MRIZEM, KEEPER OF SPACE
"How can we suffer defeat like this? Three Voidshades vanquished—how can this be?" I roared in fury, my gaze locking onto Jadonix, the sole survivor of our recent battle.
My expectations had aligned towards an ultimate resolution following this ambush—the fragments collected, the observatory perfected. A return to my realm seemed within reach. However, the opposite emerged: three Voidshades were lost, including the Keeper of Time, Zlamaos. This wrath was kindled within me.
Our hands remained tied until the entirety of the nine fragments were retrieved. Such was the predicament.
My presence here, a result of Lord Mirrikh’s unsuccessful effort to run the observatory with only three fragments, confirmed this. The observatory’s equipment cracked, causing a significant gap in time while repairs were made. The whole assembly of fragments was indeed required to serve as an energy reserve.
"Master Mrizem, lend an ear! The humans had foreknowledge of our onslaught! How could this be? A traitor among our ranks, perhaps Violexa or Crimzor, or maybe even—" His speech faltered, crushed beneath the weight of my frigid glare.
"Mind your words, Jadonix. Do not follow Cyanthos’ path," I rebuked, my stare subsiding, equilibrium restored.
At that juncture, measured footsteps punctuated the silence, unveiling a figure—none other than Drieshee, the Keeper of Life.
With grace, she advanced towards Jadonix, a maternal air encircling her as she tenderly patted his head. Her gaze then found mine, her voice carrying a soothing cadence. "We mustn’t sow discord within the Void Order. Fissures in our trust will weaken us further. Our current course necessitates mutual support."
A brief lapse in time later, I addressed them both.
"I believe we have a lead. Kabir, though formidable, couldn’t possibly have bested Zlamaos alone. It implies an accomplice, one who sowed the seeds of resistance in the Limbos. This entity, if indeed responsible, wields the ability to traverse various compounds and apprise each Herald. This isn’t the work of a mere venturer—someone orchestrates this," I laid out my deduction.
Jadonix exhibited surprise as my narrative concluded. "The Voidwalker, I suspect! Our sources pinpoint his name as circulating across the Limbos. Dare to adopt our identity!"
"A supposition," I assuaged.
Simultaneously, Drieshee's gaze settled upon me, her voice carrying an enigmatic revelation. "He awaits your presence."
**
Nine ethereal columns, fashioned from translucent glass, encircled me in an arc. Six of these pillars hosted floating violet fragments, each exuding an entrancing amethyst luminescence that imbued the transparent structures with an otherworldly radiance. These fragments symbolised the acquisition of six pieces from distinct compounds, each containing a galaxy of sol within. Three pillars remained vacant, their potential unfulfilled.
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Positioned before me was a figure distinguished by four eyes—two regular orbs alongside an additional pair manifested on his cheeks. These latter eyes, their hues inverted, gazed at me with an intense and sombre demeanor. The figure in question was none other than Mirrikh the Unlighted, our order’s originator and the one who had summoned me. My deductions had been relayed to him, outlining the crux of the situation.
"I comprehend the Voidwalker. His solitary effort would fall short. Behind him, a concealed faction or a potent secret organisation must lend support. I speculate that ‘those’ entities have finally sprung into action," he said, unruffled by the tumultuous events that had unfolded.
"In what sense, my Lord?" I queried, seeking clarification.
"There’s no one better acquainted with my former disciples than me. Before they succumbed, expending their life force to construct those hidden limbos, it’s likely they instituted countermeasures. Sustaining Limbo with human effort alone would prove inadequate. To manage the Limbos, they’d have instituted ‘caretakers, he expounded.
"I see. Yet, this term is unfamiliar to me," I responded.
"Given their limited power, caretakers are likely to be able to interact exclusively with their own kind, isolating any interaction with outsiders." But therein is the abnormality—some unseen element in this equation, a secret variable generating a cascade effect, and that variable is most likely the Voidwalker," His explication preserved a logical consistency.
His insight resonated, and his explanation had merit.
"How could caretakers accomplish such a feat as communicating with anyone outside their confinement?" I looked into it more.
"Due to an anomaly within the spatial fabric. Along with his capability to traverse Limbos, the Voidwalker might well possess spatial manipulation skills," Lord Mirrikh deduced.
"Impossible! There is no one aside from me equipped to wield such a—," my voice trailed off as illumination dawned, striking me like lightning.
"I’ve got it! Wallace Garret, my counterpart from another reality... he’s alive!" I burst out, the revelation finally crystallising in my mind.
The intricate puzzle pieces of our complex situation appeared to be fitting together seamlessly.
"If this conjecture holds true, then Wallace could indeed be the missing piece of the puzzle we’ve been searching for. It’s a plausible explanation for his sudden resurgence in power, given the probable expertise of the Caretakers in manipulating space. Moreover, this would imply that he possesses knowledge of our intentions and plans," Lord Mirrikh analysed, his voice tinged with a mixture of contemplation and certainty.
"Lord, does this mean that they have taken preemptive measures?" I inquired, seeking to grasp the full scope of our opponent’s readiness.
"While I cannot state it with absolute certainty, it’s highly probable that they’ve taken precautions, anticipating our actions. We mustn’t disregard the potential of an assault. Ensure our defences are poised for any eventuality. Continue your exploration into the intricacies of the third evolution of voidlings after Voidborne," His instructions were delivered with an unwavering command.
"Understood," I responded, my comprehension aligning with his intent.
"However, let us not presume an impending attack on our place of sanctuary. It is unknown whether they have determined the location of our base. There’s a chance they’re not aware. Send voidlings to investigate the situation on their side." He began.
"If they do not intend to attack us, it is possible that they are strategically waiting for our next invasion while already preparing their defenses." In such a scenario, I may feel bound to invade the limbos myself. Despite regaining just a tenth of my former power, I am more formidable than either you or Drieshee, he explained, his words ringing with a feeling of inevitability.
"Very well, then. The moment has arrived to definitively conclude this protracted struggle," I acknowledged, my determination echoing the finality of the decision at hand.