GARY HALL
"Have the preparations been finalized?" I inquired about my niece, Cheryl Hall.
These preceding three months had undoubtedly been the most exhausting of my life. Sleep had become a rare luxury as I traversed from one location to another, seeking assistance from every possible avenue. I was driven by the determination not to disappoint Wallace and the other Heralds who dedicated themselves to rigorous training.
Our current location was Compound 003, my original realm.
"Yes, squads 0-80 are currently on standby, awaiting your directives," she responded, her focus unwavering on the stack of documents before her. Alongside these papers lay scientific apparatus and communication devices, ingeniously transported here through a combination of artefacts and relics.
"Instruct them to maintain readiness and retain their tokens. Wallace’s arrival is pending," I directed, receiving a nod from her.
Of the original assembly of around 250 paladins and approximately 800 formidable venturers who had ventured to the lowest realms of Compounds 001, 003, and 009, we had succeeded in recruiting a mere fraction.
We managed to convince about 100 paladins and 500 venturers through a blend of familial connections, financial incentives, and the promise of an early retirement. Organised into a hundred squads, each headed by a paladin with a contingent of skilled Venturers, these formations were critical to our strategy. Twenty of these squads were designated to remain as guards, overseeing the protection of the fragments.
This was a concession to human nature. Waging war against the formidable forces of the Void Order was akin to knocking on death’s door. With two Voidkeepers and three Voidshades in the enemy’s ranks, it was only natural for most humans to contemplate retreat or permanent evasion. The inherently self-centred inclinations of humanity factored into this decision.
Nonetheless, a hundred squads comprised of humans would suffice for our primary objectives.
"Are the dwellers prepared? Gather intelligence from our informants positioned within their respective realms," I urged Cheryl.
The backbone of our military force rested upon the diverse factions of dwellers. Through the efforts of disciples and factions associated with the surviving Heralds, we had managed to secure their cooperation. A promise of rewards within higher or lower realms had swayed them. Dwellers inherently possessed greater power compared to average humans due to their accustomed exposure to natural sunlight within Limbo.
Moreover, the abduction of the fragment would result in their swift demise, leaving them with little choice.
"Presently, we have 10,236 Dweller troops on standby, hailing from 42 different realms," Cheryl replied.
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While the number might appear modest, it was the maximum we could achieve. Many dwellers held animosity towards humans; thus out of our vast network of 420 dweller establishments spanning numerous realms, only a fraction had agreed to assist us, contributing a segment of their forces.
During this span of three months, H.A.D.E.S. dispatched its informants to establish contact with each of these locations, employing negotiation tactics. This operation showcased the true might of our organisation, seamlessly coordinating venturers and disseminating information across all the compounds.
"Ensure that everyone maintains possession of their respective ‘token,’" I ordered.
These ‘tokens’ were akin to badge-like items, each bearing a distinctive signature. I had acquired the knowledge of crafting these tokens from Wallace himself during one of our regular holographic meetings.
Incorporated within these tokens was a unique signature that enabled Wallace to locate each holder within the intricate spatial fabric and promptly transport them to their specific coordinates. These tokens had been distributed among all participants engaged in the impending conflict.
"Understood. Authorization to utilize the energy resources has been granted by the United Nations. The third Herald and their affiliated faction are prepared," Cheryl elaborated.
This constituted the final piece of the puzzle, solidifying our preparations. Only Wallace, Kabir, and Kei remained absent.
In the midst of my contemplation, the air before me rippled and unveiled a familiar figure.
"I was just reflecting on your absence," I commented, my attention now fixed on the newly arrived Wallace.
He seemed subtly altered, as if he had encountered numerous trials and challenges, his demeanour akin to that of a seasoned warrior. Faint scars adorned his visage, concealed beneath a layer of paleness.
"Kabir has returned to Compound 001 and stands at the ready," Wallace informed me.
"Very well. And what news of the ninth Herald?" I inquired.
"Kei has yet to return. A single day remains. I’ve chosen to exercise patience," he confirmed.
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KEIICHI MIURA
"You’re the final one remaining," I uttered calmly, addressing the figure seated before me.
He was none other than Ketu, the sovereign of the Citadel of the Undying. His countenance bore a relaxed air, as though he had been relieved of a great burden. We occupied a space on the roof of his castle, our vantage point granting us a panoramic view of the city below.
Yet the countless individuals who once populated the city were conspicuously absent. The streets and alleys, once bustling with activity, now lay eerily empty. The cerulean flames within the street lamps, which had seemed eternally ablaze, had at last been extinguished. The city and its castle are both void of life.
This outcome was the result of my actions—finally breaking the ‘curse’ that had bound them, using sol to mimic the death of Earth’s inhabitants. Upon exposure, their forms swiftly decayed, leaving only their masks and discarded clothing.
Ketu remained the lone exception. He had guided me in unlocking the true essence of Lune, helping me adapt to its usage.
I had barely tapped into the third phase, but it was still unstable and would only last a minute, but it was plenty for me to utilise for the city. I was still missing something that prevented me from mastering the last phase.
"It’s time to bid farewell, my last pupil. I trust your companions await you. From what remains of me, claim this mask. It has absorbed my aura’s constant influence, bearing the powers and authority to govern this realm, endowed to me by Nelchael," he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
"Goodbye," I responded with a solemn visage. My hand ignited with a soft glow as I reached out towards him. At my touch, his form began to disintegrate, his smile gradually fading as he murmured his final gratitude: "Thank you."
Swiftly, he dissolved into nothingness, leaving only remnants behind.