Introduction: Prelude of the Archetypes

[Know nothing. See nothing. Be nothing. Forget everything that you think you know of this reality where you now exist. Only then can this universe fulfill its purpose to you.]

***

The Nilverse has violated its own caretakers once. I know this for I've seen it myself. But these memories are proven useless when those above and in-charge chose to forsake the darkest chapter in their history. But not I. I remember it well. A little too well, in fact. Were it not for Laszlo, perhaps a darker fate would befall not just this universe, but the rest of the known realities. 

However, it's all in the past. Perhaps it is simply the magnanimity of the supreme that they never bore ill will against its transgressors and allowed an era of peace to reign. All the while, the unification of all legions under one banner sparked many a debate. But we are just mere subjects under one ruler that even gods conceded rulership from. What right do we have to criticize the comprehension of those beyond us upon 'existence' itself? Only they have the ability to see what is above and beyond.

The Archetypes existed to be the foundations of life, said to be the remaining bridges to connect existence to the source of nothingness. Their adherents seek to follow their footsteps, hoping to chase a higher sense of purpose. Each Archetype promises a different fate for those who choose to speak their language…

Calliope is the eldest and the [Whisper of Merlin]. To her adherents, she holds power over epics, which holds great affinity towards heroes and legendary figures of history. As more people began to show talent across the universe, Calliope could not lend them all a hand all by herself. Thus, she created the [SAGA] to lend aid to those individuals, bestowing them power in accordance with an algorithm that measures their capability―A system to judge their place amongst the famed.

There was Clio, the [Librarian of the Akashic Records]. She remains reclusive because of her duty to oversee history unfolding. To her, all of existence is a never-ending story written by {------} and she is merely the reader. But history can often be misleading, and time blurs the boundaries of fiction and real life the more it passes by.

There was Erato, the [Villanelle of the Aubade]. She adores all that lives, using their abilities to feel love to create a beautiful story for each of her adherent. Emotions are the core of her discipline, yet her mastery lies in the creation of artificial life. In an attempt to picture the most perfect life and create the most romantic prose, she'd create characters to fulfill the roles in her ideal play and she is the center. Love is wonderful, but Erato knows best: Love can be a wicked thing as well.

Euterpe is the [Maestra of the Symphony], the only one to hear the song of life. With this power, she expands vitality across the void of the Nilverse. She is the pathfinder of life and is the pioneer of civilization across the expanding universe, leaving trails of life in her footsteps for her adherents to follow. It is said a song echoes across the universe, trying to find signs of life while taming areas that reek of danger. She is not just the pioneer of life, but also the champion of justice. Discord is her enemy. But she had recently fallen silent, and the song of life has come to a halt, waiting for the return of its singer…

Melpomene is the [Theater Thespian] and Thalia is the [Joyful Drama], both cooperating to bring all manner of balance in existence. Destiny is a script that only they can comprehend. They understand the very essence of ambition and pave the way for the living to make the most of their lives. They see the end before it begins, and they foresee the ending of even the most unpredictable of events…including their own existence.

Polyhymnia is the [Maiden of Prayer], the ultimate model of philosophy for her adherents and most favored by knowledge-seekers. By her guidance and her supervision, the knowledge granted to the seekers are based upon their ability to pay the price of secrecy. Her words are considered enigmatic yet sacred. Multiple interpretations could be made by a single off-handed comment, and it would lead to the birth of various religions worshipping an idea she may come to forget later on. Such is her privilege when she is made of wisdom itself.

Terpsichore is the [Prime Ballerine], who brings connection of Syntaxis to the physical bodies of the universe's creations. With unparalleled comprehension of balance itself, she found ways to instill art into war, love into hate, and dance into battle. Invite her to a peaceful waltz, and one may find themselves at the encore of an erratic tango.

At the hands of these eight, life across worlds bloomed and each had different stories to tell. But in the new empire and the conclusion of 'the darkest chapter' yet, I can only anticipate the actions that the Archetypes may choose to take. Divine and incomprehensible as they can be, a violation of a law of supremacy cannot be pardoned easily.

Those who come to bear witness must pay the toll. Forget all that was once known, for history chose to write itself anew. In this universe, this reality, all is seen and known. Not even the {Architect} shall escape detection. Peace may have reigned at last, but history cannot hide its wounds. Those who remember shall seek, and I will not rest until the justification for bloodshed comes to light.

It almost seemed like nothing has changed despite what happened… But no matter where I search, no traces of 'her' remains. Perhaps this is the price that has to be paid. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.