Ascending Gods

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## **Main Background**

Challenge Tower

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**Ascending Gods** is the 21st Standard Ultimate Wizard quest released for the Global version of Crash Fever, albeit at Spectre difficulty.

After the events of The Demon Star, Wendigo asks Ghatanothoa if the "brothers and sisters" that she mentioned are coming towards them now. Ghatanothoa says she doesn't know what they are doing, and that she only came there to see Azathoth. She looks around the room, and comments that since they all have a somewhat similar smell to Azathoth, she can't seem to find her. Tsathoggua asks what she plans to do with Azathoth, but Ghatanothoa just ignores her while looking around the room. Ghatanothoa says this is all weird, and asks who they are and why they smell like her "friend", although they smell a little bit different.

There is suddenly a monstrous growl heard from a nearby room. The members of Dream Kingdom and Miskatonic gather around a heavy metal door that connects the lab to the room where the noise came from, and they get ready to fight. Necronomicon asks Cthulhu what is in the room, and Cthulhu responds that the room is Azathoth's chamber. Necronomicon, concerned, says that she thought Azathoth was sleeping. Cthulhu responds that that is how Azathoth spends most of her time.

The door flies open, and Necronomicon assures everyone that they can pacify Azathoth again as they did before. Once the dust settles, Azathoth comes into view. She yawns, and then clutches her stomach as the same growl from before is heard. In a somewhat sleepy manner, she heads directly towards what appears to be a giant refrigerator. Azathoth says she feels very hungry, and everyone around eases up once they realize that Azathoth does not pose a threat to them in that state.

Ghatanothoa excitedly goes to Azathoth, and says that she missed her so much. She goes and hugs Azathoth, much to Hastur's annoyance. However, Azathoth just expresses slight annoyance at Ghatanotha. Ghatanothoa says that, if Azathoth is hungry, that's great because Ghatanothoa brought a treat for Azathoth. She happily points to the pile of twisted bodies, and Azathoth groggily says that will do.

Nodens notes that Azathoth's form is unstable as she keeps shifting colors, but Cthulhu explains that the algorithm that stabilizes Azathoth has some bugs in it. She says that she has almost worked it out, but this is a minor side effect. Azathoth starts heading back to her chamber, taking the pile with her. Ghatanothoa starts speaking to Azathoth excitedly. Azathoth reaches her chamber and goes inside while Ghatanothoa remains outside. Ghatanothoa asks if she can come in, mentioning that she has so much to tell Azathoth about. Azathoth responds that she is too sleepy, and closes the door with a slam. Ghatanothoa turns back to the group with a smile, although there is a bit of disappointment in it.

Tsathoggua looks between Ghatanothoa and the incapacitated Algol, and remarks that the situation keeps getting worse. Tsathoggua then says to Necronomicon that, while she knows that Necronomicon would prefer to keep Nakoto out of this, she would like her to summon Nakoto there. Tsathoggua says that they will need all the help they can get. Necronomicon expresses concerns about Nakoto falling into the wrong hands again, but Tsathoggua says that she doesn't foresee that happening. Necronomicon acknowledges her, and sends a message to Nakoto, who arrives shortly afterwards. Tsathoggua explains that they are dealing with chaotic forces on the level of Azathoth again, and while her vision isn't fully clear, she thinks Nakoto will play an important role once again.

Nakoto notices Algol, and asks who it is. Tsathoggua explains who she is and how Algol wasn't infected, but trails off as she mentions Algol's brother. Cthulhu states that, unfortunately, the initial spreading of the virus did not match her expectations. Annoyed at Cthulhu's tone, Tsathoggua says that she had hoped that Cthulhu would have changed her attitude after Azathoth; she notes that Cthulhu is still committed to "this godforsaken experiment". Hastur says that, while the C-Virus should continue to spread, they need to keep better control of it. Tsathoggua scolds them and points out how meddling with it has caused nothing but disaster. Cthulhu just responds that all great scientists have risked everything for the betterment of mankind, but Tsathoggua asks if the side effects don't matter. Wendigo tells them that this is no time to fight among themselves. He points out that they all can agree that a great threat is on the way, so they should focus on that. R'lyeh asks Tsathoggua if she has any new details to share.

Eibon, confused, comments that everyone is fighting and she doesn't know why. She notices a large monitor in the corner of the room. She wonders if the gameshow from earlier is still on, and goes to the monitor to check since she wants to take her mind off the current issues. She turns on the monitor and watches at a low volume. The host of the show mentions that it is the gaming show ALICE Arcade. The host then mentions that the current champion, Atlach-Nacha, is doing as expected of her long-awaited return as she remains in first place by a large amount.

Meanwhile, Tsathoggua finishes her explanation, saying there isn't much new. Tsathoggua notices Eibon watching in the corner, and asks her what she is watching. Nodens tells Eibon to turn it off, asking her to at least pretend to understand the severity of the situation they are in. Eibon apologizes, and goes to turn it off before Tsathoggua tells her to turn the volume up instead. Confused, Eibon does so.

On the screen, suddenly a female figure rushes up to the host and takes him out with a blow to the neck. The woman tells nobody to move, and that they have the screen surrounded. She orders the cameramen to keep filming. Atlach-Nacha asks the girl, Dagon, what she is doing there. Dagon says that is what she came there for, and reminds Atlach-Nacha that she was told to stop messing around with these games and to do her job. Atlach-Nacha just says that she doesn't take orders from anyone, and asks what Dagon is going to do if she refuses again. Dagon tells her that she isn't alone there, but Atlach-Nacha just says it is a bluff.

A male figure suddenly comes into view, and Tsathoggua points at the screen in terror, saying "It's him! He's here!". The man tells Atlach-Nacha that he knew she would say that, and as such he has come directly. He tells her no more games, and this time she is coming with him. Atlach-Nacha, referring to the man as Hypnos, ignores his threat. Hypnos tells Dagon to make sure that Atlach-Nacha doesn't move, and says he has a message to deliver to a very special viewer. Dagon acknowledges the order, but Atlach-Nacha says she isn't going anywhere as she still has a gameshow to win once they get out of there. Hypnos then looks directly at the camera.

Hypnos speaks directly to the adapter, and says that he knows they are watching. He says that what they have been calling "chaotics" are just pale imitations of the real thing. He explains that chaotics are normal avatars that were just touched by divinity. He explains that his group is different, and it takes time to become the true chaotics - The Old Ones, or "the Pures". He says that, no matter how hard the best scientists try, they will never achieve full divinity, unless they join the Pures.

Hypnos says that he knows how to reach the level of gods, and thus has a proposal. He mentions that he watched the adapter's battle with Azathoth with great interest. He says that, should the adapter be turned "Pure", they would be a great asset to them. He remarks that he already knows what the adapter's response will be, so he will tell the adapter what is at stake. He explains that half of ALICE is now watching this program, thanks to Tsathoggua's Arkham Report telling everyone to stay home. Tsathoggua becomes angry, remarking that Hypnos tricked her.

Hypnos continues to explain, threatening that, if the adapter doesn't come there immediately, he will infect all of the viewers with their special strain of the C-Virus. He mentions that Ghatanothoa has likely given them a preview of what that might look like. He encourages the adapter to come embrace divinity, and reminds them that, even if the viewers close the stream, their addresses have been logged; thus, no matter what, the adapter must get involved. He tells the viewers that they might as well keep watching. He turns back to speak with Atlach-Nacha, but she just ignores him and continues speedrunning an old game.

Eibon says that they need to stop Hypnos and help Atlach-Nacha. Meanwhile, Tsathoggua starts to blame herself for what happened, as she directly put countless people in danger by telling them to stay home. Cthulhu remarks that the Old Ones have the means to spread the virus in the manner she attempted previously, but over the regular web instead of the Dark Web. R'lyeh says that they need to stop the spread of the C-Virus, and tells the adapter that they have her support.

As they start to leave, Algol gets up and says that it seems they have a common enemy. Tsathoggua asks when Algol woke up, and Algol responds that she has been listening for a while and heard Tsathoggua's argument with Cthulhu. She acknowledges that Tsathoggua doesn't advocate the spread of the C-Virus. Algol turns to the adapter and asks them to take her with them, so she can help prevent anyone from suffering the fate that her brother did.

Cthulhu mentions that she is coming as well. Algol protests, saying that she heard what Cthulhu said, and how she wants to keep spreading the C-Virus. Tsathoggua asks Cthulhu what her motivation is, and Cthulhu explains that, while she thinks the C-Virus is beneficial, they don't understand this new strain. She also expresses concerns about what the "Pures" do with it, pointing to Ghatanothoa. Ghatanothoa asks if they're going to meet her brothers and sisters, and expresses her desire to come along. The group heads out to confront Hypnos.

As the group goes to fight Hypnos, however, Cthulhu stands in between them, arguing that she needs to learn his methods and that this is too good of an opportunity to waste. However, the group defeats her and continues on, with Atlach-Nacha assisting them. Dagon tries to block them, but is defeated as well. Ghatanothoa, unaware of the conflict, temporarily gets involved before stepping out of the way. The group confronts Hypnos, who declares that the group is no match for the Old Ones.

After a long battle, Hypnos is defeated, and remarks that the adapter has exceeded his already high expectations. He bids farewell, and appears to dissolve, with Dagon nowhere to be seen. Necronomincon asks where he went, but Atlach-Nacha just says that there is no point, as Hypnos is never found unless he wants to be. The cameraman ask if they can stop broadcasting now, and Atlach-Nacha says the threat is gone, as Hypnos apparently respects the adapter enough to not pull any cheap tricks. She then asks where all the other contestants went, as she was about to win. The cameraman flips a switch to stop the broadcast, and runs out.

R'lyeh asks if Atlach-Nacha is not aligned with the rest of the Old Ones, and she responds that being in a group is not for her. R'lyeh asks for her assistance, but Atlach-Nacha says that she just wants to play games. Cthulhu goes up to Atlach-Nacha and asks what she knows about this new strain of C-Virus and how it spreads. Algol asks why Cthulhu is still there, remarking that Cthulhu betrayed them just like she thought she would. Algol goes to attack Cthulhu, but Wendigo steps in between.

Wendigo tells Cthulhu it is best for them to go, pointing out that Azathoth needs to be monitored and things are only going to get ugly if they stay there. Cthulhu protests, saying she has so many questions, but a firm stare from Wendigo makes her quiet. She reluctantly leaves with her father, while remarking that emotions holding back progress is nothing new. Algol shouts at Cthulhu, calling her a coward while Tsathoggua and Necronomicon hold her back. Algol says that, while she knows the strength of family bonds as well as anyone, why do they continue to defend Cthulhu? Tsathoggua begins to mention that her sister will do something in the future, but collapses. Algol looks at her with disgust, but her anger has gone away.

Atlach-Nacha remarks that this family drama is some heavy stuff, and thanks the adapter for helping since Hypnos would have kept nagging her. She goes to leave, but Eibon tells her to wait. Necronomicon asks Eibon if she thought of a question, but Eibon holds out a retro portable gaming console. She asks Atlach-Nacha for an autograph, and Atlach-Nacha quickly signs it before leaving. Nodens looks angrily at Eibon, and reminds her what they told her earlier about "reading the room".

Suddenly Dagon speaks to the group, having been hidden amidst the scaffolding of the studio. She says that, while she doesn't know what Ghatanothoa told them, the group can't possibly fathom the number or devotion of those who support Hypnos. She remarks that the time for them to rule has come, and the group's era is over. She disappears in a manner similar to Hypnos.

## Counter Units

The Regional Festival counter units for this quest are Atlach-Nacha and Dagon. The Regional Spectre counter unit for this quest is Algol.

## Quest Overview

* [Prologue 1]
* [Prologue 2]
* [Spectre]
* [Epilogue]

## Post Quest Blurbs

* **A True Gamer:** Atlach-Nacha plays everything, but specializes in retro games. She also speedruns and competes in fighting game tournaments.
* **Hypnos:** This mystifying man appears to be leader of the so-called 'Pures' and possesses the ability to spread a new strain of 'C.'
* **Elder Gods Called Pures:** On another level of power compared to normal avatars with 'C,' their kind has lain mostly dormant and undetected for ages.
* **ALICE Arcade:** Contestants are generally in the younger age-bracket, but Atlach-Nacha was the reigning champion before disappearing abruptly.

## Trivia

Work in progress.