Chapter 15

Maximus Mormont stood at the head of the council table, his mind a whirl of plans and logistics. The Wolf Fang Tribe had settled in, their elderly and children safely behind the walls, while their hunters brought in enough food to sustain them through the storm. He surveyed the faces of his council, noting the mix of determination and weariness in their eyes. The room was heavy with the scent of burning wood, the crackling fire casting flickering shadows on the stone walls.

Stonewalker, the leader of the Stone Hoof Tribe, entered the chamber, his presence commanding. "Maximus, the people are settled and safe. The hunters have secured enough provisions to see us through the worst of the weather. The tribe is eager to move into the new quarters being built."

Maximus nodded, his gaze shifting to the builder team leader, a burly man named Horst. "Horst, how are the constructions progressing?"

"We've completed about half the work," Horst replied, his voice steady. "We've built the basic structures, imitating the architecture of Cetus. We've focused on essential resources—stoves, water systems powered by wind, basic beds. The rest will take time. Our capacity is limited."

Ordis, chimed in with a metallic tone, "To build another foundry, we need unique resources from the Warframe world, resources we don't currently have."

Maximus frowned, absorbing the information. "And the power sources?"

Ordis replied, "The current power source can only handle so much. It's already strained, working on a ship using a combination of old solar and battery systems. The ships will be ready in a few days."

Dacey, Maximus's closest ally, spoke up. "Once the ships are ready, we need to decide on products for trade to bring in more resources. We can't rely solely on the mines. A single-structured economy isn't viable."

Maximus nodded. "Agreed. We need to diversify our economy. We can trade with the Seven Sisters, Braavos, and other cities in Essos. But first, we need to secure our position."

The Warrior, a fierce fighter named Ulfur, interjected. "Why don't we raid a city and bring its people here? Or better yet, move beyond the Wall. According to Ordis's database, a disaster is imminent in the North. We could bring the people from Hardhome here."

Maximus considered this, weighing the risks and benefits. "It's a possibility. But we need to be careful. Expanding too quickly could strain our resources further."

Horst nodded. "We could expand underground using Grineer architecture. The mountains and ocean provide ample materials. We could start building an underground network to accommodate more people before we decide where to build the larger city."

Suddenly, Ordis's voice crackled through the chamber. "Operator, there's an emergency. The Carnivorous Tribe is moving towards us. They could be here by sunset. It looks like they plan to attack after dark."

Ulfur's eyes gleamed with a fierce light. "Let our men show their proficiency. We will kill them all. There are only thirty of them. I alone could take them down with our new weapons."

Dacey interrupted, her voice firm. "No, Ulfur. We need to display our strength to everyone. Maximus, fight them alone. Show the people their leader is strong. It will inspire hope and security."

Maximus hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. I will handle them. Ordis, prepare more companions and work on building a satellite for better surveillance."

Ordis replied, "We lack the technology for a self-recharging satellite. Solar power is insufficient. I will search the codex for alternatives."

Maximus agreed. "Do what you can. We need to be prepared for any future threats."

................

In the ancient cave, a few hours ago, the Three-Eyed Raven, an old man with a weathered face, convulsed as he peered into the past and future. Leaf, one of the Children of the Forest, approached him with concern etched on her face.

"What's happening?" Leaf asked.

The Three-Eyed Raven's voice trembled. "There has been a change. Someone is blocking my sight. I tried to break through, but there was a backlash. The future is uncertain because of a boy, supported by some god. I see him on Skaros, but little else."

Leaf frowned. "Do you have someone there?"

The old man nodded. "Yes, I can send a message. She can talk to the leader directly."

The Three-Eyed Raven closed his eyes and reached out with his mind, seeking the old gods. He felt the presence of ancient forces, whispering through the weirwoods, their voices like the rustling of leaves.

"Old gods, hear me," he murmured. "A great danger is approaching. Guide me, so that I may guide others."

The Three-Eyed Raven opened his eyes, a sense of purpose settling over him. "Leaf, send the message. We must act quickly."

In a trance, Svara, priest of the Carnivorous Tribe, entered the cave. The Three-Eyed Raven's voice echoed in her mind. "There is a great danger. Go to the settlement south of Skagos. Find and kill a boy named Maximus. He has dark hair and bright eyes."

Svara's eyes flashed with determination. "I will do as you command."

................

On a vast, star-studded grassland, a massive tree with a thousand faces whispered among themselves. Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted their murmurs.

"Who dares desecrate my domain?"

A brilliant blue orb appeared, from which emerged Thanos, the Mad Titan, his formidable presence filling the space. His eyes blazed with purpose as he confronted the ancient tree.

"You cannot interfere with the world anymore," Thanos declared, his voice resonant with power.

The tree's roots lashed out, but Thanos wielded his double-edged sword with lethal precision, cutting through the magical onslaught. The battle was fierce, with the old gods using ancient magic, but Thanos's sheer strength and the power of his Infinity Gauntlet proved overwhelming.

Finally, Thanos plunged his sword into the tree's heart, silencing the voices. "You will not interfere," he growled. As the tree's life force ebbed away, a small seed escaped, but Thanos caught it with a wave of his hand, using the Soul Stone to trap its essence.

A female voice, smooth and cold, echoed behind him. "Don't make it too easy for the boy. He needs challenges to grow stronger."

Thanos turned, his expression inscrutable. "I will ensure he faces what he must."

The vast landscape shifted, revealing a realm of fire and ice. On one side, a volcanic world erupted with flames, rivers of molten lava snaking through the scorched earth. In the center of this fiery domain stood a man, his hair ablaze, his eyes burning with an intense heat. He was the R'hllor, God of Fire, a deity of destruction and rebirth.

On the other side, a frozen wasteland stretched as far as the eye could see. A woman, her beauty as cold as the ice that surrounded her, stood at the heart of this frigid world. Her gaze was as piercing as the chill in the air. She was the Great Other, Goddess of Ice, a being of serenity and death.

Thanos stood between them, his presence a bridge between these two extreme realms. The God of Fire spoke first, his voice a roar. "You think you can control the fate of the world, Titan? You are a fool."

The Goddess of Ice's voice was a whisper, yet it carried a deadly promise. "He will face trials beyond your imagination. He will suffer, and through his suffering, he will grow. Only then will he be worthy."

Thanos's eyes narrowed. "I am not here to control fate. I am here to ensure balance. The boy will face what he must, but he will not be destroyed by it."

The God of Fire laughed, a sound like crackling embers. "We shall see, Titan. We shall see."

With a final, powerful surge, Thanos raised his Infinity Gauntlet, channeling its immense power. Flames and ice clashed around him, but he stood resolute, a force of nature unto himself. The realms of fire and ice trembled under his might, but the deities did not yield.