Location: God's Fragment
Timeline: Pre-Vanishing, Epoch of Delirium
Several shadowy figures coalesced around a long stone slab. The perpetual twilight of the surrounding landscape gave just enough light to make out the vague outlines of the attendees. Approximately twenty or so silhouettes appeared although there were empty spaces around the table were a few more could fit. The table itself was plain grey, no markings or etchings distinguished itself from any other slab. Only erosion-caused cracks marred its surface, giving some vague indication of the object's age.
The first to break the silence was a figure some way down from the head of the table. A mass of shadow clearly larger than the majority of the figures present, although its distinct features were still not revealed. It spoke in a deep baritone as expected of its towering figure:
“It has been an age since we were summoned. Not since the annexation of Ttelok and the first of the Shatterings.”
An exhausted voice sounded from the head of the table in response:
“Has it really been that long? An entire Era has gone by while we slept.” Its voice took on a more serious tone:
“However, the shiftings of Fate have revealed something: a new Calamity approaches. One that would make even the Shatterings seem like the tantrum of a newly hatched Gessian.”
A female voice sounded out in alarm, “How accurate a prediction is this? All of my Soothsayers proclaim a hundred thousand years of peace for the galaxy!”
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The figure at the head of the table replied, “I have word from Oasis II of Half-World itself. Its predictions, few as they may be, have never been wrong on this scale. I fear the galaxy as we know it may not survive.”
A clearly grave atmosphere descended on the meeting. One could sense the almost palpable concern emanating from the figures surrounding the table.
A third figure, its silhouette almost finger-sized and tiny compared to the rest of the ensemble, spoke out, “What is it that we can do? You have called us because you have a plan, yes?”
The head figure responded, “According to Oasis II, unlike previously, what approaches cannot be stopped – only weathered. I propose we seek the unsealing of the Phantom Codex”.
At this, there was a flurry of movement and voices from the shadowy figures. Several voices of objection spoke out in fear while few remained silent and contemplative. Eventually the towering figure spoke loudly, overpowering the crowd, “You must have a reason to suggest such as extreme plan. You should know better than most the dangers held within it.”
The head figure sighed wearily, “I would not have suggested it had there been any other options. Plutaneroth has been lost in the Myriad Dimensions for an Era, Lyetneroth has foresworn further interference after the Second Shattering. Fyeroth and Ikeceroth are nowhere to be found. The Fae frolock in their gardens oblivious to the outside world and the Ringularity is no more.
“Excidium-level is not enough. We need something more. That Codex is our only option.”
At this, an ominous silence settled over the meeting before the leader spoke in a final voice.
“All in favour for unsealing the Phantom Codex”.
Surveying the assembled figures, his silhouette seemed almost completely depleted of energy.
“Very well. May the stars align in our favour. May we overcome Calamity”
““May we overcome Calamity””, echoed the rest of the figures, slowly disappearing from the stone slab, leaving only the leader in place, until he too disappeared, returning that realm to its eternal twilight sleep.