled together around a singular source.”

“And why would you believe that?”

“My master took part in an experiment to transcend the 12th dimension by taking the form of a mortal, yet amid such a task, the High Heavens noticed a mass of bloody chains that penetrated our Existence, and before we were swept into the tide, I managed to anchor myself to my lord.”

Letting the information sink in, Elinor’s fingers tightened around her staff, feeling the Seraph and Doom Guard’s concern at the shocking revelation; her thoughts went far deeper and drew upon far more frightening possibilities.

Her tone darkened while fixating on Ishum’s head; without a doubt in her mind, Erra and Ishum had received Seeds of their own. “What message do you have to deliver?”

“Peace… for now. In the future… perhaps not. He leaves the lands you have claimed; respect has been shown.”

“Very well. I agree… peace, for now.”

He bowed again before drifting into a swirl of darkness that twisted through deep caverns underneath her land, moving toward the east.

Edmon followed his exit with suspicion. “What does he consider to be your land?”

Free hand closing into a tight fist, Elinor’s teeth pressed together with irritation. The surrounding nations, meaning he’s claiming the area in the far east—the desert—perhaps beyond that…

A musical hum came from Sari’ael. “Do we know what is in that area?”

“Only regarding the desert clans,” Edmon growled. “The bastard probably knows something we don’t and is trying to claim a place with more potential experience.”

We will clash, and that was his true message… yet there is an undertone that shows he is unsure of who would come out on top in our current states, which is why he left the moment I awoke. He was building his strength here by feeding off these creatures; heh, the opening of the heavens chased him away when he realized who’s host stood near.

“At least he is wise enough to recognize your power.”

Indeed. However, what this shows is that Demon has given me a hint that there are more than just Yesenia who have been given these Seeds—that she is more than she appears—Ishtar and I are not the only High Deities in this mortal conflict, which implies more than one Existence was brought into this contest and crushed into this turbulent sea of beings.

“How could someone hold enough power to do that, Empress—could you?”

The Seraph shook her head in response. “Not nearly powerful enough.”

No, Edmon… I now see why Apollo holds such contempt… It would take a being on his level to accomplish this madness…

Looking up, Elinor felt Voukey nearing with Garu hanging onto his leg. Take me to Voukey and return to Nethermore. I have a limited window on what I need to do to resurrect Ishtar, and it seems I will need my sister more than I thought… Heh, I wonder how she will take the news?

Sari’ael giggled. “Isn’t it wonderful that peace and understanding can be reached?”

Humph… Ironic, really, and perhaps your father had a hand in that, as well. Something has orchestrated everything in a manner that brought Apollo’s attention, and he placed his trust in solving it with me… Hmm-hmm. Very interesting.

In any case… Elinor smiled as they rose out of the ruined civilization to meet Voukey. There is much to accomplish, and I need strength if I am to reach my goals of a prosperous kingdom and family while standing on her own. I am not a prisoner; I am the Jailor, and I will not be chained by any.

Edmon forced a laugh, still trying to come to terms with her new sense of independence. “It is fortunate there is a solution to a mountain over.”

Indeed. Hmm… It is time for war.

Leaving Edmon and the Seraph to return to Nethermore, Elinor transferred to Voukey’s back, expertly balancing against it as Nelika and Garu clung to the giant bird’s legs; naturally, the female Ri’bot ambassador from the east was terrified yet showed herself resilient.

A small smile lifted Elinor’s lips as the Death Energy pumping through her undead heart increased; Irkalla enjoyed nothing more than overcoming the foolish expectations others placed upon her, and this was no different.

If she had to rise to Apollo’s sphere to take the necks of those that sought her demise, so be it, and it was amusing to her that it would take something to this magnitude to draw Ishtar and her together.

Whoever did this to her Existence would feel her chains around their throat, and Demon was setting the stage to give them the Experience to clash, giving him all the chaos he thirsted for; she would step into the fire.