"Allow me to begin with a sombre declaration. Should this strategy falter, Earth itself may stand on the precipice of destruction," I commenced.
In the aftermath of my statement, the countenances of those gathered around the holographic table shifted and transformed, as if the magnitude of this revelation had caught them off guard. Everything that had unfolded was confined to the realms of Limbo, and the notion that these events could reverberate within the normal world seemed implausible to them.
However, their perceptions were on the brink of transformation.
"What are you implying?" Kabir’s hologram inquired, his expression laden with gravity.
"My understanding of this isn’t exhaustive. The insights I’ve pieced together were gleaned from the fragmented memories of Nelchael, the 9th Overseer. These memories were preserved by the caretaker, Nelchael, subsequent to the Overseer’s passing. While the knowledge is somewhat fragmented, it does convey a distinct message," I clarified.
"Which memories—" Eugene’s query was cut short by the sudden illumination of his illusory watch.
In synchrony, all the watches replicated this action, and without warning, an ethereal screen of light materialised from thin air, seemingly suspended within it.
"I’ll present them one by one," I indicated gesturing towards the translucent screen. And then, in an instant, a luminous display commenced, unfurling scenes akin to a cinematic movie within the confines of the screen.
Within the luminescent screen, an awe-inspiring palace materialised, its origin seemingly distant from Earth due to its otherworldly nature. Supported by columns reflecting galaxies of stars, the palace featured a small dome without walls. Surrounding this edifice were airborne objects painted in shades of black interspersed with sporadic spots of white.
These objects bore the semblance of compact spacecraft.
"The palace... it’s defying gravity!" Kei interjected as the scene zoomed out, revealing the floating palace and an array of extraterrestrial spacecraft enveloping it.
These ships resembled moths drawn to a luminous source. Three sun-like entities, radiant and white, hung suspended in the sky. Beneath the palace sprawled a grand city comprised of buildings of alien design. Natives with varying numbers of eyes, tails, and diverse skin hues coexisted harmoniously. They were not humans.
"Gentlemen, this was the birthplace of the overseers, an entity known as ‘Spivillion.’ It existed millions of light-years away from Earth. This advanced civilization predates Earth’s very formation," I recounted, pulling these details from my recollections.
"I comprehend…" Yet, before they could fully absorb this information, the luminous screen pulsed and the panorama dissolved. Swiftly, a new vignette unfolded.
This particular scene unfolded within the magnificent palace. Nine figures of varying forms and dimensions knelt in deference before a towering throne.
"This is Nelchael!" Kei’s exclamation echoed through the room, recognising one of the nine figures.
Kabir, Eugene, and Gary, seasoned paladins in their own right, identified distinct figures among the group. This collective recognition pieced together the identities of the nine entities genuflecting before the colossal throne.
"These figures are none other than the nine overseers," Gary deduced.
Seated atop the throne was a slender figure whose body was adorned with round eyes sprouting from hands and even legs, although the overall semblance held a faint similarity to human form.
In due time, the figure commenced speaking, numerous eyes riveting their gaze upon the various overseers.
"What progress has been made on the construction of the observatory?" The entity inquired. I had already revised the scene with Nebeus’ assistance, enabling me to translate their native language.
"Lord Mirrikh, from the moment we unveiled the existence of parallel universes, we embarked on a large-scale initiative known as the observatory. This ambitious endeavour is designed to permit the observation of these parallel universes. If our experiments yield success, we may even achieve the capacity to traverse these domains—an extraordinary breakthrough," Nelchael, the ninth overseer, replied with his gaze still lowered.
"It appears that the ruler of Spivillion bears the name Mirrikh," Kei’s hologram remarked, momentarily redirecting his attention before refocusing on the unfolding movie.
"Marvelous. I intend to harness this knowledge for the betterment of the multiverse. Our mission shall encompass observing universes teetering on the brink of collapse or grappling with myriad adversities." The ruler, Mirrikh, spoke.
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"Armed with our vast knowledge, we will extend our aid to these realms. This strategy shall forge both friendly relations and augment our understanding, making a considerable contribution to the advancement of our civilization," Mirrikh articulated.
"This monarch appears to possess kindness," Kabir interjected, remarking on Mirrikh’s nature.
The movie-like scene disintegrated once again, as if concealing subsequent events. However, almost simultaneously, another scene surged forth.
Within this depiction, the "Observatory" loomed, its construction ongoing. The portrayal featured the nine overseers, alongside their subordinates, diligently erecting the structure. Positioned at the observatory’s heart was a grand, purple, translucent sphere levitating in mid-air. It emanated the impression of being the epicentre of the facility and the source of its energy.
Abruptly, Mirrikh manifested as if conjured from the air, scrutinising the progression.
"Remarkable. Your efforts will be duly rewarded upon completion. Recently, we secured an energy source of unparalleled potency—the solumite crystal, capable of containing entire galaxies of sol." Mirrikh started.
"Furthermore, I believe we could employ this establishment more judiciously. Instead of dispensing aid to other universes for free, a nominal fee could be charged," Mirrikh articulated while fixating on the translucent, purple sphere.
Enchanted by the luminous source of power, the many eyes adorning his form appeared captivated, seemingly ensnared by its allure.
"He does not seem to be that kind person anymore," Kabir’s hologram offered, once more reflecting on Mirrikh’s transformation.
"Your Highness, it is crucial to bear in mind that we acquired this ‘solumite’ from the remnants of another civilization that was obliterated due to unchecked greed." Nelchael reminded Mirrikh
"Rest assured, my loyal attendants, I shall remember your counsel," the ruler, Mirrikh, responded, a pledge of reassurance in his words.
Once more, the scene fragmented, replaced by a new one. This cycle repeated itself, unveiling numerous vignettes that we absorbed, a growing sense of desolation engulfing us.
These sequences chronicled the observatory’s construction under the overseers’ guidance. A gradual corruption consumed Mirrikh, catalysed by the solumite sphere and insatiable greed. His inclinations darkened, and his demands evolved into inhuman decrees—enslaving denizens from other universes and coercing overseers into ceaseless labour for project completion.
The eyes, once white with black pupils, underwent a reversal—pupils now white, eyes black—metamorphosing slowly.
Finally, the concluding scenes unfolded.
"It nears completion! Mere days remain until we conquer all universes, subjugating them to our vast dominion as slaves. We shall ascend to become the preeminent civilization across the multiverse, unrivalled by any." Mirrikh exclaimed with manic fervour that his sanity had eroded and corruption was absolute.
His corruption seemed to spread to the upper echelons of Spivillion, making them support his thoughts and agree with him as greed enveloped them. This resulted in them forming their own faction to support him.
In an abrupt transition, the scene fragmented once more, giving way to a new sequence.
This time, the observatory’s inauguration unfolded. As Mirrikh stepped within, all nine overseers encircled him, ensnaring him in a web of their presence.
"My lord, we apologise, but this is the sole recourse. Your right to rule us has waned. Corruption has seized you," Nelchael proclaimed.
A scream erupted from Mirrikh, a desperate denial.
What ensued was a clash between the nine overseers and Mirrikh’s faction. Anguished cries resounded as their world bore witness to the devastation wrought by this otherworldly clash. Mirrikh and his faction leveraged their own people as pawns, deploying them to survive the chaotic skirmishes.
In the end, the overseers emerged victorious. The luminous solumite orb was shattered into nine fragments, their triumph resolute. Mirrikh barely escaped; his potency was nearly extinguished, with only four of his eyes remaining.
With another shattering transition, the final scene materialised.
Here, the last remnants of Spivillion—the overseers—descended to Earth, a planet in its infancy, inhabited by dinosaurs and mammoths. Limbos were conceived, their creation fueled by the fragments, their energies cloaking them from Mirrikh’s grasp.
"It will be aeons before the indigenous beings evolve into an enlightened species. By the time Mirrikh regains his strength and seeks retribution, we will have guardians to shield this realm from his reach. Thus, we can ensure the fragments’ safety," an overseer projected.
In an instant, the cinematic narrative concluded.
***
Around the ethereal table, our expressions melded into a blend of despair and astonishment. The information gradually seeped in, urging us to reexamine the scenes repeatedly, hoping to unveil hidden truths. This marked our revelation of Limbo’s authentic purpose, the overseers’ role, and the genuine nature of the void order.
In essence, the void order was orchestrated by the corrupted Mirrikh, the former king of the overseers, who, having barely escaped, gradually recuperated his strength. His objective was to reclaim the nine fragments secreted away by the overseers within Limbos. Once amassed, these fragments would serve as the observatory’s energy source, thus reigniting its function.
With the observatory reignited, Mirrikh’s ambition was to dominate the multiverse, amassing power incrementally and securing dominion over all existence.
"Earth would likely be his first target," Gary opined with a composed demeanour.
"We must engage the void order in war and infiltrate their operational base before they accomplish their objectives. Their vulnerability now makes it the best moment," Kabir said.
"But how can we pinpoint their base of operations?" Kei questioned.
In response to his inquiry, I offered a knowing smile and applauded softly, seizing everyone’s attention. "I forgot to explain the secondary function of these watches. Observe your timepieces," I prompted.
They glanced at their onyx watches, drawing startled gasps.
"The hands have shifted from their previous positions. The watches re-calibrated during our encounters with the void order and the battles that followed," Kabir exclaimed, his realisation echoing through the room.
"Yes, these relics’ second purpose was to collect information from the presence of the Voidshades. I have amassed ample data, even witnessing a portal firsthand within Compound 007. This indicates that I can presently pinpoint the coordinates of their base," I concluded, a sense of accomplishment ringing in my words.