Sword, Come!

There was no need for more words.

A black fog swirled around Herlas. Spores of myriad colors and fluttering insects flew into it as if moths to a fire and assimilated within, invigorating his vitality.

In past decades, Herlas had used his own lifeforce to transfuse energies that maintained the balance of the ecosystems here.

Now, the circles of life returned its favor, providing him endless reinforcement.

"You might be the key to my breakthrough."

As the voice so calm it was cold spread from within the fog, Herlas's entire body was swallowed by the darkness. It dispersed in the very next second, completely dissipating with the high priest within, leaving an impassive voice that permeated the subspace.

"Become fertilizer for my world, Joshua."

With those words, the world returned to silence save for the harrowing cries of the winds.

Then, the world trembled.