Post by Anotaros on Apr 3, 2024 19:01:34 GMT
Stumbling Arrivals
The human philosopher Aristotle once stated that no great mind could exist without a touch of madness. A statement that is universal to all races, both large and small, is rare; and in the captivating tale of Halesax, this universal truth finds its embodiment. Born during the twilight of the Era of Expansion, as the waning magic of Vala began to lose its potency, Halesax emerged as a figure of disfavor among the upper echelons of Guardian society. Yet, undeterred by the disdain of his contemporaries, he embarked on a relentless pursuit of knowledge, delving into every available source to satiate his thirst. In the realms of erudition and engineering, he forged a path unmatched, establishing his prowess as an almost unparalleled scholar and architect. Through tireless dedication, Halesax earned the respect that his birth had denied him, and with it, an arrogance that arose from his hard-earned accomplishments, setting him apart from those who had not ventured as far along the perilous path of enlightenment.
Halesax's ambitions soon soared to unprecedented heights, fueled by his relentless pursuit of power and a touch of blissful arrogance. He longed for something greater, something that transcended the comprehension of his brethren. Drawn by the tales and memories of the ancient Primordial Conflict, he yearned to achieve a feat that would leave an indelible mark upon history. He would slay the Dark one, he would slay Tiamat. In his millennia of existence, he had come to believe that there was more to be accomplished than the delicate balance they had managed to maintain. With the wealth of knowledge at his disposal and his unrivaled engineering prowess, he conceived a grand vision—an awe-inspiring magitech creation that would stand shoulder to shoulder with the illustrious Silver Citadel itself. And thus, Numidium was born from the depths of his imagination, a testament to his unwavering determination and his burning desire to reshape the course of their cosmos.
Over the span of centuries, Halesax embarked on a meticulous campaign to gather support and resources for his ambitious endeavor. He recognized the crucial importance of securing the backing of the mighty triad of cultural schools, renowned for their influence over the minds and beliefs of the Ascendancy. Halesax immersed himself in their teachings, studying their philosophies and ideologies to find common ground between them, and gradually won their respect and admiration through his astute arguments and unwavering dedication to his cause.
Simultaneously, he understood that the military held significant sway in the Ascendancy, and was looking to gain the attention of the Council. Halesax sought out the fleet masters within the military, those revered for their strategic brilliance and command over the armed forces. He skillfully navigated the intricate politics of the military hierarchy, forging alliances and persuading the majority of the fleet masters that his plan would see the end of the conflict that had plagued them since their birth as a species, ultimately earning their trust and support.
With the backing of the cultural schools and the military, Halesax's influence grew, catching the attention of the council of seven, the esteemed governing body of his kind. Through careful maneuvering and persuasive diplomacy, he presented his vision and its potential benefits to the council members. Drawing upon his vast knowledge and strategic acumen, Halesax eloquently articulated the advantages his creation could bring, painting a future where their species would prosper and transcend the limitations of their current existence.
Gradually, the council members became intrigued by Halesax's grand design, recognizing the possibilities it held for their species' advancement. Through intense debates and negotiations, addressing their concerns and assuaging their doubts, he earned their support. With a sense of fulfillment mixed with anticipation, Halesax set his sights on a small ringed barren world, where he would commence the awe-inspiring construction that would shape the destiny of his kind. As the universe watched on, Halesax stood at a window aboard Illuvatar's remorse, contemplating the magnitude of his creation and the profound implications it held for his species and their future.
In the sprawling expanse of the construction site, workers and engineers toiled tirelessly, guided by Halesax's meticulously drawn plans. As massive machinery and intricate networks took shape, a complex dance of magic and technology unfolded. One of the key components, the mantle-bound rectification array, stood as the centerpiece of the grand design. Connected to a network of energy channels and trenches that spanned the planet's surface, the array fulfilled a pivotal role in the extraction and conversion of energy from the void. Through carefully crafted nano-scale rifts, the device punctured the fabric of reality, drawing forth minuscule portions of Tiamat's essence. This raw energy was then harnessed, passing through the array's intricate system of converters and capacitors. Cleverly blending arcane arts and scientific principles, the captured void energy underwent a profound transformation, transmuting into Veil energy—the very essence of life and creation itself. Once refined, the Veil energy cascaded through a vast network of conduits, flowing outward into the universe, infusing it with vitality and fueling the rapid growth and emergence of new life forms. As the construction neared completion, the barren world, once devoid of existence, pulsated with the hum of machinery and the faint glow of Veil energy, a testament to the audacious vision that had driven Halesax to undertake this grand undertaking.
T-Minus 10 hours until the Numidium Event
Halesax's mind brimmed with an exhilaration too profound to conceal, his thoughts radiating through the psychic connection he shared with his aide, Manar. Sensing Halesax's joy mingled with pensiveness, Manar approached him, a trace of concern in his voice. "Halesax, brother, I sense your elation, but you appear lost in thought. We have pressing tasks ahead, and the council's arrival draws near," he remarked. Manar, responsible for coordinating the logistics of resource transportation from the Metarchy's mining efforts to the construction site, sought to steer Halesax's focus back to the imminent responsibilities at hand.
As Halesax observed one of the meticulously carved pieces of planetary mantle being delicately lowered into its designated slot, he responded, a tinge of awe in his voice, "It's difficult to comprehend that the time has almost come. Merely a millennium ago, our kind would have dismissed the notion of permanently ending Tiamat as sheer fantasy—a feat deemed impossible due to the immense cosmic power enshrined within his very being. Yet here we stand, aboard one of the empire's three grandest ships, overseeing the reshaping of a celestial body according to our will. The device we have crafted holds a power so immense that even the Eternals, with their all-seeing abilities, cannot fathom the consequences that lie ahead."
At the mention of the Eternals, a flicker of fear briefly crossed Halesax's mind, as he grappled with the doubts sown by naysayers. The Eternals possessed true omniscience, perceiving all things, and yet their visions failed to reveal the outcomes of Halesax's imminent actions. The notion of divine providence and the possibility of possessing genuine free will tantalized his thoughts momentarily, but he swiftly dismissed such musings, grounded in his understanding of the nature of time. Halesax understood that he must conceal any hint of vulnerability, aware that exposing his doubts could erode the respect he had diligently cultivated.
Manar interrupted the introspection, breaking the spell of uncertainty. "Well, I hadn't considered it from that perspective. It is undeniably impressive. Based on my estimates, we are only about ten sub-cycles away from activation. The council's arrival is expected in approximately nine sub-cycles," Manar informed, striving to divert Halesax's attention back to the practical aspects of their monumental endeavor. For over two centuries, Manar had worked closely with Halesax, admiring his genius and prodigious talents, yet unable to penetrate the mental barriers that shielded Halesax's innermost doubts. Even Varos, the captain of the Illuvatar's Remorse, had persistently attempted to sway Halesax to align with the naysayers, warning of the risks inherent in provoking the entity that shattered their God and catalyzed the birth of the universe. Yet, Halesax's unwavering determination prevailed, as he was presumed to have meticulously contemplated every possibility, his wisdom guiding the course of their work.
With newfound focus, Halesax nodded in acknowledgment of Manar's words. The time for doubt had passed; their duty to forge ahead with the construction was paramount. The universe awaited the outcome of their audacious venture, and Halesax was poised to confront the enigmatic forces that lay ahead, unyielding in his pursuit of a future shaped by his vision.
T-Minus 1 hour until the Numidium event
Engrossed in their tasks, Halesax and Manar found themselves losing track of time as they meticulously positioned the final pieces into place. Suddenly, their personal AI systems simultaneously alerted them to the council's arrival and the imminent planetfall. Startled by the news, they glanced at each other, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within their thoughts. The seven eldest Guardians, revered both politically and physically as the most powerful beings in the Ascendancy, had arrived. These were the very beings who had awakened from the birth of the cosmos. Halesax and Manar couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, unsure of how they would be received by such esteemed figures. Nevertheless, they quickly abandoned their work and made their way toward the hangar, where the council and their shuttle awaited.
Upon reaching the hangar, they were met by the towering presence of the seven Guardians, each standing around three meters tall, accompanied by drones diligently preparing the shuttle. However, before they could approach the council, Halesax was halted by the outstretched arm of Varos, the ship's captain. Varos's disdain for Halesax was palpable, reverberating through the interconnected Guardian network of minds. "You cannot proceed with this. I implore you, see reason. We need further testing, an understanding of why the Eternals cannot foresee the outcome. You are the first in our history to act without complete knowledge of the consequences. Do not risk it," Varos pleaded, his mind a whirlwind of concern, panic, and animosity. Halesax responded swiftly, his annoyance palpable to both Manar and Varos. "Varos, I have addressed your mute concerns repeatedly. Just because we do not possess full certainty regarding the outcome does not warrant halting my life's work. Our calculations and the failsafe mechanisms in place leave no room for failure. If it eases your mind, I can adjust the tolerance of rift fluctuation to minimize any potential growth." Halesax's words resonated with finality, leaving no room for further debate. "Fine," Varos conceded, his frustration evident. "But do not expect me or my fleet's crew to celebrate with you. We will be prepared in case your version of reason fails, Halesax." Varos recognized the futility of attempting to change the course of events once the council had arrived; and fled back to the bridge to reflect on his failures.
After the interruption, Halesax felt a renewed eagerness to meet the esteemed individuals he had longed to become. Approaching the gathering, he announced himself with a flourish, "Greetings, exalted ones and High Guardian. Welcome to Numidium." However, as he made the introduction, Halesax sensed the council's penetrating gaze, aware that they were fully cognizant of his lingering doubts. Anotaros, the High Guardian of the Ascendancy, responded, expressing satisfaction at meeting the mind behind the potential final triumph in the war against the forces of Tiamat. Balam, another council member, inquired about the dissent displayed by Captain Varos, and Halesax replied with a hint of humor, "Not at all, High one. Although the factions he supports have proven to be rather irritating. They believe this megastructure has the potential for universal-scale destruction!" Balam intercepted a fleeting thought that the small-scale rifts served as safeguards against a full demonic incursion; and the concerns of the naysayers weighing heavily on Halesax’s mind. Eager to minimize further delays, Halesax led the council aboard the shuttle and swiftly commanded his AI to initiate planetfall.
The Numidium Event
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived, and Halesax found himself standing at the heart of the control room of his creation. The council surrounded him, their expectant gazes fixed upon him. Addressing the Ascendancy through a massive transmission, Halesax spoke with conviction, "Brothers, the time has come. For countless ages, our kind has battled the Demons, enduring Tiamat's relentless fury. But no more. Despite the relentless efforts of the naysayers to impede our progress, we stand here today on the precipice of a new era—a realm liberated from the clutches of darkness, where only the will of Illuvatar reigns supreme. Today, we shall vanquish a god." With those words, he took the decisive step. Halesax personally activated the device, and the ensuing devastation defied comprehension. Within minutes, Tiamat took notice and began tearing the nano-scale rifts wider, unleashing a deluge of demons that could not be contained. The loss of life on the ground was catastrophic, and the expanding rift swallowed the region surrounding the control room, dragging it into the Void. The council only barely escaped through their emergency recall devices, and Halesax left to fall into the Void, the fall had begun.
Varos stood on the bridge of his flagship as he witnessed the unfolding devastation below. The once majestic planet was now engulfed in chaos and destruction. Panic surged through him as he quickly organized his fleet, knowing that time was running out. He had never seen the ancient enemy fight, and when the demons had breached orbit, their ferocity caught Varos off guard. He had never witnessed such speed and destructive power before. One by one, his ships fell, consumed by the relentless onslaught. The advanced sensors of his flagship strained to track the swarm of enemy vessels, their movements elusive and unpredictable. With each demon-infested shot that pierced his ship's hull, despair gripped Varos. It was a nightmare he couldn't wake from—a battle he was ill-prepared for.
As the chaos ensued, Varos reluctantly relinquished control of the fleet to the vessel's Metarch, hoping that its advanced intelligence could bring some semblance of order. There was a fleeting surge of organization, a glimmer of hope amid the darkness. Yet, it was short-lived. The demons singled out the Veil ships, their primary targets. Despite the valiant efforts of the remaining forces, the relentless tide of darkness could not be stemmed. Varos realized the futility of the situation and the unimaginable decision that lay before him. Assuming the council to be lost in the devastation on the planet, he made the grave choice to transmit the master distress signal, a chilling announcement of the universal-level cataclysm that had befallen them. The Ascendancy needed to be warned of the impending doom.
After his warning was dispatched Varos received a somber report from the Metarch. The damage inflicted upon the Ark-ship was extensive. The reality sank in—they had no choice but to flee. The Metarch, displaying its resourcefulness, proposed an escape plan utilizing the Void drive. They would seek refuge in an unscryed region of space within another dimension. With desperation guiding his actions, Varos issued the order for the Metarch to expand the drive's sphere of influence to its maximum capacity, determined to evacuate as much of the fleet as possible. The crew worked feverishly, knowing that their survival depended on their haste. And as the Metarch activated the drive, the ship shuddered, the fabric of reality distorting around them. They had fled, leaving behind a shattered battlefield and a trail of devastation in their wake.
Arrival
A blinding flash of sickly green energy enveloped Illuvatar's Remorse, shaking the vessel to its core. The crew, caught off guard, were thrown to the ground, their bodies battered by the violent tremors. Lights flickered erratically, casting eerie shadows throughout the control center. For a brief, heart-pounding minute, the ship experienced a chaotic symphony of rattling metal and turbulent energy. And then, as suddenly as it began, silence descended upon the vessel.
Varos slowly rose to his feet, his mind racing with trepidation. He anxiously surveyed the scene, dreading the sight that would greet his eyes. As he surveyed the control center, it became apparent that not all was well. Seeking answers amidst the chaos, Varos called upon the Metarch for a status report. The vessel's artificial intelligence responded, its voice tinged with concern. "Fleet Master, my matrices suffered severe damage during the jump. Our radiant core is beyond repair. However, I am maintaining contact with approximately 70% of the ships that successfully made the jump with us. Regrettably, the others are likely lost. Furthermore, I sense a distinct absence of the Veil in this reality, limiting our options for regrouping. I have dispatched orders to the remote nodes aboard those vessels, instructing the isolated elements to reintegrate with the Illuvatar's Remorse group. They have also been warned to temporarily disregard feelings of isolation stemming from the lack of the veil."
Varos's heart sank at the Metarch's words. The absence of the Veil meant more than just the loss of their universal connection to one another—it meant the shattering realization that death in this new reality was final. In their home universe, they had been able to find solace in reincarnation through the veil at the Silver Citadel. The concept of permanent death had been a distant and unimaginable notion. Now, as Varos stared out into the swirling abyss of golden nebulae and the alien constellation of stars, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over him. Their fleet, potentially the last vestige of their civilization, teetered on the precipice of oblivion. They were isolated in a foreign galaxy, one where the veil they had grown accustomed to was absent. Varos's gaze shifted from the unfamiliar cosmic spectacle to the unknown perils that lay ahead, and in that moment, he felt true fear.
The human philosopher Aristotle once stated that no great mind could exist without a touch of madness. A statement that is universal to all races, both large and small, is rare; and in the captivating tale of Halesax, this universal truth finds its embodiment. Born during the twilight of the Era of Expansion, as the waning magic of Vala began to lose its potency, Halesax emerged as a figure of disfavor among the upper echelons of Guardian society. Yet, undeterred by the disdain of his contemporaries, he embarked on a relentless pursuit of knowledge, delving into every available source to satiate his thirst. In the realms of erudition and engineering, he forged a path unmatched, establishing his prowess as an almost unparalleled scholar and architect. Through tireless dedication, Halesax earned the respect that his birth had denied him, and with it, an arrogance that arose from his hard-earned accomplishments, setting him apart from those who had not ventured as far along the perilous path of enlightenment.
Halesax's ambitions soon soared to unprecedented heights, fueled by his relentless pursuit of power and a touch of blissful arrogance. He longed for something greater, something that transcended the comprehension of his brethren. Drawn by the tales and memories of the ancient Primordial Conflict, he yearned to achieve a feat that would leave an indelible mark upon history. He would slay the Dark one, he would slay Tiamat. In his millennia of existence, he had come to believe that there was more to be accomplished than the delicate balance they had managed to maintain. With the wealth of knowledge at his disposal and his unrivaled engineering prowess, he conceived a grand vision—an awe-inspiring magitech creation that would stand shoulder to shoulder with the illustrious Silver Citadel itself. And thus, Numidium was born from the depths of his imagination, a testament to his unwavering determination and his burning desire to reshape the course of their cosmos.
Over the span of centuries, Halesax embarked on a meticulous campaign to gather support and resources for his ambitious endeavor. He recognized the crucial importance of securing the backing of the mighty triad of cultural schools, renowned for their influence over the minds and beliefs of the Ascendancy. Halesax immersed himself in their teachings, studying their philosophies and ideologies to find common ground between them, and gradually won their respect and admiration through his astute arguments and unwavering dedication to his cause.
Simultaneously, he understood that the military held significant sway in the Ascendancy, and was looking to gain the attention of the Council. Halesax sought out the fleet masters within the military, those revered for their strategic brilliance and command over the armed forces. He skillfully navigated the intricate politics of the military hierarchy, forging alliances and persuading the majority of the fleet masters that his plan would see the end of the conflict that had plagued them since their birth as a species, ultimately earning their trust and support.
With the backing of the cultural schools and the military, Halesax's influence grew, catching the attention of the council of seven, the esteemed governing body of his kind. Through careful maneuvering and persuasive diplomacy, he presented his vision and its potential benefits to the council members. Drawing upon his vast knowledge and strategic acumen, Halesax eloquently articulated the advantages his creation could bring, painting a future where their species would prosper and transcend the limitations of their current existence.
Gradually, the council members became intrigued by Halesax's grand design, recognizing the possibilities it held for their species' advancement. Through intense debates and negotiations, addressing their concerns and assuaging their doubts, he earned their support. With a sense of fulfillment mixed with anticipation, Halesax set his sights on a small ringed barren world, where he would commence the awe-inspiring construction that would shape the destiny of his kind. As the universe watched on, Halesax stood at a window aboard Illuvatar's remorse, contemplating the magnitude of his creation and the profound implications it held for his species and their future.
In the sprawling expanse of the construction site, workers and engineers toiled tirelessly, guided by Halesax's meticulously drawn plans. As massive machinery and intricate networks took shape, a complex dance of magic and technology unfolded. One of the key components, the mantle-bound rectification array, stood as the centerpiece of the grand design. Connected to a network of energy channels and trenches that spanned the planet's surface, the array fulfilled a pivotal role in the extraction and conversion of energy from the void. Through carefully crafted nano-scale rifts, the device punctured the fabric of reality, drawing forth minuscule portions of Tiamat's essence. This raw energy was then harnessed, passing through the array's intricate system of converters and capacitors. Cleverly blending arcane arts and scientific principles, the captured void energy underwent a profound transformation, transmuting into Veil energy—the very essence of life and creation itself. Once refined, the Veil energy cascaded through a vast network of conduits, flowing outward into the universe, infusing it with vitality and fueling the rapid growth and emergence of new life forms. As the construction neared completion, the barren world, once devoid of existence, pulsated with the hum of machinery and the faint glow of Veil energy, a testament to the audacious vision that had driven Halesax to undertake this grand undertaking.
T-Minus 10 hours until the Numidium Event
Halesax's mind brimmed with an exhilaration too profound to conceal, his thoughts radiating through the psychic connection he shared with his aide, Manar. Sensing Halesax's joy mingled with pensiveness, Manar approached him, a trace of concern in his voice. "Halesax, brother, I sense your elation, but you appear lost in thought. We have pressing tasks ahead, and the council's arrival draws near," he remarked. Manar, responsible for coordinating the logistics of resource transportation from the Metarchy's mining efforts to the construction site, sought to steer Halesax's focus back to the imminent responsibilities at hand.
As Halesax observed one of the meticulously carved pieces of planetary mantle being delicately lowered into its designated slot, he responded, a tinge of awe in his voice, "It's difficult to comprehend that the time has almost come. Merely a millennium ago, our kind would have dismissed the notion of permanently ending Tiamat as sheer fantasy—a feat deemed impossible due to the immense cosmic power enshrined within his very being. Yet here we stand, aboard one of the empire's three grandest ships, overseeing the reshaping of a celestial body according to our will. The device we have crafted holds a power so immense that even the Eternals, with their all-seeing abilities, cannot fathom the consequences that lie ahead."
At the mention of the Eternals, a flicker of fear briefly crossed Halesax's mind, as he grappled with the doubts sown by naysayers. The Eternals possessed true omniscience, perceiving all things, and yet their visions failed to reveal the outcomes of Halesax's imminent actions. The notion of divine providence and the possibility of possessing genuine free will tantalized his thoughts momentarily, but he swiftly dismissed such musings, grounded in his understanding of the nature of time. Halesax understood that he must conceal any hint of vulnerability, aware that exposing his doubts could erode the respect he had diligently cultivated.
Manar interrupted the introspection, breaking the spell of uncertainty. "Well, I hadn't considered it from that perspective. It is undeniably impressive. Based on my estimates, we are only about ten sub-cycles away from activation. The council's arrival is expected in approximately nine sub-cycles," Manar informed, striving to divert Halesax's attention back to the practical aspects of their monumental endeavor. For over two centuries, Manar had worked closely with Halesax, admiring his genius and prodigious talents, yet unable to penetrate the mental barriers that shielded Halesax's innermost doubts. Even Varos, the captain of the Illuvatar's Remorse, had persistently attempted to sway Halesax to align with the naysayers, warning of the risks inherent in provoking the entity that shattered their God and catalyzed the birth of the universe. Yet, Halesax's unwavering determination prevailed, as he was presumed to have meticulously contemplated every possibility, his wisdom guiding the course of their work.
With newfound focus, Halesax nodded in acknowledgment of Manar's words. The time for doubt had passed; their duty to forge ahead with the construction was paramount. The universe awaited the outcome of their audacious venture, and Halesax was poised to confront the enigmatic forces that lay ahead, unyielding in his pursuit of a future shaped by his vision.
T-Minus 1 hour until the Numidium event
Engrossed in their tasks, Halesax and Manar found themselves losing track of time as they meticulously positioned the final pieces into place. Suddenly, their personal AI systems simultaneously alerted them to the council's arrival and the imminent planetfall. Startled by the news, they glanced at each other, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within their thoughts. The seven eldest Guardians, revered both politically and physically as the most powerful beings in the Ascendancy, had arrived. These were the very beings who had awakened from the birth of the cosmos. Halesax and Manar couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, unsure of how they would be received by such esteemed figures. Nevertheless, they quickly abandoned their work and made their way toward the hangar, where the council and their shuttle awaited.
Upon reaching the hangar, they were met by the towering presence of the seven Guardians, each standing around three meters tall, accompanied by drones diligently preparing the shuttle. However, before they could approach the council, Halesax was halted by the outstretched arm of Varos, the ship's captain. Varos's disdain for Halesax was palpable, reverberating through the interconnected Guardian network of minds. "You cannot proceed with this. I implore you, see reason. We need further testing, an understanding of why the Eternals cannot foresee the outcome. You are the first in our history to act without complete knowledge of the consequences. Do not risk it," Varos pleaded, his mind a whirlwind of concern, panic, and animosity. Halesax responded swiftly, his annoyance palpable to both Manar and Varos. "Varos, I have addressed your mute concerns repeatedly. Just because we do not possess full certainty regarding the outcome does not warrant halting my life's work. Our calculations and the failsafe mechanisms in place leave no room for failure. If it eases your mind, I can adjust the tolerance of rift fluctuation to minimize any potential growth." Halesax's words resonated with finality, leaving no room for further debate. "Fine," Varos conceded, his frustration evident. "But do not expect me or my fleet's crew to celebrate with you. We will be prepared in case your version of reason fails, Halesax." Varos recognized the futility of attempting to change the course of events once the council had arrived; and fled back to the bridge to reflect on his failures.
After the interruption, Halesax felt a renewed eagerness to meet the esteemed individuals he had longed to become. Approaching the gathering, he announced himself with a flourish, "Greetings, exalted ones and High Guardian. Welcome to Numidium." However, as he made the introduction, Halesax sensed the council's penetrating gaze, aware that they were fully cognizant of his lingering doubts. Anotaros, the High Guardian of the Ascendancy, responded, expressing satisfaction at meeting the mind behind the potential final triumph in the war against the forces of Tiamat. Balam, another council member, inquired about the dissent displayed by Captain Varos, and Halesax replied with a hint of humor, "Not at all, High one. Although the factions he supports have proven to be rather irritating. They believe this megastructure has the potential for universal-scale destruction!" Balam intercepted a fleeting thought that the small-scale rifts served as safeguards against a full demonic incursion; and the concerns of the naysayers weighing heavily on Halesax’s mind. Eager to minimize further delays, Halesax led the council aboard the shuttle and swiftly commanded his AI to initiate planetfall.
The Numidium Event
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived, and Halesax found himself standing at the heart of the control room of his creation. The council surrounded him, their expectant gazes fixed upon him. Addressing the Ascendancy through a massive transmission, Halesax spoke with conviction, "Brothers, the time has come. For countless ages, our kind has battled the Demons, enduring Tiamat's relentless fury. But no more. Despite the relentless efforts of the naysayers to impede our progress, we stand here today on the precipice of a new era—a realm liberated from the clutches of darkness, where only the will of Illuvatar reigns supreme. Today, we shall vanquish a god." With those words, he took the decisive step. Halesax personally activated the device, and the ensuing devastation defied comprehension. Within minutes, Tiamat took notice and began tearing the nano-scale rifts wider, unleashing a deluge of demons that could not be contained. The loss of life on the ground was catastrophic, and the expanding rift swallowed the region surrounding the control room, dragging it into the Void. The council only barely escaped through their emergency recall devices, and Halesax left to fall into the Void, the fall had begun.
Varos stood on the bridge of his flagship as he witnessed the unfolding devastation below. The once majestic planet was now engulfed in chaos and destruction. Panic surged through him as he quickly organized his fleet, knowing that time was running out. He had never seen the ancient enemy fight, and when the demons had breached orbit, their ferocity caught Varos off guard. He had never witnessed such speed and destructive power before. One by one, his ships fell, consumed by the relentless onslaught. The advanced sensors of his flagship strained to track the swarm of enemy vessels, their movements elusive and unpredictable. With each demon-infested shot that pierced his ship's hull, despair gripped Varos. It was a nightmare he couldn't wake from—a battle he was ill-prepared for.
As the chaos ensued, Varos reluctantly relinquished control of the fleet to the vessel's Metarch, hoping that its advanced intelligence could bring some semblance of order. There was a fleeting surge of organization, a glimmer of hope amid the darkness. Yet, it was short-lived. The demons singled out the Veil ships, their primary targets. Despite the valiant efforts of the remaining forces, the relentless tide of darkness could not be stemmed. Varos realized the futility of the situation and the unimaginable decision that lay before him. Assuming the council to be lost in the devastation on the planet, he made the grave choice to transmit the master distress signal, a chilling announcement of the universal-level cataclysm that had befallen them. The Ascendancy needed to be warned of the impending doom.
After his warning was dispatched Varos received a somber report from the Metarch. The damage inflicted upon the Ark-ship was extensive. The reality sank in—they had no choice but to flee. The Metarch, displaying its resourcefulness, proposed an escape plan utilizing the Void drive. They would seek refuge in an unscryed region of space within another dimension. With desperation guiding his actions, Varos issued the order for the Metarch to expand the drive's sphere of influence to its maximum capacity, determined to evacuate as much of the fleet as possible. The crew worked feverishly, knowing that their survival depended on their haste. And as the Metarch activated the drive, the ship shuddered, the fabric of reality distorting around them. They had fled, leaving behind a shattered battlefield and a trail of devastation in their wake.
Arrival
A blinding flash of sickly green energy enveloped Illuvatar's Remorse, shaking the vessel to its core. The crew, caught off guard, were thrown to the ground, their bodies battered by the violent tremors. Lights flickered erratically, casting eerie shadows throughout the control center. For a brief, heart-pounding minute, the ship experienced a chaotic symphony of rattling metal and turbulent energy. And then, as suddenly as it began, silence descended upon the vessel.
Varos slowly rose to his feet, his mind racing with trepidation. He anxiously surveyed the scene, dreading the sight that would greet his eyes. As he surveyed the control center, it became apparent that not all was well. Seeking answers amidst the chaos, Varos called upon the Metarch for a status report. The vessel's artificial intelligence responded, its voice tinged with concern. "Fleet Master, my matrices suffered severe damage during the jump. Our radiant core is beyond repair. However, I am maintaining contact with approximately 70% of the ships that successfully made the jump with us. Regrettably, the others are likely lost. Furthermore, I sense a distinct absence of the Veil in this reality, limiting our options for regrouping. I have dispatched orders to the remote nodes aboard those vessels, instructing the isolated elements to reintegrate with the Illuvatar's Remorse group. They have also been warned to temporarily disregard feelings of isolation stemming from the lack of the veil."
Varos's heart sank at the Metarch's words. The absence of the Veil meant more than just the loss of their universal connection to one another—it meant the shattering realization that death in this new reality was final. In their home universe, they had been able to find solace in reincarnation through the veil at the Silver Citadel. The concept of permanent death had been a distant and unimaginable notion. Now, as Varos stared out into the swirling abyss of golden nebulae and the alien constellation of stars, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over him. Their fleet, potentially the last vestige of their civilization, teetered on the precipice of oblivion. They were isolated in a foreign galaxy, one where the veil they had grown accustomed to was absent. Varos's gaze shifted from the unfamiliar cosmic spectacle to the unknown perils that lay ahead, and in that moment, he felt true fear.