"A Soulbinding Oath..." Nythera muttered through gritted teeth. The more she heard about this Yethra character the more she wanted to strangle something. She had a hard time accepting seers in general as their common philosophies differed greatly from her [Path] and teachings, let alone one so seemingly wrapped in this cataclysmic mystery.

"Precisely..." Elder Feryn paused, a look of exasperation on his face.

"So? What happened."

"Right, apologies, I was caught in my frustration for a moment. After Elder Sprade cornered the seer, Yethra, with the tablet of truth, the other two Elders arrived shortly after. According to the three of them they'd asked her everything they possibly could on the matter in hopes of finding a loophole to her oath. They knew she was telling the truth on the matter, she had no choice, but it wasn't this revelation that shocked them as much as what followed."

"What do you mean? Taking a Soulbinding oath is one of the greatest of taboos since the founding of Velathra, all of you should know this. I made it damned clear that if any were to bind their souls by such chains I wouldn't let them off lightly." Nythera said, her gaze growing icy. She loathed any kind of restriction, as long as it didn't come from a place of comprehension, pursuit of the [Path], or personal philosophy. If it were imposed for any other reason, it made her sick.

"Yes, Great Mother. All Spiris know well the knowledge passed down by the six Primordial Pillars, including the banning of the usage of Soulbinding oaths. Yethra knew this too, she even said as much, but she claimed that there was no other solution to the situation but to use this oath at the time. According to her claim at the time, supported by the powers of the tablet of truth, the matter of that time was of such great import that even the [Path Guardians] and [Pillar Wardens] unanimously agreed to move forward with the oaths, allowing the breaking of this ancestral rule," Feryn explained, pausing to let Nythera absorb what he'd said.

He had a certain understanding of this Primordial Pillar. While she was by far the most mysterious of them all, she was also the most straight forward. She loathed restrictions that didn't come from a place of growth, she despised it to such a degree that she'd broken numerous of the Arkaen's previously set-in-web rules as she disagreed with their philosophies, yet not once had she been punished. To most Arkaen descendants of Sellene, this alone was enough to make her a legend, not because they found her unruly, but because it seemed the [Ascended] did not completely disagree with her [Path].

The reason the importance of this event multiplied manifold for Nythera was precisely these oaths. If they were just restrictions, she'd have merely said not to use them, but wouldn't go so far as to ban them. The problem was the repercussions for breaking these Soulbinding Oaths, something many didn't have the will to resist doing under strong enough pressure. When they'd first begun using them, many Arkaen didn't see the problem, but Nythera had developed her own unique field of power over the soul. It was one of her foremost research topics. This lead to her finding out exactly what it did when someone was forced into breaking it...

"Are you telling me this matter was considered something so monumental it affected the [Great Path] we all follow to the gates?" Nythera muttered under her breath.

She had a very very hard time believing this, something of such cosmic scale should have never appeared in Velathra, even in fever dreams. It made no sense, yet the fact that the [Pillar Wardens] in particular agreed despite the breaking of an ancestral rule was evidence to the contrary.

Taking a breath to calm herself, Nythera urged Feryn on, "Continue, don't leave a single detail out. Whether it takes you a day or a week, I want to know every question that was asked, how she responded, and even when Yethra went to sleep, I want to know everything that happened back then."

"Understood. I will answer any doubts that I can. As far as the importance of whatever necessitated the usage of the Soulbinding Oath is concerned, the answer to this topic also completely shocked the other three Elders. Yethra claimed that if she hadn't taken the Oath, while she wouldn't have died, she would not have seen the light of day from that day forth. Apparently this was as much as she was able to answer without triggering the Oath, something none of the Elders wanted to see for obvious reasons."

Hearing this Nythera just nodded, while the hatchlings tried to understand what it all meant.

'If she'd triggered the Oath she'd never have a chance to walk the [Great Path] again, her death would shatter her soul at a level impossible to reincarnate or recover. I'd rather die watching everything I hold dear burn to the ground than suffer such a fate. It looks like this little seer had enough brains to understand the weight of the Oath... But if she did, why did she still end up taking it? What could possibly necessitate this? Responding to a threat shouldn't have required such an absurd reaction...' Nythera thought, looking back at Feryn.

"So, are you just going to tell me that nothing was answered? From start to finish, with even the powers of a tablet of truth, the three elders learned nothing? I'd be lying if I said I won't be extremely disappointed if that is the case," Nythera said, a tinge of frustration coloring her tone.

"No, Great Mother. While the Elders never received direct confirmation regarding the circumstances that lead to [The Hidden Cataclysm], as a result of the questions asked, and the ways Yethra did her best to work around the oath's restrictions, a few different theories were hypothesized and further confirmed when putting it all together."

"Explain."

"The three Elders repeatedly claimed to our seniors that Elder Yethra was truly cooperative. She'd even said under the power of the tablet, that if she could, she would tell them everything without hesitation. It was not something she or any of the others that had taken the oath would have wanted to hide if there was any other choice, apparently. Following this, the Elders took a step back and consulted the [Broodguard]. As little as they felt their chances of learning anything, there was a surprising idea the [Senior Broodguard] Valentino brought to the table."

"..."

"Valentino suggested that the Elders might as well stop asking about the reason for the oath, but focus on questions related to what they already knew about what happened outside, which at this point had already been recorded as [The Hidden Calamity]. At this idea, all three of the Elders went to speak with Yethra again, once again administering the power of the tablet of truth, to ask her their final questions. This is where most of our conclusions today come from, with the additional support of other Arkaen Supremes we've contacted since that day for their opinions. There are many other factors I'd like to explain about all of this, but I believe the more abstruse details would be better discussed later on in the Cradle."

"Alright, we'll find time for those bits later, continue."

"When the three Elders visited Yethra for the final time, the power of the tablet of truth was reaching its limits, and with Yethra having suffered the backlash of [Path Loss], they were pressed for time. Thus they asked the questions in order of importance all at once, so that she could answer as many as possible with verification from the tablet."

"So she suffered a [Path Loss] as well, I'm beginning to feel sorry for the girl."

"Indeed, Elder Yethra's case was quite tragic. But in memory of her trying to aid even in her final moments I will now list the questions asked, followed by the answers given in order as well as the theories and conjectures the Elders reached in response."

"Good, carry on," she nodded. Nythera didn't doubt the accuracy of his recollection. This was a topic of monumental import, something likely ingrained in these Elders from a very early age. Pairing this with the extreme [Mind Affinity] of the Astera Spiris, and the development of their brains over age, this Primordial Pillar of theirs would easily realize they were either lying, hiding something, or it had never happened at all.

1: "Was the entity responsible for Velathra's fall of divine origin?"

Yethra's Response: "Its origin is... not something I can discuss, even to the degree of pointing in direction. It was not of this world as we know it, at least. That is all I can say."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Something not of this world? That could mean many, many things, but it doesn't necessarily point to those parasites. Perhaps a being from another realm? Was it not a being at all?

Damn! This Oath business is such a mess, just what has Velathra gotten itself into?! Those fucking idiots on the council... if I ever meet them in my next life, I will definitely not make it easy for them.

No. In fact, if any council member of Velathra from before [The Hidden Calamity] ever happens to see this document, I want you to know that if it were possible, I would follow the [Path] of the Sixth Primordial Pillar and kill you bare handed before shitting on your graves. You are the most f-- (According to Feryn, the rest were squiggly lines seemingly drawn in rage.)

Descendants, ignore the incessant ramblings of this broken old man. Elder Viko is not in his best state.

2. "Could any mortal have wielded the power necessary to cause such destruction?"

Yethra's Response: "No mortal could have survived wielding such power, maybe the Pillars would have been better prepared. At the very least, it was... far beyond us."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: This seems to suggest something greater than mortal ability. It must have been something of immense power, but does that really mean it was them...? Still unclear... and unlikely. But this just makes it all the more confusing. If not them, what has Velathran done to anger Next-Dimensional powers?

3. "Did the entity that caused this bear authority or insignia of divine nature?"

Yethra's Response: "Authority? No... not as we know it. But its presence... it commanded everything."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: A presence that commands everything without recognizable authority? This could point to something primal or ancient, but the idea of divine authority still seems premature... The only authorities we might not recognize are fairly new gods or those reclusive ancient ones...

We just can't see what would have brought them to consider direct interference like this. If... If they really did though... Sellene will not see peace once this knowledge is spread... A war like never before will embroil the world in its storm. You must never openly spread this news until Velathra is ready to rise again, descendants.

You must heed the prophecy well, descendants. Practice patience and train hard, you must remain strong until the destined moment is upon you! Maybe the prophecy not having begun yet is a blessing for your generation. You might just be part of the prophecy when it comes to pass. After all, we cannot imagine a more desperate time of need, as proclaimed by the visions, than the one Velathra currently finds itself in.

4. "Was the force responsible connected to the stars or heavens?"

Yethra's Response: "I saw the stars... but I cannot confirm or deny if they were connected to the subject or entity."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Stars? This is so vague, could it really be related? Perhaps it points to something celestial. But no confirmation yet... It could be something else, like a cosmic event, maybe a wishing star or something... Let's just hope it was one of those.

5. "Did the entity in question hold power over both life and death?"

Yethra's Response: "What it touched without control for the contrary... was unmade. No life could return to what it took."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Unmade? That sounds like power over life and death, or [ALL]... No let's not get ahead of ourselves. Either way, it's more destructive than it is creative. Could this be the work of a powerful celestial, or is something darker beginning?

For your sake, descendants, we truly hope that this remains simple enough to not even consider the plain of [ALL]... If something has come out from that realm, well, you probably won't get the chance to see this.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

6. "Was the destruction of Velathra an act of punishment from the gods? Was there intent behind the Cataclysm in one way or another?"

Yethra's Response: "Punishment... no. But, there was a purpose. There was an intent behind what happened, but it was not punishment, that is all I can say, I'm sorry."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Purposeful intent that isn't divine punishment? This still leaves many possibilities— But... the one we can no longer hope for is the chance it was an accident... It seems the fall of Velathra comes with the addition of an enemy in the shadows...

Although, we're not sure whether or not it would have been better for it to have been an accident. We don't know how the Velathran descendants would be able to vent their sorrow and grief if that were the case...

(Note: Arch-Seer Yethra seems to have wished she didn't have to answer these two paired questions in particular for a reason she cannot explain due to the oath. Thus, we can only make note of it here. Bear in mind.)

7. "Was the entity responsible able to transcend realms?"

Yethra's Response: "It moved between realms... but not in the ways that we do."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Moving through realms in an alternate way than we do? Is she saying they didn't use Nexus Zones? That suggests a being with power over space itself, which might imply something more divine, though not definitively. There are other strange powers throughout the universe, most are Divinites, but not all... We're not sure which possibility is better though.

8. "Was this entity tied to the [Fold]?"

Yethra's Response: "It was an entity of the [Fold], but the [Fold] was twisted, bent by its presence."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: A force that can twist the Fold? So, power over the very fabric of existence...

Fuck...

To the descendants that carry this knowledge, the further we record, the more we wish you the greatest of blessings. We, the Elders of Velathra that walk before you, are deeply ashamed. We are sorry that you, our children, will have to one day carry this burden in the event of our failure to return.

9. "Did this force wield powers only known to gods?"

Yethra's Response: "Its power was... ancient. Beyond what we know. But I cannot clarify more."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Ancient power beyond understanding. Damnit, can't we get one clear answer? Just tell us we're wrong for web’s sake! We want to be wrong more than you want to answer!

10. "Was this entity feared by even the greatest Arkaen warriors and scholars?"

Yethra's Response: "Yes and no, in a way they were, but I would not call it so simply as fear. This held true for even the greatest among them."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Helplessly fearful before this force... if even our strongest Arkaen warriors and scholars were powerless, then this must be something far beyond what Nitelfall has ever seen. Either the Supreme continents of Sellene are eyeing our homes, or it's something that vastly surpasses them...

11. "Was the devastation instant, as if by divine will?"

Yethra's Response: "I do not know, I was here when it happened. The most I can say is that it had more than enough power for it to be instantaneous."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Instantaneous devastation. That level of precision and power is rare even among the "Gods." What exactly are we dealing with here...? There shouldn't be any beings of such standing anywhere close to our Nitelfall.

12. "Could any being below the gods have caused such devastation?"

Yethra's Response: "I cannot answer this directly... I can only say this, nothing we've ever known in our history has ever come close."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Greater than anything we've known, yet she can't answer directly? This is leading us toward something without explicitly saying it, she's really trying her best... Could it have been divine, after all?

13. "Was the cataclysm a result of divine intervention or an equally important response?"

Yethra's Response: "It was not punishment... but a response to something isn't entirely wrong. I cannot clarify how."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Intervention, but not punishment? This is sounding more like divine involvement. Could this have been a god acting on its own accord, without divine retribution? No... why would they risk it? If the [Ascended] find out... They'll erase them completely... What could possibly have caused them to do this?

14. "Did this entity act alone, or were there multiple forces aiding in the destruction?"

Yethra's Response: "I cannot answer directly regarding their intentions or numbers... But, others were involved in one way or another, though I cannot explain their roles."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories: Not alone? This suggests some form of alliance or cooperation, possibly divine forces working together.

Could it be a fucking Pantheon?!

It's becoming clearer—this could have been orchestrated by a powerful god and its subordinates. But why? Why must those damned overgrown parasites do this to us, why to Velathra? Why has this happened to our people?!

15. "Did the force or forces involved have the power to command the heavens themselves?"

Yethra's Response: "The heavens shifted in the entity's presence. The stars moved..."

Elders' Thoughts and Theories, Closing Remarks:

The stars themselves moved in response to its presence. That's it—only a being with power over the heavens, like a Celestial Sovereign, could command such cosmic forces.

To those who follow the path we have trodden first, we leave you these recordings. We have done our best to make proper use of the time we and the power of truth have left. From hereon, these documents shall be sealed in the deepest defensive bulkhead of the Cradle, only to be shared with other Arkaen of equally high rank, or the highest ranks present.

From hereafter, the three of us will travel the face of Nitelfall, and if that isn't enough, even the face of Sellene. When—if—we discover more, we will send word with all haste. For now, know this: our city, our people, our once glorious home has been attacked by a force beyond mortal understanding, a god of the Celestial Sovereign realm, at least.

May your steps along the [Path] be steady and sure, and the light of the Ascended always endure. May the Pillars shield you from all matters of strife, and guide you through the many storms of your life. As stars above in silence roam, may they watch over you, and lead you home.

Signed: —Karma, —Viko, —Sprade

As Feryn narrated, his hand summoned what looked like a large obsidian sphere, it was a glossy black, yet seemed to absorb light instead of just not reflect it.

"You're telling me... that those parasites dared to directly attack an Arkaenum on the face of [Sellene]? They broke the [The Sellenity Accord]?!" Nythera roared.

Her voice reverberated through the room, carrying with it not just fury but an undercurrent of disbelief. Even after hearing how the Elders had come to this conclusion, she found it hard to accept. If they were right—which remains to be proven, she reminded herself—then either the god responsible had already been eradicated by the [Ascended] after their discovery, or they had never been caught at all, escaping justice entirely. Neither case was something Nythera could tolerate.

But what played an even larger factor into her disbelief was the breaking of [The Sellenity Accord] itself, rather than the way in which they did it. Why? Well, it's simple. Nythera despises all forms of restriction that do not come from a place of growth, development, or advancing along the endless pursuit of Existence's path.

[The Sellenity Accord] was one of very few philosophically founded agreements that she wholeheartedly accepted. It harmed no one, and fostered unimpeded growth throughout the [Fold]. It may restrict certain beings from moving to erasing something annoying, but if an immortal was willing to lower themselves to the degree of personally handling a mortal... they never deserved their status in the first place, thus the accord was purely positive.

"No immortal interference, whatsoever, on the face of [Sellene] unless the interference in question is brought upon by the challenge of an equal, meaning another immortal. This accord is witnessed by the [Supreme Pantheons], the [High Pantheons], the [Middle Pantheons], and the [Low Pantheons] as well as the [Ascended], the [Arkaen], the [Forgotten], and is enforced by these witnesses for any and all immortals regardless of representation, or position on the matters of the accord."

That was the accord. These conditions were obviously not met for Velathra. They did not have an immortal guarding it, in fact, they probably never would. It was a very uncommon practice among the Arkaen for an immortal to stay with their people. It was practically a given that all of their people and loved-ones would endorse their journey beyond Sellene and onto the [Great Path]. But this shouldn't have been a problem in the first place, many nations do not have an Immortal guarding them.

Additionally, the [Ascended] were the forefathers and ancestors of all the [Arkaen]. To break [The Sellenity Accord] not just for anyone, but for an Arkaenum, a nation of only the Arkaen, is the same as to personally write your wish for extermination, as far as the Arkae were concerned. Ascended or not, both felt the same.

As her mind spun with these thoughts, looking at everything from as many perspectives as she could, Nythera did her best to stay calm. It was difficult, extremely difficult for someone so normally honest with her feelings, but she had more important matters to worry about now than how she felt about everything.

"Is that Obsidia-Keeper a recording of the three Elders interrogation of Yethra?" Nythera asked, pointing at the gleaming black stone in Feryn's palm. It was pretty normal to use these to record vast stores of knowledge, actual recordings of locales and experiments, or even just classified documents, so she felt that it was likely.

"No, Great Mother. This was the final question they asked, just before the tablet of truth's affect wore off. I'm sure they questioned her more, but without the tablet to verify the veracity, only this was recorded."

"Why just this question?"

"According to the Elders, the question in this Obsidia-Keeper is of vastly greater importance than all of the others, and the answer as well. The Elders even went as far as specifically trying to brainwas- *Ahem* kindly teach us to never let this keeper out of the Cradle until a certain day that we already wait for."

"The hell are you being so cryptic for, youngling? I'm one of your Pillars." Nythera said, somehow amused by this 'show,' he was putting on.

"Forgive me, that wasn't my intention. I have no reason or inclination to keep this from you, I merely wanted to impress upon you what the Elders told me to make clear if ever the time came that someone of sufficient authority to access this Keeper appeared. Even we, the Elders who keep this Obsidia-Keeper safe, do not know what actually lies within."

"Mm. So I guess you're also curious. Go ahead, read it already."

"Sorry? You intend to access it here, and furthermore want me to read it aloud? Wouldn't it be better to talk privately in the Cradle?" Feryn stammered, his eyes shifting everywhere, as if there was a specific place he wanted to make sure not to lay his eyes on, but none of the others could tell where.

"Just read it, brat. I can personally vouch for my son and these hatchlings."

"U-understood, Great Mother. Then I will begin—Wait, son? The sixth Primordial Pillar doesn't have a son. She is the [Mother Without Bonds]," Feryn said, catching something he felt was extremely absurd.

His eyes narrowed as if in suspicion but just as quickly went back to normal. This was pretty normal, [Arkaen] had unique auras that once felt by another would never be forgotten. This made it so that the Primordial Pillars, with their auras having been recorded with absurd levels of detail, could never be mistaken. This meant that the Spiris before him was indeed the sixth Primordial Pillar, the very same [Mother Without Bonds].

"Can you please explain, Great Mother? I do not understand. You are indeed one of the mothers of all Spiris, but it is written in our history that you had chosen never to weave the soul-string of another to your own," Feryn asked, cautiously. It was more than just confusion that urged him to ask, it was the curiosity of a mega-fan meeting their idol.

This particular Primordial Pillar had been one of his greatest idols since he was just a hatchling, he'd always wished to be more like her, more unrestrained, thus he memorized every detail of related texts.

Nythera's eyes narrowed at this question, a cold smirk tugging at her lips, "And here I thought we raised brighter descendants."

Feryn flinched but said nothing.

"Did you really think that title meant I'd never break my own rules? I'm not bound by anyone's expectations—not even my own. Remember that, brat."

She waved her hand towards Atlas as if it was no big deal at all, and continued, "This is my son, my only family, and the reason I am no longer a mother without bonds. Calling me such a title would be offensive to both myself and my family, so I hope you don't use it again," she said calmly.

Following where her fingers had pointed, Feryn momentarily froze, his eyes dilating to slits as he seemed to hope he was wrong, or that she'd somehow forgotten her child, "Could you point them out again, Great Mother? I apologize I was too shocked to see which of these children you meant." Feryn practically stuttered. His voice was shaking as if he was holding back a storm of emotions, a response both Nythera and Atlas failed to understand.

"It's me," Atlas said, merely raising his hand to make it easier, "I'm her son, as of a few days ago."

"Fuck."

"Excuse me?"