The Aftermath

The Temple of Light, Bhumi City, Zarajos.

In a room bathed in soft, ethereal light, an elderly man slept peacefully on a bed draped with golden blankets. His vibrant presence harmonised with the surrounding tranquillity, creating a sense of balance.

The walls featured murals showcasing indigenous artworks of runes, which seemed to convey ancient wisdom.

The space was thoughtfully designed with lighted aesthetics, evoking a sense of reverence.

Gentle streaks of starlight emanated from his body, casting an otherworldly glow that synchronised perfectly with the celestial bodies outside.

The sweet, saintly scent of precious spirit candles filled the air, amplifying the sacred ambiance.

This was no ordinary dwelling, but a revered sanctuary, home to a being of profound significance, renowned not just across the continent but worldwide.

As the starlight continued to emanate from his body in rhythmic pulses, his chest rose with a gentle sigh, and then, suddenly, his eyes snapped open with a solemn, piercing gleam.

He rose and walked with gentle purpose to the high window, where the bright clouds seemed within reach. Lost in thought, he gazed up at the firmament, pondering deeply.

Then, he made a series of subtle hand gestures, and the stars in the sky stirred in a mystical manner. As he halted, his face lit up with a beaming smile.

"A way was indeed left to us after all. After what has felt like an eternity, we weren't let down.

There's still hope after all, hope an old fossil like me can feel young once more."

Suddenly, his gaze turned expectant, morphing into a forlorn expression.

"I hope she comes home soon. Surely, she would. The sudden spike in the spirit energy and the change in the direction of stars can only be auspicious signs, suggesting so."

He paused, repeating the hand gestures, and rotating miniature stars appeared before him.

"The Little Dipper's bowl remains disjointed," he sighed, his voice laced with a hint of unease.

"My last clear vision was of a lantern with a dark flame on its wick, evoking an unsettling sensation—even I felt hints of palpitation and foreboding."

"This is remarkable, for at my level of cultivation, few things can stir such emotions within me. These signs foretell more mysterious phenomena. I look forward to how things proceed from here on."

"Certainly, it won't be long before other old fossils sense it too. I just hope they'll see these signs and stop the madness they plan under the veil.

With the unknown drawing nearer with each passing day, I hope they'll prioritise the world's safety over selfish ambitions."

With that, he turned and succumbed to slumber, his rest enveloped by the gentle caress of moonlight and starlight.

***

Zha'thek City, Zha'gorath.

In a special city renowned for its characteristic floating islands, a grandiose building stood tall. Within its heart lay a hidden, serene sanctum, a space filled with the subtle whispers of zephyr and the vital essence of air.

The air was fragrant, nourishing both body and mind. An old man with a goatee beard sat in contemplation. His piercing hazel eyes gazed towards the distant skies, while his creased forehead revealed a deep frown, betraying his intense thoughts.

"A temporal displacement in the world barrier? It doesn't seem forced; rather, the world appears to have allowed something in willingly. Is this the reason for the sudden surge in Spirit energy, or is someone behind it?

Hmm, perhaps that eccentric in Zarajos might know, but I'd rather not consult him on this matter."

Letting out a soft sigh, he continued, "I'll have to observe how things unfold and plan accordingly. The date of doom approaches, and Zha'gorath must prepare thoroughly."

As he pondered this, his gaze suddenly pierced through the walls, "I hope that boy has enough time to reach his full potential before the storm arrives. And that girl shows promise too.

Let's see how they progress in the coming months before preparing them for the inheritance grounds."

***

Within the heart of Ashworth, Northern Fallhaven, where the world's most sacred grounds lay.

An enormous, majestic tree stood tall and imposing, bathed in a kaleidoscope of light – gentle streaks of starlight, subtle caresses of sunlight, and soft, ethereal traces of moonlight cascading upon its canopy.

The land's sacred halos infuse the air with a revered aura, dense with life energy that resonates kilometres away.

Within its sprawling canopy and ancient bark, a thriving world of nature sprites and diverse species coexists in harmony, showcasing the tree's profound symbolism across the continent and beyond.

A beacon of reverence and awe, it stands as a testament to the power of nature's splendour.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the tree's lustrous leaves swayed gently, as though pondering ancient secrets in a voice inaudible to mortal creatures, indiscernible to mages alike – secrets too fatal, too mysterious, to be conceived.

"Hmm, the brief tearing of the world barrier and the sudden increase in Spirit energy and 'That Energy'.

Is Kairos back? No! He should have perished, and lost to the void."

"Such precise use of space and several global phenomena. It surely must be linked to the appearance of the foreign guest.

An entry not resisted by the world's force.

Huh! Could it be…?"

The mysterious and reclusive World tree, Gaia, pondered as her branches swayed upwards, as though attempting to pluck the sun in the horizon.

Suddenly, the surrounding space warped and folded, as the ground shook in light tremors.

The action caused the inhabitants of Ashworth to bow in awe and veneration.

As they crouched, a soothing yet powerful voice boomed across their hearing.

"Hmmm, Children, the World has bestowed upon us its final blessings—a gift in preparation for the End Times.

The dark clouds approach, and I can't discern how near they are. Yet, this gesture from the World has ignited a spark of hope, heralding the advent of many opportunities.

From now on, unique treasures will emerge, inheritance grounds and ruins will activate, and massive opportunities for evolution and mutation will arise. Focus on your development, for the foes in the near future will be unlike any we've faced before.

Note that these opportunities are also available to The Corrupted Ones and the Vassals of The Great Abyss. So, gear up, for an unprecedented upheaval is rising. I can't even assure that I will see it through.

This is no longer a fight for your lives, but a fight for tomorrow, a fight for a home, a fight for our world."

The voice suddenly fell silent, leaving every creature that heard it in awe, kowtowing and quivering with excitement.