The bright rays of Nethermore’s humid, jungle climate weighed down on Elinor as she exited the gateway, standing atop her tower with Thor beside her; the moderate wind blew back both their hair while the Primordial followed her to one of the battlements, staring across her valley.

Several minutes passed as she studied everything she’d accomplished since arriving in this world. Reflecting on how many obstacles had been placed in her way and those that had allied themselves with her for their own purposes, her gaze softened.

Her court was a buzz of activity in the wake of everything that had transpired, leaving her the opportunity to go through the list of things that required her attention before leaving the following morning. She also mapped out if there were anything more that could be accomplished—most things were now set in stone—and there would be mistakes, but that came with any decision made in life.

Nethermore was growing and building allies; they were in a prime position to support various nations in unique ways, and the expansion of her territory came with more influence. Certainly, stories would spread to their neighbors about the new Empire growing in the well-fortified jungle valley.

Many moving parts were now functioning independently of her, making her name known and the protection her budding nation provided; the tales of the destruction she could cause to those that opposed her would also elicit caution, giving Ishtar more time to reach out with her far more benevolent hand of peace and trade.

Lucky had built a good rapport with Gwen and the other races inside her walls, providing Elinor with a willing population that embraced her undead as saviors and protectors rather than a terrifying legion of darkness.

Noa acted as the all-seeing A.I. that bridged everything inside her kingdom, and Ishtar’s project of expanding that teleportation grid throughout their Empire would draw many eyes with the possibility of swift transport of goods and personnel.

The runic creature’s friendship with Finila, and growing bond with the nalvean’s best friend, Giliri, created a stable connection to this kingdom. It was important to develop a defense to guard against any tampering with the hybrid human-nalvean.

Ke’Thra’Ma had been instrumental in opening up many avenues that hadn’t been completed in his desire for a true battle against the Covenant; even if Noa wasn’t totally whole and she didn’t have a full grasp on her network, she was the key to connecting their expanding nation.

Neara had taken command of the cleaning and polishing of the Empire with her new army of maids and butlers, allowing her previous members breathing room to enjoy a less hectic pace to prepare their domain for future visitors.

Tal’tamine and the great Israg and Dralix’s resurrected chiefs traveled with Elinor’s Head of State as the former Heavenly Queen of Servants introduced them to the evolving lifestyle of Nethermore.

The Great Chiefs would return to their nation with Elinor and Ishtar tomorrow to survey the new land that they’d absorbed into the Empire and present themselves to their new citizens. It seemed Tal’tamine was interested in joining them; the way Elinor had dealt with the Ri’bot appeared to intrigue the girl.

In showing the nalveans the battle, she’d demonstrated the strength of Nethermore and how making them an enemy was ill-advised, yet it also would spurn and distract Yesenia, forcing her to accelerate whatever plans she had.

Elinor trusted Klaus to adapt to the situation, and the High Ruler was intelligent enough to see the possible openings her actions had made for him to exploit.

It made Elinor chuckle at the semi-heated discussions between her Royal Court about who should be allowed certain personnel; Edmon was always greedy for more hands, and there was a bitter taste in his mouth with how many maids and butlers Neara had on cleansing the waste from the storms.

The Royal Gatekeeper had asked Alua’Quel’Lana—quen’talrat Sage of Defensive Formations—to further expand and repair the fortress’ sanitation network to relieve Neara of those pressures so he could have more bodies.

Additionally, as for Margotha’s scorpion brood, Edmon was pushing for their numbers to strengthen his own projects. Unfortunately, his opponent was Tiffany, who wanted more gatherers to collect every type of plant, fungi, and material within the volcanic chambers to provide her with a more robust cabinet of resources for her rituals.

Both of her original Royal Court members had a new force to contend with—Orinvia—who had entered the mix, exploring the many floors of Elinor’s tower to examine the various artifacts the Ke had gathered through his conquests.

She’d monopolized Pepe Fontanez—her Treasurer—and Eloy Sandoval—her Chronicler—to catalog her findings and transport them to the proper vaults for safekeeping or to her new laboratory. She sequestered herself away on the 35th floor of the tower—away from prying eyes—with a view of the valley as she pondered.

The methodical process the miallu went about studying everything they’d brought together seemed to help her troubled, scattered mind to focus; Violet was currently crafting clothes for her to use, which surprisingly worked into her see-through, skeletal body.

Apparently, miallu were very proud of their bones, so Violet created a transparent weave of silk that only left the faintest outline, including a cape she could pull around for defense if needed—a common fashion and battle trait for the magical race—yet she did opt for wearing slick, black bottoms that showed the curve and fullness of her legs, which amused Elinor.

It was always interesting to learn the important features other races and cultures most focused on. Orinvia was very conscious about how shiny and polished her jellyfish-like hat was, considering how thoroughly she asked Violet to clean every centimeter of it.

Her Royal Arcanist was taking to her new role in stride, and Elinor looked forward to hearing reports of her contributions in the future; Naturally, Voukey would make regular visits to connect her back to the Nexus, while her sister would act as the focal point in her absence.

Unlike her three more scientific and building officials, Ninatta and Sari’aél had begun exciting discussions surrounding the amphitheater to promote more of the arts; Elinor had to admit, returning to a concert would be a wonderful welcome back present from her sister, and Ishtar would be sure to jump on such a project, given her tastes.

Her Seraph was in a state of exhaustion after her battle against the spiritual worm-possessed Orinvia and enjoyed every second of her weakness; there was no rest for the masochist angel due to the evil children overlords that loved to trick her with their game rules.

On the other hand, Camellia and Azalea were in Edmon’s camp at the moment, using their silk and talents to support the reconstruction of the destroyed southwest wall with Amra’Cora’s quen’talrat Elite Hunter squad acting as more muscle.

As for Ishtar, she was still touring the Covenant’s floating island with Kulitta; Elinor expected Lexi—the nervous gelatin girl—and Serris—the moody insectoid lady—to return when her sister made her way back to Nethermore, hosting support from their curious ranks to add to their workforce.

Elinor’s gaze brought her to walk to the northern platform of her tower with Thor in tow, still brooding on everything he’d witnessed in the Seraph’s battle.

She focused on the canyon gap in the mountain’s northeast—where a great many waterfalls carried water to various parts of the eastern valley—as Thor spoke up; she sensed Quin and Valdar returning from their proselytizing journey.

“Lady Irkalla… Doth thou trust these Covenant creatures?”

“Hmm-hmm-hmm.” Elinor gave him a sidelong smirk. “Trust is a strong word, Thor; we have a mutual understanding, and a mistake on Sar’ollaz’s part caused them to fall into a trap Sari’aél’s father wove, tying them to me. If anything, they’re the ones cautious of me.”

He smiled at her casual shrug and comment, following her eyes to where Quin and Valdar traveled, no doubt wondering what was to be their new orders after Ishtar’s resurrection.

“Thou hath prepare for war on many fronts; doth thou believe thy presence would be best served in remaining with thy people? If Primordial Olympus were to strike while you fought to the east… I would not be the reason for thy people’s destruction for my selfish quest and foolishness.”

“Huu-haaa,” Elinor sighed before chuckling. “You are such a sweet man; I feel terrible for putting you in this position.”

“Meaning?”

She edged closer to nudge his side. “Surrounding you with vipers! Women love a competent man that has the power to back up his word, understands the strengths and weaknesses we have, and shows himself to be a gentle soul to their needs. Sif has reason to fear the temptations of lustful women for a man such as yourself.”

“Eh-hehe.” Thor nervously rubbed his arm at her comment. “I knoweth not if thy words are meant to be a complement or warning.”

“Both, knucklehead,” she mused. “You’ve caught my sister’s eye… allowing her to face Marduk on her own—bolstering her already universal-tier pride and ego, might I add—before valiantly charging in to defend her once you believed they were playing underhandedly…

“Haha. I cannot tell you how much her heart must have sung, standing next to you, ready to engage those who spat on her crown. She… hasn’t had the best luck with husbands, so you’re the sweet, sweet nectar of honey to mend her cut and bleeding heart.”

“Ugh…” Thor sighed, trapped between a rock and a hard place at the revelation, yet Elinor was simply laying out the facts for him. “Thy words…” Elinor slid between his hesitant response.

“Make no mistake, Thor,” she giggled, “I’m not suggesting you particularly do anything about it, but am simply informing you in advance about my sister. Ishtar is drawn toward strong but sweet men, and she’ll work hard to draw your attention, so…”

It seemed to click in the man’s head as she grinned, pointing at herself. “So… thou art accompanying me on my journey rather than Lady Ishtar?

“I feel her sincerity, and she has truly taken the lead in improving the lives of thy subjects; I must be honest with my intentions—surely thy sister understands my position—my heart is first for my family.”

Elinor puffed out a long stream of air, eyeing the man’s tense muscles and uncomfortable shifts. “Ishtar doesn’t have any ill intentions… You must understand it’s just a part of our culture; she has no issues returning you to your wife, should she be alive—and I hope Sif is,” Elinor added at his narrowed eyes.

“But, Thor, I want to be perfectly clear… Ishtar is not to be underestimated when it comes to her desires—she is the High Queen of Heaven—and goes after everything she wants; she is not shy and knows exactly how to maneuver herself into a position to obtain it.”

“I… do not doubt her prowess,” Thor mumbled, rubbing his neck and turning to observe the hidden floating island. “Thou art saying Lady Ishtar wishes to position herself in a way to take Sif’s place if… she was unable to escape Yggdrasill’s collapse?”

Elinor leaned against the battlement and crossed her arms under her bust. “Nothing so nefarious as ‘taking her place’ for such a reason… To Ishtar, should such an event catch you in a moment of weakness, she would be there to support and comfort you because she desires to lighten your life as you are lightening hers. Women are complicated creatures, Thor,” she chuckled.

“I haven’t noticed,” he sighed. “Lady Ishtar does seem to have a sweet disposition to those who are misfortuned.”

“That’s new, actually,” Elinor laughed, “but Ishtar can be the sweetest sugar on your tongue if she likes someone, and… she’s in the market for a King of Heaven. It’s as simple as that, so, for that and many other reasons, I have chosen to position my kingdom in a way to not cause… complications in the future.”

“Haha. I appreciate thy candid manner of speaking, Lady Irkalla.”

She gave him a sly wink. “Again, make no mistake, if things do change, I’d be the first to let my sister have her shot to bring you into the family, and she has matured in many ways through our 10,000 lives. Hehe. Just so you know, Ishtar wants what’s best for you, and she’ll treat you better than any fantasy you can imagine. So… careful, Thor. Hehe. You really are in a pit of vipers.”

He rubbed his eyes as she moved to enter her tower. “I’ll keep thy words in mind… I do appreciate thy understanding heart, Lady Irkalla, and thou hath proven thyself true in all thy dealings… We leave before first light?”

“We do,” Elinor returned, calling for Noa. “In the meantime, I’ll have Noa transport you to Adoncia, Sal, Alisa, and Valentina to inform them exactly how challenging tomorrow will be for them.”

Thor’s eyebrows drew together as Noa appeared out of flashing runes, smiling and waving at him. “It will grow easier for them; will it not? Greetings, Lady Noa.”

The A.I. held a hand to her mouth in astonishment at the honorific phrase; she appeared to have been studying the language they used and connected the word to what he said to Elinor.

“Lady?” she blushed. “I am a simple servant!”

Sitting in her chair with a chuckle, Elinor waved her hand. “Take the compliment, Noa. You certainly are a Lady of Nethermore.”

She used one of the nalvean salutes of deep gratitude. “Thank you, Empress! Uh… what should I address your guest as?”

“He’d be fine with Thor, I’m sure,” she mused, her leg bobbing a bit as her mood continued to lighten and her apostles appeared to be closing into the range of her Nexus.

“Thank you, Thor,” she repeated, giving a slightly lower-tier salute.

“As to your question, Thor,” she hummed, tapping her armrest to the beat of her leg. “It will be easier in some ways, but I will not coddle them; they entered this proposition with the understanding they may die… remind them of that.”

“Hmm. I will begin preparing them physically for the day’s journey. Thy service has been noteworthy, Lady Noa,” Thor said conversationally, seemingly believing the A.I. now completely understood him; she did not.

He was transported away, and Elinor pondered how best he could apply Ishtar’s belief network to give him the means to translate his speech; currently, he was using the Mesopotamian God’s language to bridge the gap.

Her thoughts shifted subjects when her High Priest contacted her. “Empress! Your humble servants have returned; I have spoken to my High Queen and am thrilled to have felt your sister’s resurrection!”

Indeed. So, what news do you have of the northern lands, and how much damage did it sustain from Sari’aél’s 3rd Divinity seal being removed in her first battle against the Covenant?

Quin remained silent, giving Valdar—her superior—the stage to explain their findings and progress.

“Many races gather around the river area of the Great Northern Planes, and they have happily fallen under your banner, Empress. We were unable to meet many of the dispersed tribes and factions, yet from the villages we were able to travel between, we secured plenty of believers that are now spreading your name to the other major gathering hubs.

“Your Empire grows in the north, and representatives from various factions are gathering to bring you gifts; they saw Warlord Sari’aél’s feats and marveled at her assault on the heavenly city, forcing it to depart their skies and saving their livestock from the raids.”

So, the Covenant was using them as food for their troops, Elinor hummed. The land?

“The Warlord seemed to have channeled all of her divine powers into the city, Empress, because, other than a short dry spell, they see her intervention as a blessing from their new overlord and goddesses, which sent them much-needed rain throughout the week and the gift of snow.”

Heh. Well, it’s lucky the virus trapped within the ice didn’t have a chance to gain a hold before we put a stop to it. What kind of races populated the places you visited?

“They are mostly ri’bot—Clanless—yet I have heard a rumor that to the far north was a hidden away quen’talrat faction within the mountains; it is a fear and bedtime story told to the children.

“As for other races, there are nalvean exiles or criminals, seeking to restart their lives without the marks they’d been given for their crimes. I have even heard mention of drék’uléph and golariex, among other minority races that dot the many territories of the primary nations surrounding Nethermore.”

Oh? The Republic that has closed off its borders and the Holy Empire of Grand Duchess Juliquah… High Lord Nukulara’s secret affair? Interesting. I look forward to visiting these places when I return; I’m sure Ishtar will find the information they have to offer more than a little useful, and quen’talrat… Hmm.

Going through a few internal plans, she decided it was worth mentioning to the Ke to further show how much she appreciated his ability to let go of his former empire; the giant ape had a love for conquest, not material things, and a deep responsibility instilled into him since a child that he was the savior of his people.

Now, they needed him, and she had one tip to offer the Ke, which she knew he would appreciate—plant seeds and let them grow to bud in the future; add value, get rewarded. It was a principle she heavily believed in, and that reward returned in so many fascinating ways.

Wonderful work, Valdar, Quin.

“My pleasure, Empress.”

“Thank you, Empress!”

You may consult Ishtar on where she next wishes to send you… and, Quin?

“Yes, Empress?”

Prepare for a coming war; all the Intelligent Undead need to increase their ranks and abilities. It will not be a light assault.

“Understood!”

Breaking contact, she connected to her new Royal Arcanist. Orinvia, I’d like your expertise for a moment; if you could have Noa transport you here.

“At once, Empress. There are… many various types of magical energies this world seems to employ; I am familiarizing myself with dozens of different cultures. However… I examined the artifact you returned, and it doesn’t appear to use magic as its medium but a spiritual draw from an internal source… Curious.”

She chuckled at her lofty, ethereal tone that drew on a sense of mysticism. Ishtar will be needed for you to gain a further understanding of it since it is the product of the Divine Realm—7th-dimensional—and severely damaged.

“I have made note of your recommendation, Empress…”

Lights and symbols flashed beside her, revealing the white-haired, floating woman; despite her deceptive, mostly incorporeal appearance, it was the miallu’s porcelain-like, ghostly white face and exhausted, glowing blue eyes that kept her gaze.

Elinor felt like she was a slave driver by the way her overworked, womanly tone painted an image in her mind. “There is an artifact you require my immediate attention on?”

The dark circles under her shimmering irises drew a small smile to Elinor’s lips; she had such an interesting group of Court members.

She directed Orinvia’s attention to a small pedestal nearby that housed the scepter-like rod Sar’ollaz had given her to transport her to his floating island. “I’d like you to examine that and make a detailed report on each function you discover, but before that, can you tell what needs to be done to contact the A.I. he calls ‘The Oracle?”

“Hmm.”

Orinvia’s head tilted to the side as the scepter lifted off the platform without a motion from the woman, drawn closer for her to slide her transparent fingers around the gems embedded into it.

“A complex instrument,” she whispered, spreading her fingers below it for a clone to break away from it and separate into tiny components; even if the rod appeared solid, Orinvia seemed to have dissected it into critical parts.

“Not of any design I have come across in your archive thus far, yet with a simple enough activation method, despite the magical manifold of its inner weavings.”

Elinor stood to get a better look at the twirling segments, the holographic-like text of Orinvia’s race being translated for her as she observed the woman’s studious process; the woman appeared to use the visual display as a note-taking method.

“I am only looking for the communication function; everything else can be put in a detailed report for Ishtar.”

“Hmm. In that case, you must simply stroke this gem and speak the registered name of who you wish to contact, which includes this Oracle,” she said, directing the item through the air to her with a surprisingly charming, if tired, smile. “I do love all these challenging puzzles you are giving me, Empress.”

“Naturally. I look forward to seeing what you are able to do with the floating fortress the quen’talrat Sages were working on when I return.”

She chuckled. “Floating cities are somewhat of a specialty of miallu, yet… we tend to focus on more space travel than the simple act of floating. Higher Realm transportation was what I focused on when alive.”

“It makes sense,” Elinor whispered, taking hold of the rod when it came within reach.

She examined it, trying to find the sections the Arcanist had split her magical replica into without success; the golden, jewel-encrusted wand appeared to be totally solid, yet she’d clearly seen Orinvia break it into different parts. It was a tad frustrating being unable to see how the device was constructed after the Arcanist had done it so easily.

“You did open a gate to the Spiritual Plane, after all… You do have a gift, Orinvia, I must say; I can’t find see any other parts besides the gems.”

She gave an airborne, flourishing bow. “Your praise is liquid to my Core.”

Unfamiliar with the phrase but taking it as a positive by her internal emotional spike—which did not show on her sleep-deprived, porcelain face—Elinor followed her instruction. “Oracle, connect me to Ke’Thra’Ma.”

She lifted an eyebrow as a red light erupted from the top of the rod, showing a holographic display of the two-headed ape, and making Orinvia slow clap.

“Yay me. Right again. And they said I wasn’t talented.”

“Empress Irkalla!” the warmonger roared. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

Elinor wanted to know who said the woman wasn’t talented, but she may have been reflecting on her more corrupted and convoluted spiritual mess that had certainly held this more genius side back.

“Ke, I just received a piece of information you may find of interest.”

“Oh? You’ve discovered some clue as to my people? Hehe. Why am I not surprised?”

“It is only a rumor,” she shrugged. “There is a bedtime story passed among clanless ri’bot that to the northwest of your former empire there is a hidden pocket of your people, possibly underground in the mountains of that area.”

“Hmm.” The giant ape didn’t seem happy to hear his people were hiding, much less underground. “I’ll have to begin my journey there. Heh. I hope to hear stories of your exploits, Empress. Perhaps we will meet in combat ourselves one of these days. Haha! I cannot wait to feel that thrill in my chest.”

“Careful what you wish for, Ke, it might just happen,” Elinor mused, reversing her motion on the gem to end the call and returning the rod to her Arcanist. “Excellent work, Orinvia; I’ll leave you to your study.”

She gave a unique bow-like gesture with her cloak in the air before having Noa return her to the 35th floor. “I take my leave.”

Releasing a short puff of air, Elinor walked to the window to glare at the southern mountains; she didn’t like what was happening in the Nalvean Empire due to a few reasons, but most notable would be Becdeth’s warning.

Without a doubt in Elinor’s mind, she knew Yesenia was making her play, which, in her estimation, would be either a rush on the offensive or something more devious.

If the woman attempted to mobilize the forces Primordial Ares and Athena had given her to blitz Nethermore before it could gain a firm footing, she would welcome the war—she hoped that was her tactic, even if it would bring many casualties.

Elinor’s fist tightened, sensing the dark clouds gathering to the south like a ghostly finger sliding up her spine. If Yesenia retreated, it meant she knew of and could maneuver a threat to whittle down both factions’ defenses to achieve their goals, and there was nothing she could do to prevent that course of action.

If Yesenia circled around from the closed-off Drék’uléph Republic lands, cutting into their land through the west when they were dealing with the war in the south, it could be devastating, considering the woman would have gods and goddesses in mortal vessels on her side, which was why the Seraph needed to remain in the Nethermore to counter the worst case scenario.

Also, the fact Iris had yet to find her daughter told Elinor the spider queen’s prey had more help than just Demon and whatever network these white-scaled nalveans provided.

A shiver ran down her spine that what she feared would come to pass, and it wasn’t Primordial Olympus.

Dagon is coming… If it’s what I think, we’ll be in an impossible split, which means Ishtar will need to read the field precisely and determine who she can afford to bring. I only hope I’ve given her enough soldiers for the wars to come.

Author Note: I will be begin releasing UE Rewrite with a lot of twists and revisions in two weeks to the public; Sari'ael's very early introduction changed a lot of what I had planned. More details are in the discord announcements. I will release up to the current chapters the patrons have for the 1st draft, and I'm very excited for what is to come.