The confusion Lucien had expected arrived faster than he hoped.
News of the attacks in the void spread across the five continents within hours.
At first, the reaction was almost dismissive.
The Thousand Races had fought Black Mass monsters before.
They had seen them pushed back.
They had watched armies gather, ancient experts move, and forces that once would have terrified entire continents become part of a larger defense.
So when the first reports appeared, many assumed the situation would resolve itself the same way.
A few conquered worlds were under pressure.
Several barriers had been damaged.
Reinforcements had already been dispatched.
It sounded serious, but manageable.
Then the hours passed.
The attacks did not stop.
More conquered worlds reported movement near their boundaries.
More factions sent elders into the void.
Then casualty reports began appearing.
The confidence of the Thousand Races began to crack.
•••
Public channels filled almost immediately.
