Uvia contacted Ungar; she was currently in a hub city within the realm of Echo-08, Ungar was resting his eyes (though he didn't need to) standing on top of Nova's Compound when Uvia contacted him. "Ungar, it's important." Ungar opened his eyes: "Uvia, what's the situation, how is Hermes?" Uvia smirked: "She's doing fine, but it's been confirmed the Council of Archon is the one who tried to kill her, in fact whoever was with her when she was last seen in your world is undoubtedly the culprit." Ungar thought for a moment: "So it is Mira, is she on the Council? How could that be?" Ungar replied: "Dammit. You're taking care of her though, right?!" Uvia tapped her temple and replied: "Actually at the moment she's under the direct protection of the angels Erisu and Elsa, they said hi by the way." Ungar chuckled: "Then she's in good hands, but still I think I need to talk to a few among us who could handle this information." Uvia replied: "Very well, and on a side note it's worth noting a certain former knight of King Arthur's Round Table and member of the Demon-World Rankers would like to challenge to a friendly duel." Ungar knew instantly: "Percival. It's been sometime, we were once enemies but now I can see we're both on the side of light." Ungar said: "I'll make sure some of us are aware, thank you Uvia." The conservation ended. Ungar thought to himself: "Nova, Narcis, Qayyim Talus and Alan (Hermes' husband), these are the only ones that should hear the truth."
The mess hall of the Tower's lower levels was a far cry from the tense battleground Hermes had just endured. A sprawling chamber lined with long metal tables and flickering lanterns, the air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, spiced stews, and the occasional burnt failure of an experimental dish. It was one of the few places within the Tower where warriors, scholars, and adventurers alike could sit down and pretend, for a short while, that they weren't constantly fighting for their survival. Hermes slid onto one of the benches, stretching her sore arms with a wince. Across from her, Nelly was already halfway through a massive plate of food, the goat-girl tearing into a hunk of bread with an enthusiasm that made Hermes wonder if she had fought her stomach more than the monster earlier. "Didn't take you for the 'quietly brooding over a meal' type," Nelly said between bites, crumbs dotting the fur around her mouth. "What's on your mind? Still thinking about the Maoi-Maoi Fin?" Hermes stabbed at her food with less gusto. "Something like that. That fight with Erisa and Elsa… they were testing me, but I don't think it was just about my strength." Kael Veyra, seated beside them, let out a dry chuckle as he sipped from a small wooden cup. "It's never just about strength in this place. Power is only one piece of the puzzle. It's about what you represent." Vex, the dwarf-like demon, clambered onto the bench with a tray overloaded with food and stolen tech parts. "Bah! Enough of that heavy talk, yeah? We survived, we fought well, and now we eat!" He grinned, shoving a suspicious-looking device aside to make room for a slab of meat. "Besides, you gotta be used to people questioning what you are by now, right, Hermes?" Hermes exhaled through her nose. "That's the problem. I don't even know what I am." From the far end of the table, Zelanius, ever composed, stirred his tea thoughtfully. "Perhaps that is something only the Tower can reveal." His green-skinned face remained unreadable, but there was a calm certainty in his words. A sudden, wet slap interrupted the conversation. The multi-eyed creature that had been hovering nearby decided to unceremoniously drop a plate onto the table, its many eyes blinking at different intervals. "Observation: The goat-girl eats as though she has been starving for days." Nelly shot it a look mid-bite, cheeks puffed out. "Rude." "Correction: The goat-girl eats with great enthusiasm." Kael smirked. "That's… a little better?" Syren, seated in the shadows at the end of the hall, merely shook his head. "This place never changes. Always the same mix of existential crises and bad table manners." Hermes finally took a bite of her meal, savoring the warmth of the food as the mess hall bustled around them. For now, at least, she didn't have to fight for now.
Meanwhile back at Nova's Compound, Ungar got together: Narcis Martreya Buddha, Nova, Alan, and Talus. Ungar was the first to speak: "Okay here's the long and short and you can't tell anyone for the time being, but… it looks like Hermes is alive." Everyone was shocked. Alan shouted: "Are you sure?!" Ungar huffed: "Look I know we have a mission the government wants us to go over tomorrow and that's why I'll be visiting the Demon Realm. I'm the only one who can do that at will, so I figure why not?" Talus smirked: "I should have guessed the kid was too strong for any of that." Ungar replied: "And there's more, Uvia made it clear that whoever was seen with Mira last was the attempted killer, and according to her there's no doubt there part of this group that wants to destroy Mira apparently they think she's a monster, they're called the Council of Archkon." Nova and Alan looked at eachother, "We figured as much, we had guessed that Mira had done it as well." Ungar crossed his arms, "We can't expose Mira not yet and not for a while, if we confirm we're aware of the Council then the Council will pose a greater threat to Hermes, apparently they are convinced that Hermes has been killed." There was a long pause and then Narcis said: "Well then you better get going, we have a meeting tomorrow and you need to say hi to Hermes for all of us." Ungar took off to meet with Hermes.
Meanwhile back in the Demon Realm… Hermes and the others went to sleep the following day, they would have to take a brief test so their powers could be gauged. Hermes and Nelly were roommates and Nelly was excited that her baby sister Baala would be showing up tomorrow to visit them. As per usual Hermes acted incredibly cold and was silent and rude to everyone but Nelly seemed to not care she paid Hermes with undue respect anyway. They went to sleep and the next day when some warriors were passing down the hall something unexpected happened. …and the murmur of warriors sharing tales of past battles. Hermes, still reeling from Erisa and Elsa's revelation, barely registered the noise around her. The weight of their words pressed against her mind—a god? The very notion was absurd, yet it explained what she had survived. It explained why she felt something inside her stirring, something beyond mortal comprehension. Before she could sit, she felt a strange presence hovering beside her. A slight chill brushed her ear, followed by a soft, playful giggle. "Well, well, well, it took you long enough to notice me!" Hermes' eyes widened as she turned her head, only to see… nothing. No—there was something. A small, floating, translucent octopus-like creature with shimmering, prismatic skin and large, mischievous violet eyes. Its tentacles swayed gently, as if suspended in water despite the lack of any liquid around it.
"What the hell—?" Hermes started, her hand instinctively gripping the hilt of her sword. The little creature flipped in the air, laughing. "Oh, relax! You're so jumpy. You must be Hermes. And if I had a heart, it would be bursting with joy to finally meet you!" Hermes narrowed her eyes. "Who—what are you?" The octopus thing twirled its body midair, then puffed up its tiny chest. "I, my dear chosen warrior, am Niffy! Your guardian angel, sent by your Avatar to protect and guide you. So, you're stuck with me!" Hermes' mind reeled. "Guardian angel? Avatar? My Avatar?" Niffy's tone softened slightly, though the playfulness never quite left her voice. "That's right! The you that exists beyond this single life. Call it destiny, divine will, whatever. But you're not alone in this, Hermes. I'm here for you." She wiggled a tentacle. "Oh, and before you freak out, no one else can see or hear me. Just you." Hermes rubbed her temples. As if today hadn't been overwhelming enough. "Great," she muttered. "A floating, invisible, talking octopus. Just what I needed." Niffy gasped dramatically. "Rude! I'll have you know I'm adorable and highly useful. You're lucky to have me!" Hermes groaned, sitting down at one of the tables. "Okay, fine. Prove it. What do you actually do, other than hover and talk too much?" Niffy grinned. "Oh, you'll see soon enough."
The next morning, the warriors gathered in the Tower's central chamber for the Qadar assessment. The room was vast, its high ceilings adorned with intricate sigils that pulsed faintly with an ethereal glow. In the center of the hall stood a large, pristine white square embedded into the floor, seemingly unremarkable but humming with latent energy. Erisa stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the assembled fighters. "This is the test," he announced. "Each of you will place your hand on the square and channel your Qadar energy. The stronger your connection, the more vividly your aura will manifest, revealing the true extent of your power."
The warriors lined up, anticipation thick in the air. Zelanius went first. He stepped forward with practiced ease, pressing his palm to the surface. A faint, deep-green glow emanated from his body, flickering like a flame before solidifying into a steady aura. The runes along the chamber walls pulsed in response, and Erisa nodded approvingly. Nelly was next, practically bouncing as she placed her hoof down. A brilliant golden energy burst forth, crackling like lightning before settling into a warm, radiant glow. "Ha! Not bad, huh?" she grinned as a few warriors clapped. One by one, the others followed. Each display varied—some warriors had weak flickers of light, while others blazed brightly, leaving the air heavy with power. Then it was Hermes' turn. She stepped forward hesitantly, glancing down at the white square as unease settled in her gut. Taking a slow breath, she pressed her palm against the smooth surface. At first, nothing happened. A murmur rippled through the crowd. But before anyone could comment, a sudden, overwhelming force erupted from Hermes' body. A blinding light burst forth, crackling with an intensity beyond anything seen before. The air vibrated violently as a cosmic energy unlike anything in the room surged out of her. The sigils on the walls flared to life, glowing so fiercely that they seemed on the verge of shattering. The very foundation of the Tower trembled, as if the universe itself acknowledged the power that had been unleashed. In fact the fabric of the Universe seemed to be breaking down to a degree. Gasps filled the room. Warriors shielded their eyes, while others stumbled back in awe and fear. But Hermes herself wasn't doing it, atleast not completely, but this was her latent potential.
Hidden from everyone else's view, Niffy hovered beside her, eyes (or rather eye) gleaming with mischief and something deeper—reverence. "Time to let them see a glimpse of what you really are," the small being whispered. With an unseen touch, Niffy amplified the flow of Hermes' Qadar, stripping away any barriers that restrained her true potential. The light grew even more brilliant, swirling with infinite hues beyond mortal comprehension. It wasn't just power—it was something primordial, something divine. Erisa's eyes widened, and for the first time, his usually composed expression faltered. "Impossible…" he breathed. The pressure in the room intensified, forcing even the strongest warriors to their knees. A soundless hum resonated through the chamber, like the echo of creation itself. And then, just as suddenly as it began, it stopped. Hermes staggered back, breathless. The runes flickered before dimming, and an eerie silence settled over the hall. The warriors stared at her in stunned silence. Some in awe. Some are in fear. Niffy chuckled, whispering just for Hermes to hear, "Oops. Maybe I overdid it." Hermes swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly. She had felt it—that raw, uncontainable force coursing through her. And worse yet… she knew it wasn't even everything, she knew that she had much more latent potential inside of her."
Erisa commented: "Yes well that's enough for today, you all passed, oh and speak of the devil, Hermes you have a visitor, he's an old friend of mine and my sister actually. Come with us." Niffy shrugged her tentacles. Hermes walked into the other room, and saw a tall looming figure, over 7 feet tall, dark-grey armor that covered his nonexistent body, red eyes from his visor, metal horns facing upward from his helmet and a large black cape, it was her old friend and mentor, Ungar. Hermes was overwhelmed with joy; she ran over crying when she saw Ungar, the cold woman she became, reverted to the kind teenage girl she once was. Ungar barely had time to brace himself before Hermes crashed into him, arms wrapping around his armored torso in a tight embrace. Despite his imposing size and formidable presence, he found himself chuckling as he patted her head lightly. "Alright, alright, kid. I missed you too, but let's not break my ribs."
Hermes pulled back slightly, sniffling but grinning. "You don't even have ribs!" "Exactly," Ungar said, tapping his hollow chest plate with a metallic clang. "But if I did, you'd have crushed them by now." Elsa and Erisa exchanged glances, smirking at the sight of the normally stoic Hermes reduced to a teary-eyed, giddy mess. Nelly, ever the opportunist, nudged Kael with her elbow. "See? Even the tough ones have a soft spot." Kael smirked. "Yeah, yeah. But let's not ruin her moment." Still clinging to Ungar's arm, Hermes looked up at him, her smile faltering just a little. "I thought I'd never see you again." Ungar's voice softened. "Takes more than a little multiversal or universal chaos to keep me away." At that moment, a very conspicuous throat-clearing interrupted them. "Excuse me," Niffy piped up, floating up beside Hermes and dramatically flipping one of her translucent tentacles. "Are you not going to introduce me? Here I am, her adorable, ever-loyal guardian angel, and yet—no introduction? Rude." Ungar stared at the tiny, shimmering creature for a long moment. "...What the hell is that?" Niffy gasped, tentacles splaying dramatically. "That? That?! I am Niffy, spirit guide and source of wisdom extraordinaire! Honestly, the lack of respect around here is astounding." Ungar turned to Hermes. "So, you picked up a talking squid?" "I prefer 'celestial cephalopod,' thank you very much!" Niffy huffed. Hermes groaned, rubbing her temples. "She just showed up. I didn't exactly have a choice."
Ungar hummed, crossing his arms. "Great. Just what you needed—another tiny, loud entity following you around." Niffy gasped again, clutching her tentacles to her chest. "I am deeply offended! Who was the first one?" "Her husband," Erisa said dryly. "Hey!" Hermes snapped, glaring. "Alan is—he's—ugh, shut up." Elsa snorted, barely hiding her amusement. "Alright, lovebirds aside, let's get back to business. Ungar, what exactly brings you here? Other than an emotional reunion and possibly adopting a floating jellyfish?" Ungar sighed, his demeanor turning more serious. "I needed to see Hermes myself, to make sure she was okay. But beyond that, there's something we need to discuss." He looked around at the gathered warriors. "Privately." Hermes wiped the last of her tears away, nodding. "Alright. Let's talk." "Not without me!" Niffy chirped, floating beside her. Ungar groaned. "Fantastic. I can already tell I'm going to regret this."
Ungar along with Erisa and Elsa stood in a private room with Hermes and Niffy. Ungar said: "Look, I know what happened, I know that Mira tried to kill you, but what you may not know is why she did it." Hermes replied in shock: "What do you know? Why could there have been?" Ungar replied: "Because she is a member of the Council of Archon." Hermes replied: "The Council of Archon?" Elsa replied: "The Council of Archon is an ancient group it's said to go back 200,000 years but probably much older it's since rebranded itself as a group that is a moderate rebellious group within the court of King Apollo, the Sun god. They without any doubt in my mind have been around long before King Apollo. They are an ancient cult that fears the coming of the Beast." Hermes frowned, her mind reeling from the revelation. "The Beast? What is that? And why would Mira—?" Ungar sighed, his massive arms crossing over his armored chest. "The Beast is a being of destruction, Hermes. Not just any destruction—absolute annihilation. It is said to be the force that predates even the oldest gods. The Council of Archon believes it will one day awaken and consume all existence. They see it as an inevitability." Elsa leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "The thing is, they don't just believe in the Beast. They think they can stop it—but their methods are... extreme." Erisa exhaled sharply. "They believe that certain individuals—beings of immense power—act as catalysts that will accelerate the Beast's awakening. They hunt those individuals down before they can reach their full potential."
Ungar said: "According to them many have appeared throughout history that have accelerated the rise of the Beast in centuries fast, they thought you were one of them at first Hermes but now they're convinced your not your just a Catalyst, they think you're different, they think you're the beast in mortal form. This is why Mira tried to kill you… In short, you're not just a prophet, you have the essence of a god as well…" Hermes thought back to all the times she fought people who wanted to be a god the example of Prince Lupus and what he said to her (meaning Hermes) appeared in her mind when Lupus said: "I will never bow down to you Prophet, for I will become a God in my own right." Hermes thought to herself: "So I am a Messenger of God, and a divine servant at that as I am one of the gods. I never wanted this. I'm supposed to be divine, but I could not foresee my own betrayal by Mira." Hermes took a deep, steadying breath, trying to process the weight of Ungar's words. A god? A catalyst? The Beast? It all felt too grand, too impossible. And yet… the raw energy she had unleashed, the fear in Mira's eyes before the betrayal—it all pointed to something more than she had ever dared to consider.
Niffy, uncharacteristically silent, hovered beside her, her single eye dim with contemplation. Then, with a shake of her ethereal form, she spoke, her usual mischief laced with something deeper. "Well, that explains a lot. But, you know, if I had to pick a Beast to end all existence, I'd want it to be you." Hermes shot her a glare. "Not helping." Ungar exhaled, the metal of his armor creaking slightly as he shifted. "Look, I don't know what's true and what's superstition, but what I do know is that the Council of Archon won't stop. If they believe you're the Beast incarnate, they will hunt you down until you're either dead… or worse." Erisa nodded grimly. "Which means we need a plan." Elsa, who had been quiet for most of the discussion, finally pushed off from the wall and strode forward. "You said they think Hermes is the Beast. But what if we prove them wrong?" Hermes frowned. "And how do you propose we do that?" Elsa smirked, crossing her arms. "We found the real Beast." Silence fell over the room as the weight of her words settled in. Erisa rubbed his temples. "Do you have any idea what you're suggesting? The Beast isn't some bandit lord hiding in the wastelands. It's a primordial force, something beyond even the gods." Elsa shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. But if we can find something—anything—that proves Hermes isn't the Beast, we have a chance of stopping the Council's hunt. And if we do find the Beast? Then at least we won't be blindsided when it wakes up." Hermes looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers as if she could still feel the raw power coursing through her. "And if I am the Beast?"
Ungar's hand came down on her shoulder, steady and reassuring. "Then we'll deal with it together." She looked up into his glowing red eyes, seeing the unwavering trust there. Her mentor. Her friend. She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. "Alright. Then let's find the truth." A slow grin spread across Niffy's face. "Ooooh, this is getting interesting. An ancient prophecy, a desperate cult, and a reluctant god-in-the-making? I love this story." Hermes rolled her eyes. "Yeah? Try living it." Niffy twirled in the air, flashing with excitement. "Oh, I plan to. Now, where do we start?" Ungar straightened. "I know someone who might have answers. An old ally of mine, one of the last beings alive who has seen the Council's true face." Erisa arched her brow. "And who would that be?" Ungar's voice was heavy with meaning. "The Seer of the Forgotten City." Hermes shivered. She had heard whispers of the Seer before—an entity that existed outside of time, a being neither living nor dead. If anyone had knowledge of the Beast, of Hermes' true nature, it would be them.
Erisa exhaled. "This is a terrible idea." Elsa grinned. "And yet, you're still coming with us." With that, the decision was made. They would seek out the Seer. They would uncover the truth. And perhaps, just perhaps, they would stop the Council of Archon before it was too late. The Seer was on the next floor of the tower, once Hermes reached the next floor she would speak to the Seer after a few days of trials and dungeons. After this Ungar hugged Hermes. "I have to go now Hermes, I just wanted to check up on you and make sure you were okay as well as tell you any useful information." Hermes nodded. Elsa replied: "Hermes, it's time to return to the group, and Ungar… there's someone who wants to see you." Hermes and Niffy left the room while Ungar followed Erisa and Elsa to an elevator. Erisa said: "As we told Uvia, someone wants to battle you." Ungar nodded knowing it was Percival. Once they reached the top they reached a makeshift beautiful arena. A man with blonde hair and shining metal honor stood there with a broadsword, "It's been a long time Demon King, it's nice you've joined the side of good, because of that I can see if I've grown stronger through a friendly duel." Ungar laughed: "You were no match for me back then, perhaps you've grown stronger since. You had to resort to a cheap magic trick to be rid of me." Percival laughed: "I admit I was no match for you then. But let's see if I am NOW!" Both of them leaped into battle.
Sparks erupted as steel met steel, the force of their clash sending a shockwave rippling through the arena. Ungar grinned, his massive frame unmoving as Percival pressed forward, trying to gain the upper hand. The blonde knight's broadsword flashed in the dim light, quick and precise, but Ungar parried with ease, his sheer power evident with each effortless block. "You've improved," Ungar admitted, stepping back just enough to let Percival advance before countering with a brutal swipe. The knight barely dodged, rolling to the side before springing to his feet. "I had to. The world doesn't wait for those who remain stagnant," Percival responded, lunging forward again, his sword moving in a blur. Ungar dodged the first strike but caught the second with his gauntlet, the impact sending small fractures through the reinforced metal. Erisa and Elsa watched from the sidelines, arms crossed. Elsa smirked. "You think Percival actually has a shot?" Erisa shrugged. "Maybe. But Ungar is still Ungar." Percival pivoted, calling upon a burst of magic that ignited his blade with golden flames. He slashed in a wide arc, the fire licking dangerously close to Ungar's face (helmet). The Demon King took a step back, impressed. "Oh? Getting creative now?" Percival didn't respond. Instead, he pressed forward, hammering Ungar with a relentless series of strikes, each one more forceful than the last. The force of the battle cracked the ground beneath them, sending dust into the air as the two warriors clashed. Ungar deflected the blows but found himself forced into a defensive stance. Then, with a sudden burst of movement, Ungar twisted and delivered a powerful punch straight to Percival's gut. The knight was sent flying backward, landing hard on the stone floor. He coughed, the wind knocked out of him, but he still managed a chuckle. "Damn. You still hit like a mountain." Ungar rolled his shoulders, pointing at Percival. "And you're still standing. That's new."
Percival grinned, pushing himself back up. "One more round?" Before Ungar could answer, the doors to the arena burst open, and a hooded figure stepped inside. The air shifted, thick with an unnatural presence. The warriors turned, instantly on alert. The figure's voice echoed through the chamber, impossibly deep and layered. "So… the lost king and the exiled knight still play their games while the world teeters on the brink." Elsa's hand went to her weapon. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?" The hooded figure stepped forward, lowering their hood. Beneath it was a face shrouded in shifting shadows, eyes glowing a piercing violet. "I am the Harbinger of the Forgotten City."
The air grew colder as they followed the Harbinger through the winding corridors beneath the arena. The flickering torchlight cast long, restless shadows along the stone walls, making it seem as if unseen figures whispered just beyond their vision. No one spoke, save for the steady clinking of armor and weapons as the warriors walked. Percival kept a wary eye on their guide. The Harbinger moved without hesitation, their footsteps eerily silent despite the heavy air of magic surrounding them. Whatever they were leading them toward, it was no ordinary meeting. After what felt like an eternity, they emerged into a vast underground chamber. Massive, towering pillars lined the space, their surfaces etched with runes that pulsed with a dull, eerie glow. In the center of the chamber stood a raised platform, upon which sat a figure draped in dark, tattered robes. The Seer. A skeletal hand extended from the folds of the robes, beckoning them forward. "You have come," the Seer rasped, their voice a chorus of whispers layered upon one another. "And so, the threads of fate tighten." Ungar was the first to step forward, his usual bravado tempered by something unspoken. "We don't have time for riddles, Seer," he rumbled. "Tell us what we need to know." The Seer let out a breath that sounded like dry leaves scraping against stone. "Patience, lost king. Truth is a blade that cuts both ways." Percival exhaled sharply. "Enough with the theatrics. If you have answers, give them to us." The Seer's hollow gaze settled on him. "Then look." With a slow, deliberate motion, they raised their hands, and the chamber was swallowed in darkness. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, images flickered to life—visions swirling within the void. A great city, its towers gleaming beneath a twilight sky, stood at the edge of a vast abyss. A monstrous shadow loomed over it, tendrils of darkness seeping into the streets. Screams filled the air as figures ran, their faces twisted in terror.
Then, the vision shifted. A throne room, shattered and abandoned. Blood pooled across the marble floor. A crown lay discarded in the dust. And at the center of it all, a figure stood—a warrior clad in black armor, their face hidden behind a cracked mask. Percival sucked in a sharp breath. "What… what is this?" "The truth," the Seer murmured. "Or rather, one of its many faces." The vision faded, and the chamber returned to the dim torchlight. Ungar's fists were clenched. "That city… I know it." His voice was quiet, almost reverent. "It was real." The Harbinger nodded. "And it will be again. Unless you stop what is coming." Elsa narrowed her eyes. "And what, exactly, is coming?" The Seer's skeletal hand pointed directly at Percival. "The one who will decide it all, the only one with more authority is your little Prophet (Hermes)." Silence hung thick in the chamber as everyone turned to look at the knight. Percival met the Seer's gaze, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow breath, he tightened his grip on his sword. "Then tell me where to start."
The Seer replied: "That is all for now, this is the Prophecy that has yet to be seen, but remember this very well could come to pass." After they left Ungar said: "You didn't tell her the rest of the story, that she's also the reincarnation of ancient goddess (Alrisa) who was sacrificed by the Gods billions of years ago for the sins of all mortal-kind, and to renew life in the Universe funny you neglected that." Erisa replied: "Yes, it's the origin of many creation and resurrection myths, but she doesn't need to know that yet. We don't know if that means being a sacrificial lamb is her fate, but it would only hurt her, if she knew that was a possibility." Ungar turned around. Ungar: "Fair enough, I'm going back to the outside-world, I'll be back, and Percival we'll have a real rematch then. Please take care of Hermes." Ungar took off and returned to the outside world. Within 10 minutes he was back at Nova's Compound where he confronted Talus, Narcis and Nova about the current situation. Meanwhile back in the Demon Realm, Hermes retired to her room as Nelly looked up surprised that she had returned so late.
"Well you're home late," said Nelly. Hermes sighed as she set her sword against the wall, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, it's been a long day," she admitted, exhaustion creeping into her voice. Nelly crossed her arms, concern flickering in her eyes. "Did you find what you were looking for? Did the Seer give you any answers?"
Hermes hesitated before responding. "I didn't really see the Seer, but I got an idea of what he would say and I learned a lot. Maybe more than I wanted. But also… not enough." Nelly tilted her head. "Cryptic as always, I see. What did they tell you?" Hermes sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. "That I have a role to play in what's coming. That everything hinges on decisions I haven't even made yet." She let out a bitter laugh. "As if that makes anything clearer." Nelly sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Hermes. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together." Hermes smiled faintly. "Thanks, Nelly. I just… I need some time to process everything." Nelly nodded. "Then get some rest. You look like you've been through hell." Hermes chuckled. "Not far off." As she lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind raced with the Seer's words. The vision of the ruined city, the looming darkness, the cryptic mention of her role in the unfolding prophecy—it all weighed heavily on her. And then there was the nagging feeling that something else was being kept from her. Hermes declared: "I think I need to start preaching my religion again about the oneness of God." Nelly said: "My little sister is coming tomorrow, I guess she'll get a kick out of that, but be careful people are set in their ways, there can be a negative to that." In her mind the memory of Mira trying to kill her flashed in Hermes' mind. Hermes: "Yes I know."
Meanwhile, back at Nova's Compound, Ungar stood before Talus, Narcis, and Nova, his expression grim. "The situation is worse than we feared," he said, crossing his arms. "The Seer confirmed it—something is coming, something that threatens the balance of all realms. And Percival… he's more important to this than we ever realized." Nova leaned forward, intrigued. "Explain." Ungar sighed. "The Seer believes he is the deciding factor. That his choices will either prevent the catastrophe or accelerate it. And Hermes… She has a connection to all of this as well, but Erisa chose not to reveal the full truth to her yet." Narcis scoffed. "Typical. Keeping people in the dark as if that will protect them." Talus nodded, deep in thought. "We need to act carefully. If what you say is true, then we have little time to waste." Nova stood. "Agreed. We need to start gathering our forces. If war is coming, we'll be ready." Ungar nodded, but his mind lingered on one thing—the truth Erisa had withheld. The truth about Hermes' true nature. It was only a matter of time before she learned the full story. And when she did… Nova replied: "Well come on we have an Ethernet meeting with the government in five minutes let's head into the compound and hear them out."