Far away from Earth, some time after the Watcher of Eternity left , The Trickster felt quite uneasy. Wandering around his luxurious manor, deep in thought and occasionally staring at the purple portals nearby.

''I wonder if they will expedite the dungeon releases and dimensional pathways... I have already bought whatever time I could, now it is up to fate. Council should reached mutual agreement by now and I wonder who will they send first...''

Pouring himself a glass of whiskey, puffing his cigar he observed a mysterious globe of light in wonder.

''There are so many people with potential, it seems that the harvest on this planet is going to be quite good for many societies. Quite a shame. The once noble and majestic societies have become aggressive and shameful hoarding believers, warriors and souls...'' Shaking his head he wondered why everyone could not just enjoy the moment more often. Instead of the constant warring and petty squabbles over more power and politics.

The Trickster of the Crossroads was reminded of the olden ages, where all the societies banded up to take arms against a common foe. But those days are long gone, who said that only humans can be greedy? Power is a magnificent thing as the more you have it, the more you will want it. Even deities wish to get more powerful and enjoy all the creation has to offer.

''Well, what can a small deity like me do here... Maybe I should have started to hoard luxury goods in advance despite the risk and just roll the dice?''

The Trickster walked in front of the mirror and saw his figure change from old man to young boy, before settling on the old man's look.

''Well this is the most comfortable way to be, the clothes fit much better and I look more regal.''

He mused his own image and smiled lightly. Watching himself from the mirror, his facial muscles started to twitch and he raised his gaze upon the sky above. Seeing that there was nothing there he sighed and mumbled.

''For a second I thought they were coming to open the dungeons... Maybe I still have time to...''

Holding his thoughts there he stopped and turned around. Startled at the appearance of the sudden visitor, he quickly regained his composure and walked towards him.

Seeing a man in black, long robe standing by the globe of light his thoughts were spinning, why had they sent ''Him''. Being representing death and looking down on all mortal life.

Was it good or a bad thing? It could go either way because the caped man was known to be indifferent towards politics and mortal lives.

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''Trickster, Trickster, Trickster... When do you finally realize that you cannot outwit death? Let me guess, you were wondering why I am here. The answer is quite simple when you acknowledge the facts. I do not play favorites, with either mortals or with gods.''

He took off his hood and revealed his skeletal face and soul flames burning inside his eye sockets.

Looking at the globe of light changing visions of earth indifferently, he changed his focus back to the Trickster.

''They sent me to inform you that the time has been expedited because of your little stunt. You should be aware that they are coming already, so why did you do it in the first place? I admit that I saw some personages quite interesting, but that was it.''

''I know that already, and I am prepared for it. It was quite funny to be honest.''

''Stop bullshitting me and yourself, we both know that you bought the time for them to get stronger, and it was silently allowed to go on. What is the real reason?''

''You would not believe me even if I told you, it is that kind of eccentric reason.'' Trickster chuckled slightly and shook his head.

''I see.''

They both fell silent for a while and Trickster offered the skeletal man to try a glass of whiskey.

''This is one of the finest I have seen across the mortal worlds we rule, taste it.''

Trickster said. Conjuring both bottle and exquisite glass, pouring the drink and sending it floating towards the caped man.

Grasping the glass of alcohol in his bony hands, swirled it a few times and emptied it into his skull. While it was not clear how he did taste it without taste buds, he seemed to enjoy it.

''Somewhat decent stuff, not as good as the distilled nectar but for mortal production it passes.'' The man in cape replied while savoring the aftertaste.

''Glad that you see it my way...'' He replied in good mannered laugh before bracing himself for the burning question.

''So do they still intend to open all pathways and dungeons at the same time, or did they see the merit of humans grow stronger?'' Trickster asked.

He was feeling nervous of all the fine producers disappearing without giving them a chance. Nothing more, nothing less.

''The council acknowledges that the stronger souls and bodies they have, the better addition they are to the various forces. That is why only dungeons should be transferred at this time. You won your precious little time.''

The caped man shrugged his bony shoulders covered in black cape and continued. ''They should be here any minute, so be prepared to unseal the pathways.''

''Do me a solid favor will ya, should I get imprisoned.'' Trickster said playfully stroking the half empty bottle and looking at the caped man intently.

''Bring you some quality stuff from across the new world and let you enjoy leisure time? I guess I can do that, but you owe me one.''

''As long as the favor is somewhat equal to my request I will not refuse. Thanks in advance, Harvester of Souls.'' Trickster finally breathed out a long relieved breath, his tension loosened and became visibly more relaxed.

Thinking to himself that it is truly a pleasure to work with someone who knows what is up and understands how business is conducted.

Sensing more presences approaching Trickster and Harvester both hid their drinks in the pocket of space and prepared to greet the incoming visitors.

Harvester said in a light, amused tone. '' Guess it is about to get interesting for our mortals down below... I can't wait to see worthy men and women rising up to the challenge, and their expressions of despair and frustration when they fall down.'' To which Trickster replied only with curt agreement and a nod.