Grismala, paranoid of the thought of God allying with the Octavian Empire, decides to summon her councilors along with emperor Lucious to discuss their future.

The council meeting was to take place in the royal capital where Grismala stayed. With the aid of her trusted students, she had been busy casting anti-surveillance magic all over the place to limit the leak of information.

Emperor Lucious was the first to arrive at the council room. The room was luxurious. However, the room was not maintained properly due to a lack of staff members.

Surprised that Lucious had arrived first, which was uncommon in the past, Grismala stops cleaning the room and goes to greet him.

“Oh! Lucious! You have no idea how indebted I am to you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for it. I’m only glad that I arrived on time. It would be best if you were more careful with this necklace. It’s the only thing that is keeping that monster at bay.” Lucious looks around the room and is disappointed by the lack of care.

“You seem displeased about something? Tell me what’s on your mind?”

“It’s a shame to see such extravagant craftsmanship go to waste….”

“On that, we can both agree on… These damn cowards refuse to fight, even if it is to defend their lives. Even as we speak, hundreds of people are fleeing to Octavia. To think that anyone would even go there, what a terrible country….”

“Why is it that you dislike Octavia so much?”

“I don’t know. I guess it’s just a bias towards their king.”

“What do you mean? You can be truthful with me. You know that.”

“I suppose you are correct… Well, to be honest, I don’t like Reinhard because he is a selfish prick.”

“Selfish?”

“Yeah… about ten years ago, I remember sending diplomatic envoys to establish friendly ties with them. The guy asked for like hundreds of barrels of food for free to join our pact.”

“Perhaps you’ve had incompetent diplomats?”

“That isn’t the case. He asks for insane things because he wants to be allied with God.”

“I haven’t heard much about Octavia. Most information I’ve gotten was that living there is hell.”

“No kidding, the country will only go down a slippery slope with a king like that. It’s not just that I don’t like him. He doesn’t use his brain at all. ”

“What about his son?”

“Which son?”

“Uh, Prince Avo, I believe?”

“I don’t know how but Avo is the only exception in that family. He was here late last year on diplomatic relations. I met him personally, and he made a good impression.”

“Would it benefit us if we were to replace the current king by force?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I heard that Avo is an ambitious fellow. Perhaps he would be willing to help us in a little coup d’état.”

“Maybe that’s a possibility, but we have no way of contacting them now. I hear God is marching to Octavia at full speed as we speak. Interfering with them might be dangerous.”

“But Grismala, this is the only opportunity we will get. If Octavia and God’s new empire were to join forces, we would have to deal with a war on two fronts.”

“That’s why I called for my councilors to come here today. They should arrive shortly. I thought about it, but not only is that a risky mission, but I don’t know of anyone dumb enough to go there representing us.”

“I could send a few paladins if you want….”

“No! Definitely not. We need all the experienced personnel here at all times.”

“How about sending your new disciple? She seems to have some promise….”

“Who? Rhea? She has soo much power that I’m kind of envious, but she cannot control any of it.”

“I didn’t get to see her properly, but yes… I sensed a strong magical presence when I was with her.”

“Wasted potential is what I say, but then again, you might be right. We should probably send her as our diplomat.”

“Does she even have any diplomatic skills?”

“I’m afraid not, but we could just use magic to communicate to her our demands….”

“Then that should suffice.”

“Speaking of, please take a seat. The rest of the council members should arrive shortly.”

Grismala and Lucious sat down in their assigned seats. Grismala sat at the very end of the table with Lucious by her side. A few moments later, the rest of the council members arrive. The councilors were high-ranking officials in the empire, and each controlled a section of the kingdom. The first one that walked greeted everyone and announced himself.

“I am councilor Winson, head of the economics department, your highness, here to serve.”

“Please take a seat.”

“Very well. The summons suggested that we are going to discuss diplomatic relations with the Octavia?”

“Correct, but please wait for everyone else so I won’t have to repeat myself.”

“Alright then.”

Shortly after, the remaining councilors arrived.

“I am councilor Greg, head of magic, military, and defense.”

“And I am councilor Reire, head of agriculture, here to serve.”

Grismala stood from her chair to welcome everyone into the room. The councilors all bowed as they took their seats.

“As you may have heard, emperor Lucious and I were discussing establishing friendly relations with Octavia. However, I decided to see your points of view on the matter.”

“As the head of the economics division, I must speak my humble opinion. I believe that establishing friendly relations with Octavia is a bad idea. People refuse to buy Octavian goods. Not only that, the king of Octavia, again, in my humble opinion, is an imbecile who has no idea of economics.”

Grismala already knew all this, so she was not surprised at Winson’s view on the financial situation. She was more interested in what Greg had to say.

“What about you, Greg? What do you think we should do?” Said Grismala.

Greg took a moment to think as he played with his long beard. He was an older man, yet he had been around for years, so his wisdom and strategy were respected by many, earning him a seat on the council.

“Hm…. Diplomatic relations with Octavia… The idea is not without merit… Assuming we can establish this relationship, we would gain an incredible boost in power.”

“What downside is there to this?” Asked Lucious

“Well, for one, the king of Octavia is not reliable… He could switch sides at any time. This could leave our backs wide open by deceiving us into an alliance. But a war on two fronts would be even worse. I think it’s best to try at least to get them on our side, even if it’s for a brief moment. Grismala, you know that our military is collapsing, right?”

“Yes, how could I not? It’s only natural that people leave when we face such danger.”

“It’s a fools’ errand to fight back against God. How do you hope to stand a chance even if we find a way to convince them to ally with us?”

“Don’t worry about that. There is a reason why God isn’t attacking us right now; we both know exactly why, but it’s best not to go into it deeper. Just know that we are strong enough to hold against him. All you have to do is offer us your mind.”

“Hm… I see. That is good to hear. Supposing they ally with us, I think it would give us a major geographic advantage unless God decides to attack from the sea.”

“He can’t do that.”

“Why is that?”

“Some evil creature in the sea destroys any ship that passes through. We are safe on that angle.”

“What if God and this creature establish a pact?”

“They won’t. This creature, for some reason, absolutely despises God. Because of this creature, we were able to beat God in his last form.”

“I see... then I’m in favor of establishing friendly ties with Octavia.”

“And what about you, Reire? What do you think of our plans?”

“Forgive me. I was lost in thought. If we ally with the Octavians, considering our prior negotiations with them, we will have to agree to export thousands of barrels of grain for free every year. In short, we will have to cover the expense of all unpaid labor and greatly demoralize the working force.”

“Do we have any way to go through with this then?”

“Well, yes, theoretically, we could use magical reserves to enhance either the output or the speed at which crops grow.”

“Can we not do both?”

“The quality of grain and any other product drops the more we use magic on it, so I do not suggest abusing it.”

The conversation continues for roughly one more hour, and everyone is exhausted from thinking by the end.

“Then it seems we have a lot to consider. Please go home and think things over. Let me know in private what you guys come up with. You are dismissed.”

Everyone unanimously bowed their heads before taking their leave. As Lucious was also about to leave, Grismala called for him.

“Lucious! come here a moment, please?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I forgot to ask, but what happened with that mad doctor?”

“Well, right now, we are currently investigating it. It seems he made a pact with God to strike you from inside.”

“That clever bastard..”

“Tell me about it! Anyhow he realized what he did was bad.”

“But why did he not break the necklace right away?”

“He was trying to cast forbidden magic.”

“I see… Tell me, what happened with your holy title? I don’t sense its weight anymore.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’m just using cloaking magic to mask its presence.”

“Even from me?”

“Yes, even from you. If you would excuse me, I must take my leave.”

“So be it.”

“I will see you later, I hope. Send your brother my regards.”

“I will.”

As everyone exits the room, Grismala is left entirely alone. She felt a chill run through her, a sensation that brought along lasting despair. She thought to herself as she stood in place, “Is this the wrong move? Is there any point in fighting back after the display of magic that monster showed in the southern empire? Something doesn’t seem right. The entire world is headed into darkness that even I cannot see through….”

Emperor Lucious makes his way back to the interrogation chamber. Upon his arrival, two soldiers greet him and give him a summary of what has happened so far. They also told him that Rhea and Lancel were waiting inside the interrogation chamber as guests.

As Lucious stepped into the room, Rhea and Lancel quickly greeted him.

“Emperor Lucious!” Said Rhea with an urgent tone. “What news do you have of the professor?”

“You haven’t heard the news?”

“No, we haven’t. Nobody is telling us anything here.”

“Based on a report, Doctor Bango was murdered in the holding cells.”

This news shocked Rhea, but it was not enough to make her cry anymore. She had been emotionally suppressed by all the evil she was forced to endure. After a long pause, she said. “By whom?”

“The killer is still unknown to us. No traces were left behind. It was a work of a professional. The real question is, what the killer would gain by silencing him..”

“I swear it, if I find the killer, not even God will be able to stop me from killing him.”

Lancel looks at Rhea worriedly, “This girl, after standing against the full might of God, is still able to say things like this… What’s wrong with her… but then again, it’s a breath of fresh air seeing someone who isn’t running away.”

“Watch your tongue!” Said Lucious. He smacked Rhea’s face and scolded her without even the slightest delay. “We may not like God, but to say something so naïve can kill you.”

“I… apologize, your highness….”

“Don’t say anything like that again! Anyhow… I guess it looks like there is nothing more to do here… How could someone be killed in our interrogation room with the level of security we have here? Something doesn’t make sense.”

“Emperor Lucious?” Said Lancel.

“Yes?”

“Is it possible for us to look at the doctor's body?”

“What purpose would that serve? The body is completely unrecognizable… whoever it was, seems like they took their anger out on the doctor.”

Rhea whispers to Lancel, “What exactly are you thinking?”

“I think that this might be the work of Alinta… I mean, who else would know of the doctor beside us? This was relatively a secret mission.”

“You do make a point… Maybe we should tell Lucious this?”

“No, we can’t accuse Alinta without proof...”

Tired of watching the two whisper, Lucious starts to leave, only to be interrupted by Lancel. “Emperor! I might know who the killer is!”

“Is that so? You have piqued my attention….”

“Under the command of Varis, there was a holy knight named Alinta. She was a master of martial arts and swordsmanship. However, she was not mentally stable, and would overkill, the same thing you described.”

“I see, then I will investigate this matter.”

“Please, let me and Rhea investigate it. She is our friend.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that, not only because I don’t trust you enough, but because your sister has another task for you.”

Insulted by the statement, Lancel angrily replies, “Don’t trust me enough? What do you mean?”

“Let me clarify something.” Said The emperor as he closed in on Lancel with his intimidating figure. “It is not that I Don’t trust you as a person. I don’t believe that you can bring her down with the state you are in now. For short, I think you’re weak.”

“You think I’m weak?”

“Yes, but that is irrelevant now. I don’t have much time to argue, but we have something else prepared for you and Rhea.”

“And what’s that?”

“You will be used as guards to escort our diplomats to the Octavian Empire.”

“Grismala suggested this?”

“Yes, she suggested it. You and Rhea will depart immediately.”

Confused about why they were to be sent to Octavia, Rhea asks, “Aren't the Octavians and God allies? What is the purpose of our mission there?”

“You will do as instructed.” Said Lucious. Tired of their complaining, he says one last thing before he leaves. “Lancel, please be careful of her.”

“I will!”

Lucious leaves the room leaving the two behind. Immediately Lancel begins to throw a tantrum because of the insults he had to listen to.

“That damn priest thinks I’m weak. I’ll show him….”

“Uh, Lancel?”

“WHAT NOW?”

Rhea jumped because of the sudden yelling, yet she regained her composure and said, “We must also take our leave. The diplomats are waiting for us.”

“Rhea, can’t you see? We are walking into a trap! There is no reason for us to go there!”

“I agree, but I don’t think your sister would be foolish enough to send us to die.”

“Rhea, can I tell you something?”

“Yes, of course!”

“But promise me you won’t utter a word about this to anyone.”

“I won’t. You can count on me.”

“The truth is… the entity we are facing against. It is not God per se….”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well… The stories you have heard about God are partially true, but there is a vast difference between our textbooks, humans, and demons.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t follow.”

“You humans read about how God created the world, and he is good and strong, right?”

“I suppose so?”

“Well, the story we are told is much different and more detailed.”

“Indulge me.”

“Thousands of years ago, a Divine entity created the first race, the elves. This Divine entity was known as God, the creator. He created the world we live on as you know it, and the truth is that because of us, he has integrated with the world itself.”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, you see the ground we stand on. This is God’s body.”

“If the ground we are standing on is God, then who destroyed the southern empire?”

“Well, the thing is, God isn’t the most powerful being in the world… There are, in fact, many other worlds besides our own in the universe.”

“The universe?”

“Again, this is also hard to speculate, the definition of that word is still unknown to us, but we assume that it’s whatever lies outside our world. Just think, thousands of different worlds exist out there. We aren’t alone! But that is exactly the problem. The records suggest that there are entities, evil entities known as “Outer Gods” who seek to destroy all “matter,” and by that word, I assume it means all life.”

“Outer Gods?”

“Yes… These are titanic entities that can devour Gods in a matter of seconds… The universe is like an ocean, and the Outer Gods would be considered whales, while our God is considered a fish.”

“Whales? Oceans? What exactly are we dealing with?”

“That is the scary part… You see, a conscious fish would be able to flee from a coming whale, but we were tricked.”

“Tricked how?”

“You heard of the Great War?”

“The battle against God, correct?”

“In our foolishness, we thought that the God we attacked was the evil one, but in reality, what we really destroyed was our own God’s vessel.”

“So, the good God is now considered a paralyzed fish?”

“Exactly! Our God cannot swim away from these sharks. Because of this, Grismala is working her hardest to bring back God to his senses before it’s too late.”

“So, the destruction of the Southern Empire was all a grand scheme created by the outer gods to devour us?”

“Exactly so, we believe, that one of the outer gods is attempting to eliminate us.”

“If an Outer God is so powerful, why hasn’t he destroyed us yet?”

“That is because he is too far away in this “universe” from us. Tell me, do you know how magic works?”

“We use mana to cast spells?”

“Well, yes, but there is more to it than that. For example, the distance you are from the target affects a spell, and the further a spell goes, the weaker it gets.”

“Wait a minute. You’re telling me that the God we faced is using magic from his host body from all the way across this “universe” or large distance you speak of?”

“Yes! These outer gods are soo powerful that they can cast up to 15th-tier magic from across the universe. In comparison, the God we faced, our god, was able to cast 7 to 8th tier magic at its prime.”

“If the Outer God we are facing can cast up to 15th tier magic from his avatar, is it safe to say that he can cast even stronger magic?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they could cast up to 50th tier magic.”

“WHAT THE HELL IS 50TH TIER?”

“Our book ends exactly on that, 50th tier was mentioned, but it was NEVER explained what it could do.”

“If the outer gods are this powerful, then we have no chance against them.”

“There must be something that we do not know, I’m sure of it! You are right. If these beings were powerful enough to destroy all in their way, how come so much exists around us? I think my sister is trying to buy us as much time as she can to revive, or at least, re awaken the actual God. The Octavians are allies of God, and so is Lucious’s empire, but the evil being we are currently facing, there is no way in hell that thing is God. Everyone knows the King of Octavia is an absolute retard, so I think we are going there to replace him with his son.”

“I see… That’s reassuring, I suppose, but to cast 15th tier magic from across the universe is quite impressive and horrifying….”

“With the combined forces of Grismala, good God, and Emperor Lucious, we should be able to overpower this outer god. But even if we destroy it, it will be only a momentary setback for it.”

“How come?”

“Because it is only an avatar, a fake body created by magic.”

Rhea remembers the night when she saw Varis cast a conspicuous spell. “Since you were honest with me, I’ll tell you something I haven’t told anyone. Remember when we were both still in the army with Varis?”

“Yes, what of it?”

“Back at the village, after it was burned, I noticed Lucious open his book, and a black figure came out of it speaking to him.”

“Tell me more.”

“Well, the moment this black figure came out, it immediately started to corrupt these white souls and eat them. Each soul it consumed, it grew larger and demanded more. That’s all I saw.”

“So, Varis knew that this was an outer God? How is that even possible?”

“That is the question that bothers me the most. Why did this outer god consume souls? Is it to gain power?”

“I doubt that’s the case. There must be something else. We must tell Grismala of our findings immediately after we return. Rhea, please don’t tell anyone that I shared the secret knowledge of the elves.”

“My lips are shut.”

“Good, then let us depart.”

Rhea and Lancel exit through the interrogation room. The diplomats were waiting for them outside, and as they walked out, they immediately went to greet Lancel, mainly due to his rank.

“Your highness! It is an honor to be escorted by you!”

“Think nothing of it. It’s my pleasure.”

“And who is this fair maiden by your side?”

“Oh right, let me introduce you. This is Rhea. She is a survivor of the Southern Empire. We met in combat.”

Rhea bows as courtesy demanded of her.

“I’m sorry for your loss….”

Rhea nods and proceeds to go to her horse and prepare for the journey. The diplomat looked at Lancel and said, “Your Highness, you really should not be dealing with commoners. It will look bad for the rest of us.”

“I’m already aware of your position. I suggest you mind your own business and allow me to carry out my own.”

“Well spoken, my lord, very well. If you would excuse me, I must prepare.”

“Go.”

The rather chubby diplomat walks away like a penguin, with a cane in one hand and a chest of treasures in the other. Lancel almost cracked up after noticing the similarity. He did not like the politicians, thinking they were greedy and self-centered. He thought it would be best that they were removed from power. “Damn pig,” he thought as he watched him carry all the money he probably embezzled.

The diplomat got on the royal escort and announced to everyone. “Everyone! I hope you have said your goodbyes to your loved ones. Now let us depart!”

And just like that, everyone began their journey to the Octavian Empire.

Part B –

The Octavian’s were rather barbaric people. They did not build fancy castles made of stone. They were more like nomads of the north, building homes with fragile materials such as wood. They enjoyed a good hunt, and the people were much stronger than an average human.

The most prominent building, also known as the “Kings House,” was a mansion belonging to King Reinhard. The house was decorated with the heads of animals the king had hunted down during his prime.

King Reinhard, however, did not have much political power anymore. Due to his age, he had grown senile and could no longer rule in anything but name. This caused discontent in the factions who sought to appease him. Fortunately, his son was adept in politics and was hungry for power. He was the reason why Octavia was being held together.

The family had gathered for dinner, celebrating the revival of God once more. The news of this had brought joy to many Octavian’s who supported God, and with the news that God was even stronger now, they could not wait to join his ranks. Avo did not share the views of his family and comrades. He believed that humans had the right to decide how they rule, not to leave it to some unknown variable. Yet to appease most nobles to support his cause, he was also in favor of God, but only publicly.

As the family begins to eat, a messenger arrives through the doors.

“Prince Avo! Could you please come with me?” the messenger said.

The king got furious because of the messenger’s lousy timing. “Can’t you see we are eating dinner?”

“It’s no matter, father. I was waiting for it. Apologies, I must leave. Enjoy dinner.”

“But Avo!”

“Please enjoy the food. I will return shortly. Some matters need to be addressed.”

“Very well then, but don’t take too long!”

“I won’t.”

The prince and the messenger go to the guest room. Waiting for him was a pale, old-looking man.

“Prince Avo! How good it is to see you!”

The old man reached in to grab Avo’s hand, but the prince backed away and asked, “Who are you, and what do you want.”

“Oh, I beg your pardon, I forgot to introduce myself. I am a master swordsman of the southern empire, now under the service of God. I am a part of a scouting regiment set out to scour the path ahead to ensure God’s arrival here is without trouble.”

“I see… but from what I heard, the god you serve is quite far from here.”

“There is only one God, your highness.”

The prince sighs and says, “Enough with the gestures. Tell me, what was the purpose of reaching out to me here, and at this time.”

“God told me about you. He told me that you are a man of character and one who gets things done.”

“Enough with the flattery. Tell me, what is it.”

The old man pulled a sword out of his cloak and instantly pointed it at the prince’s throat. “We also know that you are not too fond of God. We are generous enough to overlook your actions if you cooperate.”

“What actions are you speaking of.”

“We know you have been sabotaging our letters to the king and replacing them with false information. We want you to stop it, or I’ll cut you wide open right here.”

“I understand! Put that damn sword away.”

As the old man puts the sword away, the prince asks, “So what more cooperation do you need.”

“Ah yes. We need you to throw a grand arrival ceremony for God’s arrival, of course, but we need you to deny the diplomats from the Entangina empire that will arrive in secret.”

“How do you know all this?”

“We have our sources. Just do as you are told, and you will be fine.”

“Anything else?”

“God will reach here in approximately ten or so days. You have that much time to prepare for a grand festival. Do not disappoint us.”

“I won’t.”

“Now that my job is done, I have to ask, how is your father doing?”

“What interest do you have in my father’s well-being?”

“We were friends once…. Long ago…”

“Sorry, but I barely even know you. I’d rather not discuss our family affairs with strangers.”

“I’m hurt that you think of me that way, but that is also the most logical decision. I must be off then. I have my duties to carry out.”

“Wha… What duties?”

In a blink of an eye, the old man disappeared. “What the hell?” The prince thought as he scratched his head.

Avo returns to the dining room. His family decided to wait for him and didn’t eat anything while he was gone. The king, barely able to stand, took his cup of ale and spoke. “A toast! for my beloved son Avo!”

Avo’s mother and his sisters cheered for Avo, yet he felt guilty, not only for sabotaging his father’s plans but also because he had been usurping his father’s powers. However, a master of appearances, he cheerfully rose his glass and thanked everyone.

By the end of the dinner service, everyone had already gone to their rooms. His father required constant attention from his mother due to his collapsing health situation. He was left alone to take care of an entire country.

“A festival, huh?” he thought as he poured another glass of ale. “I wonder, Grismala, what is your next move now….”