Progress (Filler)

The elves, those who were watching from afar on the battlefield of Alicurt, all became fearful and awed at the same time. They stare at the impossibility, a crater that split the massive wall and the clouds above it.

"This is…"

"How is there something like that…?''

They all backed away into their homeland, sensing that this battle is over here. They take one last look at the invading humans, now nothing more than dumbfounded masses staring at their impenetrable bastion.

The one who did this miracle and terrifying feat was gone, left high up into the sky on a golden cloud. They watched as this legendary warrior controlled and confronted the army head on all by himself. It was a feat they know can't possibly happen again after a long, long time.

...….

"The battle is over."

Back at the Elven Kingdom, their Guardian Spirit and Queen muttered as she stared up from her painted glass that produced moonlight. This peculiar painted glass wasn't just for show, but rather a tool for her to exercise her Godhood over the Moon. She could see what the Moon sees, a direct above view to be precise.

"He… truly delivered."

The Moon was there, and so she could see all three battlefields at the same time. From the unrivaled Demi-human warrior that beats a human army numbering in the thousands without fretting once, the massive army of Devils and Lesser Viles of Hell, to himself being able to hold his ground and even toy with the best of the Humans.

"And for him to even beat a God."

Now, she can't be mistaken. Easily beating a God, it is only achievable if the other side is also a God of equal or more power.

'How strong is he…?'

The God of Magic, a Human-born God, is classified as high Middle tier amongst the Fael Gods. As a God who has control over Magic, he's extremely versatile and highly destructive. He's also known as the God of Wisdom, having experienced almost every profession in his human days.

'He's coming here.'

And right now, at this moment, Queen Svar'ritha trembles as the dark cloud approaches ever closer to her kingdom. It appeared over him and thick enough that she can't peer through.

...….

"Hey, don't you think… that newbie look strange?''

Amongst the cloudy realm, Fael's Heaven, a group of white-winged androgenous people were chatting and whispering with each other. Their eyes were on a strange individual, with six wings and looking around with an amused and curious face.

"Yeah… six wings? What is he?''

The white wings are, of course, the Fael Angelics, a Race specifically made through a collaboration of the Goddess Seraphim and Rebecca, the First Lightbringer. Their purpose was to be tools for their jobs, dolls to be used in the stage that is the Mortal Realm. The Fael Angelics are born with different abilities and specific attunements. They act as both soldiers and civilians in the Fael Heaven, props for a stage that'll soon be claimed.

And as for the six winged person, it is naturally Elkiel, the Blasphemer.

'I managed to get here…'

As for why he's here, he just happens to stumble upon the right time to enter.

'This new world, it is amazing!'

For weeks now, Elkiel was traveling throughout the Mortal Realm, learning of anything he could and finding all there is to this World's history. From the oldest existing written records, to the oldest individuals in the Middle Continent. He visited all these, and accumulated a massive well of past information. Now, he just happens to stumble upon a 'crack' that led him here.

'A Divine Realm…'

He looked around curiously for a while now, and then his eyes locked on to the group of Angelics in the distance.

"Hellooo!"

Elkiel waved his outstretched arm. He looked at them, one side with kindness, while the hidden darkness deep within sought to corrupt.

'They are similar to Angels…'

He waited if they were gonna approach him, but that doesn't seem to be the case as they all stood there while muttering with each other.

"He's waving?"

"We don't even know him, and yet he's being so open…"

Angelics have a rather reserved personality as civilians, as they're programmed to be. They avoid making contact unless they know the individual, and in most cases they just wander the Fael Heavens aimlessly and not saying a word.

"Where is this place? If you don't mind me asking!"

"Eh?''

The Angelics, programmed to be civilians, are also programmed to be soldiers. This 'soldier' side activated right now, as their eyes shoned red and their white garb tightened around their body.

[Possible intruder detected.]

"..."

Elkiel, who was smiling as a facade, instantly broke it in a heartbeat.

"Dimensional Seal, Connection Spell Disruption, Rune Force Shatter."

He casted safety Spells to break any type of invisible surveillance installed here. The Angelics took it as a hostile intention, and their garb turned into battle armor.

[Intruder identified, moving in to subdue the target.]

They flap their wings once to gain a brief elevation and stop there. They didn't land back down immediately, and just floated a meter from the cloudy ground

"Divine Eye of Truth."

His irises light up in an intense golden color. Veins popped around his eyes, and the Angelics fell down during their ongoing flight.

[Error detected…]

"Ahhh, a programmable Construct? Yet, has Divinity? This is all truly interesting."

Something Elkiel rarely sees, a Construct that has Divinity stored inside, albeit faintly though. Constructs and machines, no matter how important, should never hold Divinity within them. It is because it's pointless and outright stupid, no matter how small Divinity should be treated as sparsely as possible. Every point is irreplaceable, and should be treated as so.

'Well, this sort of Divinity feels different though? Kinda familiar…'

[Error… error…]

"I'll be taking some of these, thank you very much."

Elkiel moved in and reached his hand outward. It glows a bright yellow light, before he impales it through the chest of the first one within reach. The Angelic bled, a bright red crimson color that drips down the tight garb and edges of its mouth.

And then, with one forceful rip, he swings his arm sideways and forces his hand out. Blood spurted like a fountain, and came down like rain for seconds. The amount isn't human, and so was the grin on Elkiel's face right now.

'Hahahah… I'll never get bored of this.'

Elkiel makes quick work of the rest of the Angelics. The reason for their sudden malfunction was because of the Divine Eye of Truth that revealed their true nature, their coding. He basically corrupted it just by looking.

'Well… they're not a threat.'

He judged it based on this encounter. If the time comes when he's surrounded, better make sure it isn't by the Angelics.

...….

The man who traversed the depressing labyrinth by his lonesome, who battled by himself, suffered and anguished by himself, and stayed alive by himself. It's now time to face his final challenge to be free, to escape this disturbing place with no light.

'This is the place…'

Eldan Furthif, the elf who had finished the first floor of the Celestial Dark Palace, was now standing in front of a gate made entirely out of white with two massive torches burning for who knows how long on both sides. Carvings were etched on the gate, one side is of a beautiful woman's face, and the other is a massive beast-like skull with a twirling, twisting horn.

'Well, this looks promising.'

Despair now twisted to newfound curiosity. He walked up to the massive gate and placed his palm on the surface. It was smooth, with any sort of bumps or anything poking out. The carving was neatly etched, and a fine line splits the two faces that's unnoticeable from afar.

"No going back now, not like I want to."

He's finished here. His journey of anguish and loneliness shall end here with release. What sort of release? He doesn't care anymore.

'I live or die, this shall be the deciding factor.'

He pushes open the door to his destiny. Inside, the massive interior was lit up nicely with a melody softly resounding. It was of a flute, an instrument Eldan is familiar with and fond of.

"Ah… We've been waiting for you, Challenger."

"He… who dares… trespass upon, this… holy land."

Two sets of voices spoke to him, both making him almost faint from their intense pressure. He stood wobbly, with eyes unclear and unfocus.

'Kuhh…'

Sweat was already dripping down from his forehead. A vein was bulging and pulsating from his forehead.

"Come, if you manage to vanquish us, then your qualification is proven to be acceptable. However, die and your body and soul shall forever serve our purpose. Do you accept this challenge, or does the sound of Death terrifies you?"

"Come… I haven't… move my bones… for a longgg… time."

The giant, who cracked its knuckles, stood next to a pale woman holding a flute in her elegant hands. The duo Stage Guardians are a force to be reckoned with, as they have unique quirks to their fight. They need to keep track of the Supporter, and also keep away from the continuously regenerating behemoth of bones. The fight is also inspired by a famous fight in the video games of old.

'Well… it's solo time.'

Eldan Furthif, resigning to his destiny, takes out his bow first and pulls back the string. Energy starts to amass and shapes itself into an arrow, a big one at that.

'To my sins…'

He recollects on his life up to now, and takes a step forward.

...…..

"Go… get 'em, Senna."

In the fourth floor of the Celestial Dark Palace, a trio of elves were battling in a jungle environment against a bunch of cavemen ape-looking creatures. With bodies as thrice as big as the normal elf, they swing their massive thick arms at Senna, the Beast that briefly rivaled that of Saurosh in terms of power.

"Yeah, just sit and wait for me."

Senna, now devoid of any light in her eyes, strode forward with a sword in her right hand. The caveman in front of her growled with teeth and fangs baring in full view.

'Stupid ape.'

Senna lifts up her sword and in one swift motion, swings it back down with Aura enveloping it. It sends out a torrent of red arcs toward the caveman, and its eyes widens before getting chopped up to a bloody mess.

A lump of flesh falls down, splatting blood around and covering the ground in crimson blood. It makes the air slightly uncomfortable, and the smell of iron doesn't make it any better.

Following this, several other cavemen and also local beasts came to the smell of blood. The cavemen were up in the trees, while now a pack of bulky wolves gathered and snarled. Senna, still without emotions, grips her sword tightly and grits her teeth.

'I can't…'

Slowly and steadily, her mind begins to deteriorate in real time.

[Warning!]

[Aura signatures are spiking to dangerous levels!]

But, once again, before she could truly get to that level, a holographic window appeared to snap her out of it.

'Right… I can't die, yet.'

Her eyes now gained some form of light, as she takes a wide stance with her legs spread and body lowered. She positions her sword parallel to her head and twists her body slightly to the side. A booming Aura exuded out from her, and this deters the instinct driven beasts to back away a few steps.

"Come, mutts and apes. I'll take you all on."

Senna Azuriel, a once cheerful girl and young woman to her comrade's eyes, now a depressed and almost insane girl, gripping to whatever's good enough to keep her head above water. She's drowning, but still perseveres for there is one broken fragment to prevent her going under.

'I'll kill everything in my way… and fix you back to normal.'

Her mind was a contrast to her current self, full of imaginary scenarios of happiness with the love of her life. Spending their time leisurely. Truly a perfect escapism, for a brokenhearted doll.

...

In the Fael Pantheon's gathering Hall of Gods, many Divine Beings gathered in the same place to hear one God's announcement.

"So, in conclusion, we need to invade her territory as fast as possible in order to track down this Elder Lich."

"It's just some bag of bones, what can it even do to a God such as yourself, God of Magic?"

The conversation that spanned dozens of minutes made the situation with the Hall tense. But, one of the Aspects of War said a jest to alleviate the mood.

"Sure, but, the power… that Elder Lich is certainly not normal. And another strange anomaly is that the elves haven't said anything or even escaped their forest. If an Elder Lich, one of the higher forms of Undead, were to exist and inside somewhere with an abundant source of Life like the Moon Forest, then surely he would've turned the place to a wasteland."

"Maybe he's an eco? He might not want to fight yet, so he's probably staying low until now."

"Then, if your reasoning is correct, then 'she' would've been here already. She would've screamed and shouted pathetically, of that Undead's location and then guided us to it. But no, it's been hours and yet there's no sign of her arrival."

"Ahh, she can take care of it. She's strong, right? Like a baby's strength compared to me, but nonetheless it's still strong."

"If she's a baby, then that Elder Lich is akin to a dog almost twice her size."

The conversation, one that came from a jest, soon instead turned into an argument that further deteriorate the mood.

"...That was why you should've let me handle it."

Another voice resounded, and it was Alice, another of the Aspects of War, one that leans more into tactics and strategies than outright force or stealthy takeouts.

"If I descended, then the damage would only be minimal and the outcome would've been greater. An Elder Lich against a magical enemy? Now that's some next level stupidity."

"...Alice, I know you're angry and all, but please, refrain from sullying my reputation."

"Your reputation as a God of Wisdom already went out the window when you went down there to confront that thing. And from the looks of it, you weren't even doing your best."

"That's because there were friendly forces nearby. I reconsidered many times, decimating the terrain and then in the process destroying one of your descendants. That wouldn't bode well for me, would it?"

"..."

Alice War, an ancestor to the young General Elinora, was pissed off at the fact that if she was the one to descend, then she would've finished the job then and there.

'...Maybe.'

Well, her mind could've been elsewhere and missed her target altogether, but she would've finished the job nonetheless. She was confident in it.

'If only…'

Thinking about it made her grit her teeth, boiling herself in her own anger.

"Well, since it seems that this meeting is only to deliver a message, I'll take my leave first."

Then, one of the three sitting atop a throne placed above a flight of stairs stood up, her golden and silver hair fluttering with her movement. She was the only one amongst the three thrones placed there.

"Yes, have a safe trip, Seraphim."

The other Divine Beings, whether they like it or not, said farewell to her as she leaves. Her body turned into particles of light and white feathers with a silver sheen drop slowly down to the ground. The room was silent once more, none whispered a word, and so this meant that the meeting was over.

'They aren't listening…'

But, not all of them.

''This Elder Lich is interesting, mind if I take a look?"

Amongst the Divine Beings, the only one who couldn't sit and have her face up on equal level with the others. The Goddess of the Sky, Elune Aurora. Her image was that of a child, almost half the size of any other Divine Beings.

"Sure, Elune. But, don't try to incite anything. Last time-"

"Yeah yeah, I know. Boundaries and all that, but it's fun seeing his face all angry and flustered like that. Don't get to see it so often aside from his pride or scowl."

"Indeed, but please."

Elune Aurora, a Goddess that's considered Neutral and a Trickster. She's helpful on some occasions, while committing mischief and all kinds of embarrassing stunts to reveal the Gods and Goddesses' private life.

"See ya, cutie."

"Hahhh~…"

One of the oldest yet, with her childish appearance and personality, sometimes the Gods and Goddesses step out of line. She holds the authority over the Sky, and controls the weather and star alignments that when set right, can empower some mystical aspects.

'…'

The God of Wisdom, praised for his intelligence and knowledge, was still a kid in front of her due to their difference in age. She had seen so many events that transpired, even before the Great Daemon World War.

'In some aspects, she might be considered the same as the High Gods.'

The three Aspects, or referred to as the High Gods, are only ever gathered on one occasion in the whole of human history. The Great Daemon World War, where untold millions died and absorbed back into the earth.

Rebecca, the Lightbringer and beacon of hope to vanquish the Daemons.

Seraphim, the Sword that cuts away all things sinful and unclean.

And finally, the currently still missing God, Yaldabaoth, a God that's said to be only helpful in the Great Daemon World War. His disappearance was mysterious, and some analogue even suggest that he's a Daemon God that betrayed his kin only to be betrayed back for a second time.

'So many mysteries…'

The World that they know, it was large and vast with many mysterious events and Questlines to be explored.

'Maybe… no, it's too early. And even if… then the Dark Ages are truly upon the Mortal Realm.'

A hero, is needed.

...…

{Present}

"Svar'ritha, I am glad that you accepted my request for an audience."

"..."

In the palace of the Elven Queen and also Goddess, a black figure steps forward with confidence like he owned the place. An Elder Lich, one that slowly consumed in what seems to be flesh and muscles, stepped ever so closer toward the pure and clean Goddess.

"What is it that you… want?"

"Nothing much…''

But, that confident stride ended when the doors behind him fully closed shut. Now that there weren't any more prying and hateful eyes, he collected himself and faced the Goddess. This act made her tense up, as even she was surprised and shocked. She thought that he was prideful because of his victory, but no. His now recovered face didn't suggest happiness, nor did it suggest any sort of emotion.

"I am here to report that our deal has been honored. And to ask of one thing."

"What… is it that you ask for?"

"For an invasion, on my palace."

'Wha?!!'

This furthered her shock and now confusion swept over her mind. Her facial expression tensed up, and Sora picked up on this.

"I have a confession to make, Svar'ritha. The elves that came trespassing into my palace, I didn't return them."

"...What?"

Her voice turned dead cold. She immediately sent out her Divinity to try and threaten Sora, but all it did was make him smirk.

"Don't worry, only… some casualties. But, they still live. In spirit, or in broken pieces."

"We had an agreement-"

"And I did not honor it, I know. But, through my gamble, I have created what could be called Champions for your kingdom."

"..."

"An archer capable of sniping from over several dozens of kilometers, to a swordswoman that's capable of subduing and killing hundreds all by her own, filled with rage and depression in the process though. And even so, if you did find out, then you would've been unable to do anything."

"..."

"Because, this war, this Conquest of the Humans, it would mean death if I were to send out my army of Undead as the Humans invade your land. Then, I would lead it to my opening act. So, it would've changed much, but the outcome would ultimately be the same. I wonder, did your Foresight play a role in preventing absolute extinction?"

"..."

As the dialogue continues, Svar'ritha's face slowly softens. Not because she adheres to Sora's reasoning, but because she knew even if she did anything, then it would be useless. She knows that even now, she would be unable to do anything to deal lasting damage to Sora.

'I am truly hopeless…'

Not entirely, but yes. Her statement is true.

"If that is all, then you can leave."

"Angry, I presume?"

"...Leave."

Her voice didn't contain anything, just words. This made Sora puzzled, but still he continues in his coercion.

"I apologize, and have thought of a wonderful solution that will undoubtedly benefit both of us."

"More casualties on my side? No."

"Hear me out first, and then decide."

Sora and Svar'ritha, they had a very heavy atmosphere around them as they stared unyieldingly at each other.

"You send your best and finest, while I give out words to my subordinates to lessen their degree of power so that they don't die. Even if there's casualties, then it'll be fine."

"How so? They're dead. How can you say it's fine?"

"Because, right here."

Sora lifts up his left arm that hasn't fully healed to the hand yet. It lights up in a dazzling purple flame and what came out were faces of the deceased elves.

"..."

"I can bring them back, I have the power to."

"...And at what cost? Defying Death isn't something one can do for free, even the God of Evil can't trade with Death without a hefty price."

"Haha, hahahahaha!"

Sora bursted out laughing like he'd heard some of the best jokes ever. After he stopped, his eyes turned serious once more.

"Because I am its ruler, bringing back something that's dead physically isn't such a big deal. It only requires a vessel, in which I have a supplier."

"But it's… morally wrong."

"Don't talk morality, we're Gods. We're not mortals with feelings and values, we make our own."

"And my values do not align with yours."

"...Fine, fine. Ignore that then. So, how about it?"

"Sending my people to be your test subjects? No thanks."

"They can be stronger, I guarantee you that. It benefits both our interests, does it not?"

"As a ruler and as a Goddess, I cannot allow such acts. Leave, this is your final warning."

The situation seems to have come to a close. Sora looks to have no more cards to use, and Svar'ritha had put her foot down. So, in this case Sora complied.

"Alright, I see that you're a competent ruler."

"..."

"I was worried for a second there, but it seems like my faith didn't betray me."

"You… believed something?"

"I thought you would be like the other Gods I've seen in my lifetime. All of them, except for a few, are driven by a need for power and put on a facade. To entertain, to fit into their follower's minds. Their sins, however, were still condemned in the end by me."

"..."

"So, this concludes my audience with you. Thank you for entertaining me in this, endeavor of mine."

"Wait, then what about the elves?"

"Oh, they're fine."

With that, Sora turned around and quickly left. Leaving a wide mouth, flustered and cute-looking Svar'ritha to stare dumbfoundedly.

'Did I… just get played with?'

It was the first time, yes, the first time that Svar'ritha, the Goddess that possesses the fraudulent Skill of Foresight, got played with in the palm of someone's hand. It was, strange for her to describe.

'What is this… feeling?'

It was a strange sort of beating. As Sora left through the doorway, her heart seemed to tighten and constrict.

'Don't tell me.'

It can't be cliche, it can't be it.

'No, he must've infected me with a curse. A heinous… devious… disgusting curse.'

Her thought wanted it to be true, yet her body was saying something else. A virgin for so many centuries, a maiden since birth to now. Her experience, her love, was unchecked for and uncared for. So, now of all times, she had found one that could make her flustered and express clear emotions. No one, not even the Human Gods and Goddesses, could do that.

'...'

...

Finally, home sweet home.

I flopped down tiredly on my throne, my guards standing valiantly and straight on both sides down below.

'I'm here again…'

I feel like I've been neglecting my home for so long that now I don't want to leave it.

'Is this a symptom of homesickness…?'

I wondered about that possibility, and so decided that if so, then I just need to rest up well.

'And what better comfort than in the arms of my loving wife~.'

Even within WSO, I had visited and spent time with Charlotte for some stress relieving. I'm still human, and there's only so much I can take before I break.

'Ahhhhm, I can't wait~.'

I probably looked like a teenager with my youthful face. I stood up, now resolute in my decision.

'I just need some comfort time, and then I'll be fine.'

I left quickly for the comfort of my wife. She's probably resting right now, so I must be careful not to alert her suddenly. She doesn't like it when her sleep is interrupted.

...…

"Welp, I'm leaving."

On the Human's side, a blacksmith was saying his farewells to two people. They all looked at him with warm faces, and the older-looking man looked teary eyed.

"Make sure to visit, if you can."

"Goodbye, uncle!"

They were, very expressive to be honest.

"Is that…''

"Yeah, that's him."

"The rising smith legend."

Murmurs spread through the air as the old man walks away. He has his hands inside his pant's pockets and a carefree smile on his old face.

'Now, let's return for extra supplies. I also need to stockpile some stuff with me as emergency materials and report back to Saurosh.'

Erik Forg, a 'rising smith legend' in the city from the quality of his mass produced weapons and custom made gear. The adventurers that commissioned there all had positive feedback when talking about him.

'A good work for now.'

Erik was in a happy mood, and strode forward with light steps.