Chapter 22: Battle of the Cathedral

## Script

*Chapter 22*
*Battle of the Cathedral*
*Player teleports back to Kaigon Cathedral*
*Bodies of Shadow Demons and Kaigon priests are strewn about*
**Player**: ...How did that happen?
*Player checks one of the monster's bodies*
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Looks like Kaigon is invaded，too.
**Player**: Gaar should have been informed about the invasion of Kaigon. Right?
**Player**: Hence, the reaction when told I was coming to the cathedral...
**Dying Woman**: ...Heather...You...you traitor...
**Player**: ...Heather!
**Player**: Looks like he is a traitor indeed.
*The voice was coming from an injured female hierophant*
**Player**: (angry)
*Player makes his way to the injured woman and passes some dead rats*
**Player**: This is...dead shadow rat? The Shadow Rat King is in it, too!
*Player checks on the woman's injuries*
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Ka...will...curse you...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: You...will never...redemption...
**Player**: Are you okay?
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: You... You're...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: ...You're not a priest.
*Choice 1.1 - I'm the Likely One, recognized by the Order of Light.*
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Um...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Go... Now...
**Player**: Tell me what happened! Maybe I can help.
*Choice 1.2 - Don't mind me. What happened here?*
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: If you don't know... You're not a Shadow...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Go, then...
**Player**: ...Tell me about it. I can help.
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Heather...managing...Flux barrier around the Holy City... But...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: He... He breached the barrier.
**Player**: (surprised)
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: I found the barrier breached... And it was too late...to repair...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Shadows... In Kaigon... Carnage...everywhere...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Yancy sent me...to check on the portal...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: And I found the portal...gone...
**Player**: Looks like Heather shut down the portal...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Yes... I reopened it and...a surge of Shadow Flux...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: It entered...my body...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Can't hold... I-I'm...departing...
**Kaist Female Hierophant**: Sorry, Yancy... I can't help...
*(The Hierophant fell silent.)*
*Reached under her nose and found no breathing...*
**Player**: Rest in peace...
**Player**: The Shadow Flux would have got me if not for that hierophant...
**Player**: As to the Shadows... Their primary target must be Kaigon.
**Player**: I saw Grey Serpent, Rock, and the Shadow Rat King in Gaar's crystal, but none showed up so far...
**Player**: Kaigon must be even more dangerous than the Water Nexus right now.
**Player**: ...Hm. No news about Triton yet. If not at the Water Nexus, he must be in Kaigon?
**Player**: He can't just watch things happen...right?
**Player**: Maybe...
*Choice 2.1 - Stay.*
**Player**: The Holy City is at stake. I must help.
**Player**: Plus, finding Triton's whereabouts will be even harder if I leave now...
**Player**: I can't charge or go back home, if Triton ends up killed or corrupted by Shadows in Kaigon.
**Player**: It's risky, but I just have to go.
*Choice 2.2 - Leave.*
**Player**: But how do I leave here...
**Player**: Yancy's not here. The hierophant's dead. I can't open the portal by myself.
**Player**: Leave by the front door? Pretty sure the Shadows won't let me.
**Player**: One thing at a time, starting from finding Yancy...
*Conversation continues after choices*
*Choice 3.1 - Time to go.*
**Player**: Not the best time for thinking. Got lives to save!
*Choice 3.2 - Wait. I have questions...*
*Choice 3.2.1 - About Gaar...*
**Player**: It should be pretty easy to guess his true identity.
**Player**: Must be one of the Oathblades.
**Player**: He was serving under Nemesio like...six years ago?
**Player**: If I've got everything right, it must be him who informed Miles of the Shadow invasion at Red Harbor during the fight for the beacon.
**Player**: ...But considering the ring incident, he must be in contact with General Will of the Light of Purity, as well.
**Player**: This is getting mighty confusing...
**Player**: First sent me to the Water Nexus, then called me back when Martin showed up.
**Player**: What's his plan?
*Choice 3.2.1.1 - Just pulling my leg.*
**Player**: Not likely. Are my legs so tempting anyway...?
*Choice 3.2.1.1.1 - Just pulling my leg.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1.1*
*Choice 3.2.1.1.2 - Trying to get me to let my guard down.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1.2*
*Choice 3.2.1.2 - Trying to get me to let my guard down.*
**Player**: This must be the case.
**Player**: However... Is he on his own accord, or following someone's order?
*Choice 3.2.1.2.1 - Orders from President Jonas.*
**Player**: Jonas did notice us on Never Isle yesterday...
**Player**: Plus, it looks like Miles only knew Gaar was on Never Isle, not that he was there to find me.
**Player**: That day...
*Gaar: This kid is kind of special alright...*
*Gaar: No wonder that old weasel insisted I must show this to him.*
*Gaar: Yeah, old weasel being old weasel.*
**Player**: By 'old weasel', he must be referring to President Jonas.
**Player**: General Will told me that President Jonas is a mastermind who doesn't mind foul tricks. He does everything for the interest of his own people.
**Player**: Yan Shu-Chi was running this undercover operation among the Shadows by his order...
**Player**: Now that it's ordered by President Jonas...
**Player**: Give it a break.
*Choice 3.2.1.2.1.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.1.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.1.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.1.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.2 - Orders from Commander Markus.*
**Player**: I heard Commander Markus is a straightforward and upright guy.
**Player**: He's a smart guy, very much capable of strategies. But he loathes all forms of plotting.
**Player**: Hard to imagine someone like that sending Gaar out as a spy... I'll give it a break...
**Player**: Give it a break.
*Choice 3.2.1.2.2.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.2.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.2.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.2.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.3 - Orders from Miles.*
**Player**: Unlikely. Miles was only aware that Gaar was on Never Isle, not that he was there for me.
**Player**: Forget it...
**Player**: Give it a break.
*Choice 3.2.1.2.3.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.3.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.3.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.3.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.4 - Orders from the White Cape.*
**Player**: Um... The White Cape cares so much about me? I'm flattered.
**Player**: Forget it...
**Player**: Give it a break.
*Choice 3.2.1.2.4.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.4.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.4.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.4.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.5 - On his own accord.*
**Player**: Really...
**Player**: I don't know. Don't know him well enough.
**Player**: Forget it...
**Player**: Give it a break.
*Choice 3.2.1.2.5.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.5.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.5.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.1.2.5.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.2 - About Mike...*
**Player**: Mike came to Kaigon with that rich kid to talk about the art exhibit...
**Player**: But he didn't bring Carter, Peter, or Choji...
**Player**: And he said there's some business to attend to in Kaigon.
**Player**: It must be private business.
**Player**: Maybe... He's looking for his younger brother, Martin?
**Player**: Is he still trying to change Martin's mind?
**Player**: Or is he having a change of mind himself and joining Martin?
**Player**: Well, no good making random guesses.
*Choice 3.2.2.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.2.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.2.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.2.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.3 - About Martin...*
**Player**: Martin didn't try to kill Gaar in blind rage. He was pretty reasonable and calm...
**Player**: He must be trying to buy time...
**Player**: Suppose he keeps Nemesio, Miles, Gaar, and the Shadowhunters at the Water Nexus...
**Player**: At the same time, send his people to keep forces from the White Cape and Never Isle occupied...
**Player**: Then Kaigon would be left defenseless.
**Player**: Keep as many enemies occupied as possible'? Is that what the Shadowlord told Martin to do?
**Player**: Would Martin, being Martin, be willing to run these trivial errands?
**Player**: Well, no time for random guessing.
*Choice 3.2.3.1 - About Gaar...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.1*
*Choice 3.2.3.2 - About Mike...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.2*
*Choice 3.2.3.3 - About Martin...*
*Go to Choice 3.2.3*
*Choice 3.2.3.4 - Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 3.2.4*
*Choice 3.2.4 - Time to go.*
**Player**: Let's find Yancy first.
*Scene continues after choices*
*Player heads to the path that leads to the cathedral's great hall*
*Even more bodies of humans and monsters cover the once hallowed grounds*
**Player**: Looks like this place is wholly taken over by Shadows...
**Player**: There might be survivors. Let's ask around.
*Farther down, a group of Shadow corner a lone hierophant*
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Is death really so scary?
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: You hide your sorry ass here while your friends die out there one by one?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Please, have mercy...
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Mercy?
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Okay, I have that.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: There's one heck of a war going on in your cathedral. I don't know how bad it is and don't want to find out.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: You keep us entertained, okay?
**Shadow Rat**: Squeak! Squeak!
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: W-what are you...
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Hee hee. What do you say?
**Player**: Let go of him!
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Where did you come from, brat?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Run for your life!
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: You can't take all of them at once!
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Oh? That's your boyfriend?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: N-no! I've never seen him before...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Run! What are you waiting for?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I've never seen you but you must be a worshipper. This place is overrun with Shadows...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Run and hide!
**Player**: Just a few minions. No biggie.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Got some fight in you, ain't it? I like it! Hahaha!
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Too late. Can't take it back. You pay for what you just said!
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Please... Let him go!
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Do whatever you want to me, not him! Don't bring more people into this!
**Player**: Thank you but you must take cover. Things are about to get nasty real soon.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Ha! I heard that! I'll teach you a lesson, brat!
*Player defeats the Shadow bullies*
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: I-incredible power...
**Player**: Are you okay?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: You... That's pretty incredible...
**Player**: Okay. Running out of time. Gotta keep it short. What happened here?
**Player**: I heard Heather deflected and sabotaged the Flux and then Shadows swarmed right in.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Yes... Friar Heather was a surprise indeed...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Ka won't take this kindly!
**Player**: I don't know what's happening right now. Please help me with a few questions.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Ask away!
*Choice 4.1 - Who's leading the Shadows?*
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I didn't see it, but they say Grey Serpent is here in person!
**Player**: Grey Serpent...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: He's a powerful Arcanist, over 100 years old...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: And he seems to have brought Shadowbeasts with him.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Bishop Asumen was prepared, but with Heather turning against him, the barrier was breached way too soon...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: We couldn't do anything about it...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I wanted to help fellow Kaists, but... I just couldn't.
**Player**: Hmm, I see.
*Choice 4.1.1 - Who's leading the Shadows?*
*Go to Choice 4.1*
*Choice 4.1.2 - Where are Yancy and Bishop Asumen?*
*Go to Choice 4.2*
*Choice 4.1.3 - How is the city of Kaigon now?*
*Go to Choice 4.3*
*Choice 4.1.4 - Did you see Triton anywhere?*
*Go to Choice 4.4*
*Choice 4.1.5 - Thank you. Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 4.5*
*Choice 4.2 - Where are Yancy and Bishop Asumen?*
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: They are in the grand hall, no doubt trying to protect the Relic...
**Player**: The Relic? The thing that looks like a world globe?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: ...What's a world globe?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Anyway, it is an instrument of global shape indeed.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Inside it is the holy relic known as the Essence of Light.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Essence of Light, the source of Wanderlight shards, absorbing the Flux of all things and converting it into Holy Flux.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: It recharges the energy of Wanderlight shards and White Turbans...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: It's the very core of the Flux network covering the entire Kaigon, including its holy barrier.
**Player**: ...How can I get to the grand hall?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Go down this corridor to the end, across another corridor, there's...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Wait! It's too dangerous! Are you...really going?
**Player**: Yes.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Um...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: May Ka bless you...
*Choice 4.2.1 - Who's leading the Shadows?*
*Go to Choice 4.1*
*Choice 4.2.2 - Where are Yancy and Bishop Asumen?*
*Go to Choice 4.2*
*Choice 4.2.3 - How is the city of Kaigon now?*
*Go to Choice 4.3*
*Choice 4.2.4 - Did you see Triton anywhere?*
*Go to Choice 4.4*
*Choice 4.2.5 - Thank you. Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 4.5*
*Choice 4.3 - How is the city of Kaigon now?*
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: There are Shadow forces everywhere...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Kaigon is now a living hell...
**Player**: ...
*Choice 4.3.1 - Who's leading the Shadows?*
*Go to Choice 4.1*
*Choice 4.3.2 - Where are Yancy and Bishop Asumen?*
*Go to Choice 4.2*
*Choice 4.3.3 - How is the city of Kaigon now?*
*Go to Choice 4.3*
*Choice 4.3.4 - Did you see Triton anywhere?*
*Go to Choice 4.4*
*Choice 4.3.5 - Thank you. Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 4.5*
*Choice 4.4 - Did you see Triton anywhere?*
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Triton, the Ocean God?
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I've heard plenty about him, but never seen him in person...
**Player**: ...
*Choice 4.4.1 - Who's leading the Shadows?*
*Go to Choice 4.1*
*Choice 4.4.2 - Where are Yancy and Bishop Asumen?*
*Go to Choice 4.2*
*Choice 4.4.3 - How is the city of Kaigon now?*
*Go to Choice 4.3*
*Choice 4.4.4 - Did you see Triton anywhere?*
*Go to Choice 4.4*
*Choice 4.4.5 - Thank you. Time to go.*
*Go to Choice 4.5*
*Choice 4.5 - Thank you. Time to go.*
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: ...Okay. I can't stop you, and am in no position to.
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I know you're powerful. Still, take care!
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: I know I'm more a burden than help...
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: But I will try to get out of here and find you reinforcement!
**Player**: Thank you. I'm off!
**Kaist Male Hierophant**: Be careful!
*Scene continues after choices*
*Player continues on and finds a Shadowcult Priest guarding the path*
**Shadowcult Priest**: Likely One Player.
**Player**: ...
**Shadowcult Priest**: The grand hall of the cathedral is up ahead... Do you really choose death?
**Player**: Why question the obvious? And you? Ready to follow me?
**Shadowcult Priest**: No, no. We have no wish to fight you.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Master Heather sent us for one single purpose, which is to deliver the message.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Thus spoke Master Heather:
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'Player, the Likely One. We don't have to be enemies.'
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'You are looking for Triton, and he is not here.'
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'What remains of Ka's will became Flux Nexus, and the Water Nexus manifests in Triton.'
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'Ka has long forsaken the world. Triton beholds this chaos from afar, with no intention of intervening. '
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'I knew you are coming. You shall live, and not occupy too much of our time and effort...'
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'Hence their presence here, anticipating your arrival.'
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'They will escort you to a secret portal I left, if you so wish. That will take you out of Kaigon safely.'
**Shadowcult Priest**: 'Otherwise, if death seems more preferable, I shall leave you be.'
**Player**: ...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Player, what do you say?
*Choice 5.1 - OK. Take me to the portal.*
**Shadowcult Priest**: Good. A wise mind submits to fate. Follow us.
*Player follows the priest but it was a trap*
**Shadowcult Priest**: Heh heh. There, got you!
*The Shadowcult priest summons some Shadow Demons*
**Player**: Dammit...
**Player**: Looks like I have to dispose all these Shadows here.
**Player**: Gotta start from the top. Dispose the leader first.
*Player fights the Shadow Demons and defeats them*
**Shadowcult Priest**: ...Still can't beat him, despite everything?
*Finally, Player dispatches the Shadowcult priest*
*Player looks around but doesn't find a return portal*
**Player**: There...doesn't seem to be any portal to anywhere else or whatsoever.
**Player**: I'll have to double back to Kaigon then.
*Choice 5.2 - Stand aside. Don't make me repeat myself.*
**Shadowcult Priest**: (Sigh) We are no match for your prowess, and will not stand in your path.
**Shadowcult Priest**: A death wish. Good. Make your move, then.
*Scene continues after choices*
*Scene - Kaigon Cathedral great hall*
*Player makes his way to the great hall*
*Grey Serpent, the Shadow Rat King and their Shadow forces and the traitor, Heather, confront Asumen, Yancy, and Mike*
**Grey Serpent**: Ah, when the hymn is stifled by screams, and the altar drowns in blood.
**Grey Serpent**: Behold Kaigon! Basking in the glory of carnage...
**Mysterious Old Shadow**: Where is your god now, Asumen?
**Asumen**: ...Grey Serpent.
**Yancy**: Heather... I knew you betrayed Ka!
**Heather**: Ha.
**Heather**: Betrayed?
**Heather**: I just found my true faith in the true God.
**Yancy**: Non-nonsense!
**Heather**: Ha ha hah! Just watch the followers of your so-called Ka! Aren't they pathetic?
**Heather**: Why isn't your god delivering them from this misery? Come, strike me down right here! Huh?
**Yancy**: What did you do to them...
**Grey Serpent**: Heh. I'll show you, if you so ask.
*Grey Serpent raises his scepter and a vision of outside the cathedral forms*
*The invading Shadow forces are rounding up the citizens*
*They're examined by a Shadowcult priest*
**Grey Serpent**: All people who call out to Ka during the pursuit shall be brought here.
*A boy tries to escape and gets chased by a Shadowcult swordsman*
**Grey Serpent**: If any of them attempts to fight or escape, then...
**Runaway Male Student**: Ahhh!!!
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: I caught him, Your Eminence!
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Cut off his legs, lest he ever runs again.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Hm. Take him away and do whatever you see fit.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Just keep him hurting and bleeding and living, at least until nightfall.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Yes, sir!
**Shadowcult Priest**: What about you, my children?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Do you choose torture and death...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Or simply kneel, renounce Ka, and curse his name?
**Young Man**: No! We will never do that! No way!
**Shadowcult Priest**: Cut off a hand.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Yes, sir!
*The Shadowcult swordsman grabs the young man's arm*
**Shadowcult Priest**: In three cuts.
**Young Man**: Ahhh!!!
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Ha! That is the first cut.
**Shadowcult Swordsman**: Would you change your mind?
**Young Man**: Ka... Ka's wrath shall be unleashed upon you!
**Shadowcult Priest**: Haha. Suppose Ka is the One True God that he claims to be and everything in this world happens according to his will...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Don't you think his wrath is now being unleashed upon you, instead of me?
**Young Man**: ...Ah!!
**Young Man**: Absurdity!
**Young Man**: ...D-do your worst! Torture me for ten thousand years and I will never abandon my faith!!!
**Young Man**: ...Arrrrrrrrgh!!
**Shadowcult Priest**: Good.
**Shadowcult Priest**: For the rest of them, cut off one finger each.
**Young Man**: ... What!?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Yes, young man. You just cost each of them a finger.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Any questions?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Didn't Ka teach you so? 'Rewarded are your good deeds. So are your brethren and neighbors.'
**Shadowcult Priest**: You are rewarded in torture, and the reward extends to them. Befitting. No?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Oh, and you specifically asked for a lasting reward, for ten thousand years...
**Shadowcult Priest**: We are sensible people. The reward shall be granted, and distributed fairly. Each of you shall be tortured for two thousand years.
**Young Man**: P-please... Have mercy on them...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Kneel.
**Young Man**: ...
*Another boy in the captured group kneels before the Shadowcult priest*
**Shadow Priest**: Oh?
**Male Student**: Ka is...the silliest thing...ever...
**Young Man**: What are you talking about!
**Male Student**: Please, leave them be. I beg you...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Ha ha! Look behind you, son. Look at these ungrateful Ka's Disciple...
**Shadowcult Priest**: You are going out of your way to save then, yet they impale you with stares of hate.
**Male Student**: ...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Do you insist saving them still?
**Male Student**: Alas...
**Young Man**: Don't buy his lies! Don't worry about us!
**Shadowcult Priest**: Is that so? Does everyone else agree?
**Shadowcult Priest**: What about them? They don't deserve to be worried about?
*The rest falls in silence...*
**Shadowcult Priest**: Hahaha!
**Shadowcult Priest**: So righteous and hypocritical! Martyrdom sans death and suffering?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Isn't it great, if such a thing exists?
*(The Shadowcult Priest stares at the student kneeling in front of him.)*
**Shadowcult Priest**: In their silence, they are following your lead, son.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Speak the truth, for yourself, and on their behalf.
**Shadowcult Priest**: Too weak. Speak like you mean it.
**Shadowcult Priest**: If you want to save them, that is...
**Male Student**: What do you want me to do?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Nothing more than speaking your mind out loud. Your disappointment, your frustration against Ka. Simple like that.
**Male Student**: ...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Don't you hate Ka?
**Shadowcult Priest**: Did he ever, as he promised, watch over and shelter you with unceasing care?
**Male Student**: ...
**Male Student**: I hate Ka!
**Male Student**: Not only Ka! And those old fools of his cult!
**Male Student**: There is no Ka! Ka doesn't exist!
**Male Student**: Those old fools have been feeding us with lies!
**Male Student**: If Ka ever existed, the barrier should have held! Kaigon would never fall to Shadows!
**Male Student**: And my parents would still be alive...
**Young Man**: You... Shut up!
**Male Student**: Why isn't Ka delivering us from this suffering then?
**Male Student**: He failed us if he chooses not to!
**Male Student**: He is not a god if he is not able to!
**Young Man**: Nonsense! Nonsense! How dare you babble this blasphemy!
**Shadowcult Priest**: Hahahaha.
**Shadowcult Priest**: My son...
*The Shadowcult priest takes out a knife from his robes and drops it in front of the young boy*
**Shadowcult Priest**: Would you have the honor...
**Shadowcult Priest**: To terminate these disciples of the false god with your own hands, to deliver your brethren and neighbors from lies and prosecution?
**Male Student**: ...I will!
*The young boy grabs the knife and stands up, looking at the other hostages with hatred in his eyes*
**Young Man**: What?
**Male Student**: Death to you... Life to everyone else...
**Shadowcult Priest**: Hahaha...
*The young boy lunges at them*
*Grey Serpent waves his scepter again and the vision ends*
**Grey Serpent**: Aye. You are a good child.
**Yancy**: You... I can't believe you're doing this!
**Yancy**: Your sin is beyond redemption!
**Yancy**: Ka shall devour you with blight and shed your blood!
**Grey Serpent**: Is that so?
**Grey Serpent**: But YOU are the one shedding blood.
**Grey Serpent**: What you claim, and what people see, they are entirely different.
**Grey Serpent**: They see the doom of Kaigon, with Ka's Disciples dying in droves...
**Grey Serpent**: How, and why, would they believe in Ka, then?
**Grey Serpent**: Hand out the Relic, Essence of Light, if you want to save Kaigon from total destruction...
**Grey Serpent**: Or else you are essentially killing them by way of refusal.
**Grey Serpent**: Asumen, the first among Ka's advocates. Will you kill them or save them?
**Grey Serpent**: Know that your decision represents the will of Ka.
**Grey Serpent**: No. I should rephrase...
**Grey Serpent**: Will you rather have them killed, or lead them out of your false religion into life?
**Grey Serpent**: You can die a martyr, taking many innocent souls with you...
**Grey Serpent**: Or live a defiler, cursed by those you have saved, or will save.
**Grey Serpent**: Which would you choose, Asumen? This is getting interesting, truly.
**Yancy**: Bishop Asumen! Don't give him the Relic!
**Asumen**: I know.
**Grey Serpent**: What do you say?
**Asumen**: ...
**Grey Serpent**: Do I sense hesitation?
**Grey Serpent**: This is so not you...
**Grey Serpent**: Ha. Trying to buy more time for your reinforcement?
**Grey Serpent**: Take your time. Look at this.
*Grey Serpent shows them another vision*
*General Will confronts the revived leader of the White Cape, Rock*
**Will**: And you are...?
**Will**: Rock?!
**Rock**: Going to Kaigon? Over your own dead body!
*The vision shifts*
*The great Shadowcult Priest, John, stands in the way of Brian*
**John**: Haha! The White Cape. You're here pretty early.
**John**: Where's your main force?
**Brian**: Step out of my way or die in it.
**John**: Haha! What a bragger! Bring it on!
*The vision shifts once again*
*Martin continues to summon more Shadow Demons back at the Water Nexus*
*Nemesio and Miles are joined by Gaar and the Shadowhunters who are led by Yan and Morgan*
**Martin**: Hahahaha! Now we have a full house.
**Martin**: Are you ready...
**Martin**: To die here?
**Yan**: ... What!?
*More Shadow Demons appear and surround the fighters*
*Grey Serpent ends the vision*
**Asumen**: Okay. Enough said.
**Asumen**: We shall guard the Relic with our life.
**Asumen**: The rest shall be left to Ka's will.
**Yancy**: Alas...
**Mike**: (Mumble) If I can't leave then I'd rather...
**Mike**: Bishop Asumen! We are here to help!
**Grey Serpent**: Haha! Pathetic fools.
*Player enters*
**Grey Serpent**: Oh? Another one.
**Shadow Rat King**: Heh. Leave it to me!
**Yancy**: We can't afford to offer any help, Likely One. Please keep the Shadow Rat King occupied, on your own.
**Player**: Got it!
*Player fights the Shadow Rat King and his forces*
**Shadow Rat King**: Are you Player, master of the Wheel of Fate?
**Shadow Rat King**: Good. A decent prey.
**Player**: Too early to tell. More likely you're the prey.
**Shadow Rat King**: Heh. Now that you're here, you must have defeated Kraken, the King of Sea Beasts?
**Shadow Rat King**: Do you expect me to be like him?
**Shadow Rat King**: That ball of tentacles doesn't have much of a brain. Not exactly a hard fight.
**Shadow Rat King**: But that means you are more brainy. I like it.
*The battle continues...*
*(You heard the sound of fighting from not far away...)*
**Kaist Hierophant**: Uh...
**Kaist Hierophant**: ...Ka's wrath shall be unleashed upon you!
**Shadow Soldier**: Shut up and die already.
**Player**: (Shadow Soldier are killing Kaist priests en masse...)
**Player**: Damn... I can't stop this insanity...
*The battle continues...*
**Player**: At this rate, Yancy and Bishop Asumen can't hold much longer.
**Player**: I've got to dispose the Shadow Rat King as quickly as possible.
*The battle continues...*
**Shadow Rat King**: I'm here, kid. Pay attention, or else you will die.
**Player**: (angry)
*Player defeats the Shadow Rat King in the knick of time*
**Player**: Playing dead?
**Player**: Let me cut this dead meat into pieces!
**Shadow Rat King**: Argh!
**Shadow Rat King**: ...You know I'm feigning death?
**Player**: Your tentacle friend tried the same trick already.
**Shadow Rat King**: What...
**Shadow Rat King**: When did he copy...
*Player gives the final killing blow*
**Player**: ...Now it's totally dead.
**Player**: Gotta help Yancy and Bishop Asumen.
*Player rushes to Asumen's aid*
**Yancy**: Watch out!
*Just as Grey Serpent launches an attack at Asumen, Yancy dives and takes the blow*
**Asumen**: ...Yancy!
**Player**: Yancy!!!
**Yancy**: These feet have traveled the destined path...
**Yancy**: And this heart has held the true faith...
**Player**: Hold on, Yancy!
**Player**: I'm coming!!
**Yancy**: ...Do you remember what I said, Likely One?
**Yancy**: Hand of Ka, the enactor of Ka's will...is the closest saint to Ka itself...
**Yancy**: It's the embodiment of Ka's light... Ka's own wisdom and power...
**Yancy**: The Hand of Ka represents Ka and walks among humanity to repel the Shadow and save lives from doom, even to the point...
**Yancy**: Of stopping the apocalypse...
**Yancy**: I see you and know you...in trial and training...
**Yancy**: I believe in you...as the Hand of Ka...
**Yancy**: Dispel darkness and bring light...
**Player**: ...
**Yancy**: Bear my words in mind, Likely One... For those are the guidance from Ka...
**Yancy**: The wisdom...of Ka...
**Yancy**: Do you still remember?
**Player**: The righteous cannot wilt...
*Player remembers the time when he first met Yancy*
**Yancy**: Fear breeds courage, just like failure breeds success.
**Yancy**: Remember, the harder the situation, the more you need to listen to the teachings of Ka:
**Yancy**: The righteous cannot wilt. Even the slightest faltering is an aid to evil!
**Yancy**: Pride blinds, and blindness hinders. Those who hold their heads too high will fall.
**Yancy**: Praise the all powerful Ka!
**Yancy**: The young one is prepared to give the body and mind to you and accept your guidance...
**Yancy**: He seeks wisdom from you as the desert seeks oasis, asking for the key to unlock the truth...
**Yancy**: He seeks power from you as the frozen seeks flames, asking for the blade to dispel all Shadows...
**Yancy**: Oh all-mighty Ka, gift upon the young one your divinity. Guide him on the path to smite all evil...
**Yancy**: For the one will follow you and the light, onto the path of becoming the Hand of Ka...
**Yancy**: Do not cower, do not waver, and do not ever surrender.
**Player**: Fight?
**Yancy**: Yes, because this time, our only option is with force.
**Yancy**: A stick can be used to discipline a foolish child.
**Yancy**: Words of reason can disperse the doubts of a selfish adult.
**Yancy**: But the deceit of the evil Shadow...
**Yancy**: Can only be severed by the sword of truth.
*The flashback ends*
*Yancy's body lies still on the floor of the great hall*
**Player**: Yancy...
**Asumen**: Rest in peace, Yancy. Abide with the Lord in his realm.
**Grey Serpent**: Ha! Haha! Yes, funny.
**Grey Serpent**: This is a decent body. I can't just leave it to Ka.
**Grey Serpent**: His soul will be thoroughly corrupted, then released back into this husk...
**Grey Serpent**: If any of you happen to be alive by then, he will finish you off in battle.
**Grey Serpent**: But don't worry. You won't live to see the day.
**Grey Serpent**: And Asumen. You have quite a good husk, too. Old, yes, but very much serviceable...
**Grey Serpent**: Hey, you will be friends again! Ha!
**Asumen**: Grey Serpent.
**Asumen**: The God has shown me the answer.
**Grey Serpent**: Oh? Pray tell. He said you'll die today?
**Asumen**: Indeed. And you will, too.
**Grey Serpent**: Hahahahaha!
**Grey Serpent**: You're funny.
**Grey Serpent**: Die by whom? That brat?
*Grey Serpent looks down on Player*
**Grey Serpent**: Haha! Come. Stop me if you can.
**Grey Serpent**: I shall kill you first. Asumen can wait.
**Asumen**: Go fight, Likely One.
**Asumen**: Ka shall shelter you with miracles, as He has willed.
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Yes, as the teaching of Yancy...
**Player**: I trust myself to the sternest faith in Ka and shall sever the Shadow's deceit with the sword of truth!
*Player battles Grey Serpent*
**Grey Serpent**: Player, master of the Wheel of Fate, vanquisher of Rita, Martin, Kraken, and Srafa the Shadow Rat King...
**Grey Serpent**: My master appreciates your achievements.
**Player**: So? Want me to switch sides?
**Grey Serpent**: Ha! So that you will replace me?
**Grey Serpent**: Martin is enough of a nuisance.
**Grey Serpent**: But at least he follows orders.
**Grey Serpent**: You? I'm better off having you utterly destroyed.
**Player**: If you can, that is.
*The battle continues...*
**Grey Serpent**: Hm. Not bad.
**Grey Serpent**: Normally for a worthy opponent like you...
**Grey Serpent**: I'd have you beg for mercy...
**Grey Serpent**: While administering a very slow death...
**Grey Serpent**: But I have business to attend to elsewhere. You will live a bit longer.
*Grey Serpent summons some Shadowcult priests but Player takes them out quickly*
*Player manages to damage Grey Serpent*
**Grey Serpent**: Good, good.
**Grey Serpent**: You are better than expected.
**Grey Serpent**: The way your power grows, it's surprising...
**Grey Serpent**: No, I'd call it horrifying...
**Grey Serpent**: Looks like I have to end you here and now, while I can!
**Heather**: Lord Grey Serpent!
**Grey Serpent**: ...'Tis but a scratch.
**Player**: (angry)
**Grey Serpent**: ...The point is, you are not in any better shape.
**Player**: (No way... I've tried everything and he's simply overwhelming...)
**Player**: (You don't get to be the Shadowcult's bishop for nothing...)
**Mike**: Leave him to me! I shall take over from here.
**Martin**: Don't soil your hands, Great Master Mike.
**Mike**: Martin?
*Martin descends from a great circle of crows*
**Grey Serpent**: ...Martin?!
*Martin tosses a rose in Grey Serpent's face, forcing him down*
**Grey Serpent**: Well!
**Grey Serpent**: Heather! Keep the traitor occupied! I need time for spellcasting.
**Heather**: Yes! Your Eminence!
**Heather**: Heh. Leave it to me...
*Heather stabs Grey Serpent in the back*
**Grey Serpent**: You...
*Martin begins to absorb Grey Serpent's Flux*
**Martin**: Ha. A decent Flux. Pulsing and nourishing.
*Heather kneels before Martin*
**Heather**: Your Eminence!
*The other Shadow forces in the great hall also kneel*
**Shadow Forces**: Your Eminence!
**Martin**: Tsk. Stand up.
**Player**: (surprised)
**Asumen**: Do you believe in Ka now, Likely One?
**Asumen**: Ka never deceits his disciples.
**Player**: But... Ka said you must...
**Asumen**: Haha. Death is eventual. Sooner or later makes no difference.
**Asumen**: Go, Player, fight bravely, on your faith in Ka.
**Asumen**: Martin in his current shape is even more formidable than Grey Serpent. But who could possibly stand against Ka's will?
**Asumen**: The Lord promised to shelter you with miracles, and so it be.
**Asumen**: You only need to have faith.
**Asumen**: Faith is the only proof you need for the unwitnessed, the impossible...
**Asumen**: Believe with your whole heart.
**Player**: I do. Thank you.
**Player**: And you?
**Asumen**: Um...
**Asumen**: I have served the Lord for well over nine decades. It's about time to witness His visage in person...
**Asumen**: This is my last gift to the world!
*Asumen uses his Flux to form a barrier around the Relic*
**Asumen**: Uh...
**Martin**: Oh. You burned yourself up to cast a barrier around the Relic.
**Martin**: Naive. Heh. You think that will stop me?
*Asumen strength leaves him and he collapses*
**Player**: Bishop Asumen!
**Asumen**: We shall meet again... In His realm...
**Asumen**: Likely One... Player...
*(Asumen closed his eyes, and smiled for one last time.)*
**Martin**: Player.
**Martin**: Apparently you never heeded my words.
**Martin**: And you, Master Mike.
**Martin**: You should go have your fun and hang out with your merry men. Why meddle with my business?
**Mike**: Martin...
**Martin**: Oh? You didn't come for me specifically, did you?
**Mike**: I...
**Martin**: You what, Master Mike?
**Martin**: I reckon you are quite eloquent.
**Martin**: Speak your mind. I grant you as much time as you need for last words, for old time's sake.
**Martin**: Hahaha!
**Mike**: Martin... The thing about power...
**Mike**: The thing about power is that it's not a toy.
**Mike**: You never liked it much since we were young, right?
**Martin**: (smiles)
**Mike**: It was I who always wanted to take father's position so badly...
**Martin**: Aye. You were practically burning with envy when you tried to show to our tutor.
**Martin**: But you failed the exams like an idiot.
**Martin**: Then you believed it's me plotting against you. All the time. Didn't you?
**Mike**: Not anymore. Still, I have never intended to harm you in any way...
**Mike**: Not even a thought...
**Mike**: You were eleven then. Someone spoke ill of mother and I wanted to shut him up with money. You took over the purse and threw it away...
**Martin**: So? What is your point?
**Martin**: Do you mean to suggest you bravely saved me from a beating?
**Mike**: It was the first time ever father was mad at me. I still remember his exact words.
**Mike**: 'Someone insulted your family, and you offered him money?! You insulted your family more than he did!'
**Martin**: Paul was not wrong about that.
**Martin**: He tried to hinder me at every opportunity just to make his own flesh and blood, a useless twat that is you, look not as bad!
**Mike**: You're wrong, Martin. He never meant you any harm. That day... He asked you to take me to settle the score.
**Mike**: And he was smiling...
**Martin**: Shut up, will you?
**Martin**: You talk and talk and talk. Wake up, Master Mike.
**Martin**: The Martin you knew is long dead.
**Martin**: You're now facing the man who killed your father.
**Mike**: Martin... What you have now, do you really call it a life?
**Martin**: Haha! What? You're jealous?
**Martin**: If you're trying to change my way of life...
**Martin**: Well, take away my life if you can. But you can't change my ideals.
**Martin**: Come, try your worst! Revenge your father!!
**Mike**: (angry)
*Mike fights Martin*
**Player**: Mike! I'm here to help!
**Mike**: Yes... Looks like brute force is the only way.
**Shadowcult Mage**: Mar... Your Eminence!
**Shadowcult Mage**: We are on your side!
**Martin**: We?
**Martin**: How dare you claim to be my peer? Stand down!
**Shadowcult Mage**: ...Yes, Your Eminence!
*Player joins the battle*
*Mike's and Player's attacks seem to bounce off of Martin*
**Player**: (Whisper) He's way more powerful than Grey Serpent...
**Mike**: (Whisper) Right... Because he just absorbed Grey Serpent's flux...
**Player**: (Whisper) What now? He's kind of... way out of our league...
**Mike**: (Whisper) ...Maybe I can keep him talking and find a way out of this?
**Martin**: Ha ha ha! Smart, Master Mike!
**Martin**: I can hear every sound of your whisper.
**Mike**: Well...
**Mike**: But Martin, there is a letter that I must show you!
**Martin**: What? From Paul?
**Mike**: Sort of. In fact he is...
**Martin**: Save your breath, Master Mike.
**Martin**: This is your last chance for survival.
**Martin**: To live, you only need to do one thing.
**Martin**: Defeat me.
*The battle continues...*
**Mike**: Martin...
**Martin**: Oh? A round of applause for Master Mike's upcoming lecture.
**Martin**: It's been years. Haven't you learned that even the entitlement of talking has to be earned?
**Martin**: You want me to listen, and read your letter. Okay.
**Martin**: Make me. Defeat me.
**Player**: Enough talking. Let's give him the fight he wants.
**Mike**: Alas...
*After many rounds of fighting, exhaustion overcomes Player and Mike*
**Player**: ...
**Martin**: I expected more fight out of you.
**Martin**: You know how pathetic you are and still stand in my way, Master Mike?
**Martin**: Do you expect me to spare you?
**Mike**: ...There.
**Mike**: In your sleeve...
**Martin**: ...
*(Martin takes the letter out of his sleeve.)*
**Martin**: ...
**Martin**: Haha! Boring old trick.
**Martin**: When did Paul write this?
**Mike**: Very early, since the day the plan began...
**Martin**: The plan?
**Mike**: The day your identity as a Gyee was exposed in Crossport.
**Martin**: ...
**Mike**: Sometimes, I wonder...
**Mike**: If one of us were not Gyee, or if we were not born in Crossport...
**Martin**: ...
**Mike**: Or...maybe if I were not so obsessed with power...
**Martin**: Talking about ifs?
**Martin**: Haha! Do you ever grow up, Master Mike?
**Mike**: ...
**Martin**: Now, if there has to be any "if"...
**Martin**: If you were not such a useless twat?
**Mike**: Yes. Martin... The heir father always had in mind, it was you...
**Martin**: Yeah, until he found out I'm not really his son, ha!
**Mike**: ...No, that was just your misunderstanding. You really are his son!
**Mike**: I knew I was a Gyee long before. When you were exposed, he came up with this plan.
**Mike**: As far as he could see, the only way to keep me, you, and the family safe was to become the highest power that be...
**Mike**: Become the power that is able to subvert, crush, or even own the White Cape...
**Mike**: He knows too well that you are the only befitting candidate...
**Mike**: He had to push you further, in body and mind...
**Mike**: Like in his own younger days, he tried to instill this hate in you, and turn it into a source of power...
**Mike**: I know it's unfair, and it hurts. But trust me, whatever happened, his intention was good...
**Martin**: Enough.
**Mike**: You knew about that all along, Martin, didn't you?
**Martin**: ...
**Martin**: Suppose I did.
**Martin**: What difference would it make?
**Mike**: Martin... Back then you threw the purse away, and retrieved it later, trying to return it to me.
**Martin**: Haha! And you kindly refused.
**Martin**: I thought you didn't need that money. Turned out it was your allowance for the whole month.
**Martin**: That's you. Totally useless, yet going out of your way to make yourself look good.
**Mike**: Later you joined the Shadow, Martin... You burned the entire estate to the ground, but spared the purse...
**Martin**: ...What are you trying to say?
**Mike**: Wake up, brother. This is not you, never was.
**Mike**: You thought that you were not father's son, and that he wanted to kill you. You did what you had to...
**Martin**: Stop it there...
**Martin**: It's too late, Mike. Much too late.
*Martin uses his Flux to burn the letter*
**Mike**: ...
**Mike**: Let it burn... You know what it is about.
**Mike**: But it's not too late yet...
**Martin**: Not too late? What do you mean?
**Martin**: Hahahaha!
**Martin**: Wait. Let me share something with you first.
**Martin**: You thought I only killed father...
**Martin**: Actually I killed mother, too.
**Mike**: What?!
**Martin**: Haha...
*Scene - Flashback, in front of Mike and Martin's house in Crossport*
*Peddie confronts her son, Martin*
**Peddie**: Shadows... Martin... My son...
**Peddie**: No... This can't be real!
**Martin**: Heh, strange...
**Peddie**: This can't be my son! No way!
**Martin**: You're losing your mind again?
**Peddie**: Who are you! Who are you!
**Martin**: I enjoy seeing people in pain, but your pain somehow repulses me.
**Peddie**: Damned Shadows! Give me my sweet Martin!
**Martin**: Don't cry, mom. Get back to your room.
**Martin**: Go have some rest.
**Peddie**: Martin...
**Martin**: It's me, mom. Come here.
*Scene - Kaigon Cathedral great hall*
**Martin**: So, I took the crazy woman to her room and sent her to sleep with Arcana.
**Martin**: And I cleaned her room while I was at it.
**Martin**: Haha. I saw pictures of us as kids. Quite a surprise, really.
**Martin**: Then she woke up. I sat on her bed and said...
**Martin**: 'Look, mom! How can I possibly join the Shadows? You must be having nightmares again!'
**Martin**: She relaxed a bit, and regained composure somewhat.
**Martin**: I told her: 'Rest, mom. I assure you the nightmares won't come back.'
**Martin**: She nodded, then closed her eyes.
**Mike**: And you...
**Martin**: Indeed. I waited till she was sound asleep, then put a damp towel on her forehead...
**Martin**: Wrinkles. On her forehead. More than I remembered.
**Martin**: Probably because she was exhausted. Death came peacefully enough. She didn't fight much.
**Martin**: See, I didn't lie to her. She got rid of the nightmares, for good.
**Martin**: No happiness or sadness, or fear, for that matter. That's death for you.
**Martin**: Then I burned down the house, together with the picture.
**Mike**: Why did you do that?!
**Martin**: To free her from the pain, and to free myself from the burden.
**Mike**: No... Martin, you were not like that...
**Mike**: You never were...
**Martin**: Ha ha! You're just like her, my brother.
**Martin**: Somehow, your pain repulses me, too...
**Martin**: More so than hers!!
**Martin**: It's okay, though. It stops here, today.
**Martin**: I will destroy the Relic, and you will be blown into smithereens in the process.
**Martin**: No more pain for you, and no more burden for me...
**Martin**: A win-win situation, isn't it?
**Mike**: You're destroying the Relic?!
**Martin**: Essence of Light, the Relic of Kaigon, the source of Wanderlight and the Flux the White Turbans are looking for...
*Martin goes to the Relic*
**Martin**: Asumen，you fool. I am now far beyond your pathetic little Flux.
**Martin**: Fear and destruction! I am unstoppable!
**Martin**: ...Hmph!!
*Martin focuses his Flux*
**Mike**: No，Martin! Stop!
**Martin**: ...This is it，brother.
*Martin destroys the Relic and the whole area is flooded in a bright light*
*Scene - Water Nexus*
*When the light subsides, Player finds himself at the Water Nexus*
**Player**: Where am I...? Am I dead...?
*Player turns his head and sees Priapus talking with Triton*
**Player**: That's...
**Priapus**: You lost me there.
**Priapus**: You've been preparing this Flux for so long, even freezing time...
**Priapus**: Why don't you just kill Martin?
**Priapus**: It's way easier than pulling this off, right?
**Triton**: Alright.
**Triton**: Player must live. So does Martin.
**Priapus**: Oh? Why?
**Triton**: ...
**Priapus**: ...Did you look into the future?
**Triton**: Yes.
**Priapus**: Surely you don't need to keep it secret from me?
**Triton**: You will only see more things you cannot change.
**Triton**: And you know it's no good.
**Priapus**: On the other hand, I will see more things that I CAN change.
**Priapus**: So...
**Triton**: Maybe by keeping the future concealed, I am inducing change as well, in one way of many...
**Priapus**: ...
**Priapus**: You up?
**Player**: Did you save me?
**Priapus**: Triton did, technically. I just did a bit of this and that.
**Player**: Thanks...
**Player**: What about Kaigon...
**Priapus**: ...Kaigon is no more.
**Priapus**: Triton didn't stop Martin from destroying the Essence of Light. It blew up in a massive burst of Flux and razed the entire cathedral.
**Priapus**: Then Martin sent his force to exterminate every living soul in the Holy City. They did a thorough job...
**Player**: ...
**Player**: Why...why didn't you stop him?
**Player**: Don't tell me even you are no match for him now.
**Priapus**: I have no idea. I wanted to ask, too...
**Player**: Uh...
**Triton**: Give me the Wheel of Fate. I will recharge it.
**Player**: ...Oh, thank you.
*Player hands the dice to Triton*
*As Triton gathers the power of the Water Nexus, a giant wheel appears out of the dice*
*The runes for Arcana, Earth and Metal Flux shine brightly in the spokes of the wheel*
*Triton raises his trident and another spoke glows with the rune for Water Flux*
*The wheel disappears and Triton hands the dice back to Player*
**Player**: Thank you!
**Player**: Still，I wonder...
**Triton**: Don't worry about that.
**Triton**: Just remember. Constant dropping wears away the hardest stone.
*Triton returns back to the giant merman statue in the Water Nexus*
*Player waits for Priapus to say something*
**Priapus**: Don't stare at me. I don't know everything.
**Priapus**: I know your next question.
**Priapus**: I've been friends with Triton for centuries but frankly, I hardly know what's going on in his head.
**Priapus**: All I can tell you for sure is that...
**Priapus**: Mike didn't die.
**Priapus**: Before joining the Shadow, Martin used to be human.
**Priapus**: Humans are funny. Something deep inside them never changes, joining the Shadow or not.
**Priapus**: He wants to get rid of it, but that just won't happen.
**Player**: (surprised)
**Priapus**: As to stuff like 'what happens next', I suppose...
**Priapus**: I suppose we should go find an old friend.
*A portal appears below Priapus and Player and they quickly disappear*
*Continue to Chapter 23*