Chapter 244: The True Gods
In the dead of night, Iras silhouette rose in the darkness of the room. Beside him, Avery remained sleep with a blissful grin on her face, one that he found bewitching but shook his head and changed his focus.
Iras eyes were glazed over back and from his perspective, he was suddenly standing in a large chamber.
So, you came? A person spoke.
A figure wearing a stone mask appeared from the shadows within the chamber. The stone mask depicted three faces, one of a man, one of a woman, and one that was completely ambiguous just like the figure itself.
Ira looked toward the figure without saying a word before walking toward two large doors. He pushed them open and found himself in some room that resembled the meeting place of an ancient council.
He truly came? A beautiful woman with violet eyes and long grey hair spoke.
There was no one who could compare to her in terms of beauty but Ira seemed completely repulsed.
Hunger. I want to consume him. A floating pile of flesh sitting further away from her groaned. It was covered in dozens of eyes that resembled various beasts.
As do I, The violet-eyed woman licked her lips as her eyes hungrily trailed over Iras body.
Now, now, there isnt a need for that is there? I find him interesting but please, hes practically a newborn. A man who vaguely resembled a human chimed in.
It was hard to even call him a man when he seemed more like a mockery of a human. His body hosted long, uneven, proportions and a face with a warped smile that seemed to stop at his ears. And his skin held a waxy texture that made him seem less like a living being and more like a sculpture.
As the figure in the stone-mask joined the party of individuals, they finally began their discussion.
Youre the replacement of that wolf? The Violet-Eyed woman asked as if to confirm what she already knew.
Call it what you want, Ira replied indifferently.
Interesting. You are the second to accept the darkness and unlike that Wolf, youve kept a physical shell.
...Is no one else coming? The figure in the stone mask inquired.
Why would they? To see this boy? He hasnt even lived for a century let alone a millennium, The Violet-Eyed woman responded but her eyes stayed on Ira.
And yet, here I am. Iras smile was filled with provocation as he replied.
Oh? Tell me, do you think yourself something special? The Violet-Eyed woman laughed as if she were amused.
Arrogant. An ignorant child. He still smells of his mothers milk. The pile of flesh chimed.
Theres no need to berate him for being...unaware, The grinning man spoke.
Every so often, to us anyway, an entity is born. And if they arent eaten by Hunger they are taken by Chaos. If neither of them get involved, another will. The figure in the stone mask explained to Ira.
So tell me, what will your fate be, Ira? The Violet-Eyed woman asked.
None of those.
Prideful. I want to consume you. The pile of flesh groaned at Ira.
Try it, Ira flashed a smile.
Now, now, were only here to get an idea of him, we all agreed not to harm him...at the moment. The grinning man seemed to have an even deeper smile form on his face.
Could I give you some advice, newcomer? The beautiful woman twirled her hair innocently.
What? Ira narrowed his eyes toward the Violet-Eyed woman.
There is one thing you should remember and that is chaos cannot be avoided by entities like you. The same entities who hold foolish beliefs and chase ideals of the ignorant. You must understand that chaos is constant and because of that, I will eventually reach you, no matter what corner of darkness youre hiding in.
Good to know. Ira was dismissive of the womans words but she paid it no mind and continued.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)
I want you to understand that I am not acting out of malice or hate for you. It is in my nature to seek the most chaotic outcome. And you She inhaled deeply as if taking in Iras scent. Yes, you will provide me with want I want...wont you, Ir-Rah?
If I go anywhere Ill definitely be taking all of you with me, Ira said with a reliable smile.
He left the bed chambers with Avery following close behind him and as if they felt it, his children emerged from their rooms one by one, each of them giving an enthusiastic greeting.
Where are we going exactly? Raveria asked.
Ira looked at his oldest daughter with a slight surprise as she had become more responsible in his time away.
A new world.
Whats wrong with this one? Nephele asked innocently.
A lot.
Really? Like what?
It has been broken.
By who?
Well...I may have had a small part in breaking it.
Why dont you just fix it then? Nephele tilted her head as if she couldnt comprehend.
There are some things you just cant repair, no matter what you do.
I see. That makes a lot of sense, Father. I also think the same. Nephele nodded as if she understood, but it was clear she was just as confused as ever by her repeated assurances.
Good. Ira shook his head.
Ira Avery started. You said that the Origin Force is absent within this...new world?
It is.
Then what will happen when we depart? Will our children be safe?
Theyll have enough time to adjust but I cant promise itll be painless.
Will I lose my swords? Valeryn inquired.
Probably, but youll be better off starting from scratch. All of you will. Ira thought of the incomprehensible things that lay beyond the Void.
They wouldnt have paid any attention to him if he hadnt taken the Wolfs place, but since he had. It meant that the unknown beings would now have equally unknown intentions toward him. Even if the figure in the stone mask said that they were all more or less like a family, it didnt mean they would be tied down by the sentiment that came with the connection.
Her Highness is waiting for you, Keeper. A Dark Elf approached Ira and bowed deeply before gesturing toward a large door.
Alright, Ira nodded and approached the door that gently swung open.
Keeper.
The individuals in the room spoke simultaneously and even bowed together.
Thats enough, I just came to see if were ready?
Ah, Ive sent word across the city. All thats left now is to address the citizens and make adequate preparations. Apologies, Keeper, but I am at a loss as to how we should prepare for the upcoming journey.
Ill handle it, Ira replied. Now, is there anything else?
There are some who are afraid and maybe even a little hesitant but there are none who wish to remain.
Good, give an announcement to your people and I will discuss things with the Valkyries.
Ira emphasized that there would be nothing easy about the journey before he went off in search of Kara and the Valkyries, leaving everyone else to begin preparing.