"All of them are pieces of the Demon Rulers or the Evil Gods! Every single one has been compromised, turned into servants of forces that want nothing except our complete annihilation."
Damian's mind flashed backward, finding the same organization names spoken by the unnamed four what felt like years ago.
But one phrase cut through everything else, refusing to settle.
'Evil Gods? What the hell is this now?'
The thought came sharp and confused.
'How many cosmic forces are fighting over our world? How many players sit at this table that I don't even know about?'
The Sage continued without pause, his second finger rising.
"The pro nobles consist of Thorne, Langsten, Blackwood, and Evergreen families."
His voice carried something approaching contempt mixed with pragmatism.
"They are those who only seek benefits for their own families. They've already prepared survival backups in other worlds, secured their bloodlines' continuation regardless of what happens here."
