A call sounded in the depths of the Phantasm Chaos realm, summoning a seemingly random assortment of Leviathans. No one outside of those who were called even knew about it, but very quickly it became obvious what the pattern between them was.

All those being summoned… were partners!

A certain thought flashed through their minds, but they denied it. How could it be possible? The whole reason their race had secluded themselves to their realm was so that this flaw of theirs could be fixed. So how could it suddenly have changed?

Yet indeed, that is exactly what happened. News spread that enough space had been created in the universe… for one more Phantasm Leviathan. Which one of those couples could give birth to that next offspring was entirely up to luck – for all of them would be provided with the resources required to give birth.

They did not understand, and they did not need to understand. It was a glorious day.

Yet after all the couples were dismissed, off busy preparing for an attempt at having a child, another Leviathan was called, who then quickly left the Phantasm Chaos realm – the first Leviathan to do so in nearly an Age.

They needed to understand why such an unexpected change had taken place, and sending out a single Leviathan to do the task was enough.

Even if the Phantasm Leviathan were no longer members of the Sage races, it hardly mattered. The Leviathan had never given any credence to that spectrum, anyway. The oldest of them had already been there when that was made into a universal law, and their understanding of it far surpassed most races.

The first thing the Leviathan did once it left the universe was not to begin his search for the secret, but to make contact with the dragon race. Although this race was neither Elder, nor Sage, who could blame the Leviathan for paying so much attention to them? After all, the Leviathans knew more ancient secrets than anybody…

*****

Orin was a hard worker, despite being a deity. In fact, it could even be said that the reason he was so successful as a deity was because he was so hardworking. His faith, his legends, they had little to do with protecting his people or being a great leader. Instead, it was tied to his creations, and the ores he worked with. It was tied to the treasures he created.

The more precious treasure that he created, the stronger his legend would become, the deeper his lore would be, and the more feedback he could absorb.

He had passed his test and joined the Midnight Inn a long time ago, and since then he had been working day and night to prepare everything. How could he sleep when he still recalled that amber treasure that the Innkeeper had shown him – the core of the Karmic bead he was to create?

He couldn’t. Sleep, rest, they were for those who lacked a mission – and Orin had an immense mission.

Before the Karmic Bead could be made, it required a suitable forge. While the dwarves had a forge made of Veevatil, the Innkeeper did not want to take it – not to mention that it did not suit the scale and design that the Innkeeper had in mind.

So, Orin had been working hard and preparing everything he could to create the forge. He was only missing a few, key ingredients. As it turned out, that day, Lex showed up with just the items he needed – and a few more besides. That actually confused him.

“I don’t understand, this wasn’t a part of the plan,” Orin said, looking up at Lex.

“The plan has changed, somewhat. Previously, the forge was going to use a trapped star as its firesource, mainly because it was the strongest and purest available firesource on short notice. Now, though, I have managed to bring back something far more suitable, and potent besides, to serve as the core of the forge. I will help you, but we’re going to need external help as well.”

Orin shook his head, in confusion.

“No, it still doesn’t make sense. A forge like this… magic like this, it needs time to sit, to mature. It will take hundreds of years for just the forge to be ready.”

Lex shook his head.

“That’s just the problem. We no longer have so much time. The Karmic Bead needs to be ready as soon as possible – even if we have to sacrifice the forge in the process. A proper forge can be constructed afterwards, once the bead is prepared.”

Orin frowned. He didn’t like the idea of making a flimsy forge, one that could only tolerate a single use at that. But he also understood that the Karmic Bead was a powerful tool, and for there to be such a rush, the Innkeeper must have great need of it.

The dwarf took a deep breath, and mentally prepared himself.

“Alright then. Let’s go.”

Lex merely nodded, and then led Orin to the largest volcano available within the bounds of the Midnight Inn.

Unlike what one would expect, the volcano was made of pure spirit crystal, and had been formed during the creation of the realm itself, when pure, volcanic spirit liquid had erupted out from it, forming the surrounding range.

Although the core of the volcano was no longer linked to molten spirit, it provided a nearly indestructible structure within which to contain the most potent of flames. This was ideal for the firesource Lex had brought back from Abaddon.

“Let’s get to work. We need to first make some additions to the volcano to contain the firesource, and not allow it to overflow,” said Orin as he studied the depth of the crystal mountain. “We also need a way to channel the fire at will, not to mention create a platform where the forger won’t be blasted by the flames, yet can use them for the forging process.”

“I’ll follow your lead,” said Lex, folding up his sleeves and starting to work.

In the back of his mind, he sensed a familiar aura – one he hadn’t felt in a long time. Giselle – she had returned to the Inn. But now wasn’t the time to think about her. He could not distract himself from his task.

He was going to kill that blasted Go board freak, once and for all.

Apparently ppl still don’t knw abt it: discord.gg/yqCkHedcUP