Chapter Three Hundred Nine: ‘O, sighing Maiden...’
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What a bother. It was times like these when she wished she wasn’t such a sucker for a pretty face. That Magician of Light was a dangerous boy, indeed. Kept himself nice and young, too.
If only he didn’t have the spirit of an old bore. She would’ve fallen for him years ago, if he acted as youthful as he looked. Hell, she might’ve even allowed herself to age a little in order to give him a child or two. Only a few men over the course of her very long life had ever earned that honor from her. And Xander certainly had both the brains and the beauty to qualify.
Just not that certain x-factor. That spark.
Of course, it might’ve also helped if he didn’t rebuff her every advance, but she was sure she could’ve overcome that little hiccup, given time.
Sai-hee could be a very persuasive woman, after all.
She’d kept her own youth well intact, of course. Of the four emperors, she looked the youngest by far, still in her mid-twenties. Her long, flowing locks would have been black as night if not for their silky sheen, and her unmarred skin was as pale as the moon itself.
She’d been in the midst of dealing with a rather stubborn clew of greatworms when Xander found her. The silly boy had nearly gotten himself killed--or seemed to, at least. Perhaps that had merely been one of his holographic projections. Jun had told her that there was some trick to seeing through them, but she hadn’t really been paying that close attention. That lady, as much as Sai-hee appreciated her, had always had a way of wearing down the patience of her listeners.
But that Sermung was certainly a shrewd one, sending his Magician like that. Only Jackson might have made for a more compelling messenger, but from what she’d heard, that poor fellow was thoroughly indisposed, at the moment. Too bad his bitch wife was too busy to take care of him, for once in her useless life.
Instead, the harpy was here, in the middle of the Luthic Ocean, risking her stupid neck in yet another unwinnable battle.
Ugh. If Xander had mentioned she would be here, Sai-hee might’ve refused him.
Okay, no, she wouldn’t have. But she would’ve wanted to.
The pretty boy had posed his case well. Distracted though she may have been by his oblivious charm, it didn’t change the fact that this was indeed the right move, for a variety of different reasons.
A dark serial novel. Set in a modern fantasy world called Eleg. Mature language. Updates every night at midnight PST by ~400 words.
Friday, February 28, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Page 3797
‘I don’t sense any kind of change in them yet,’ said Dozer.
‘Could still be a ways off,’ said Morgunov. ‘If the Void State is only preparing for the new arrival, then maybe it’s still a few minutes away. Or hours, even! With how long these fights can last, there’s no telling!’
‘If that is so, then it is almost as if the Void State is telling us to kill them both before one of them breaches through.’
‘Eheh. Maybe it is! Do you think the Void cares about the two of us that much?’
Now there was a loaded question. He decided to ignore it. ‘There IS another explanation for this, you know.’
‘Sure. But if it’s Sermung, he wouldn’t already be attuned to the Void State, right? He’d need a bit of time within the fury of battle.’
‘Unless, perhaps, he has been fighting elsewhere.’
‘What, you mean he’s pre-gaming? For a fight against BOTH of us? I mean, that’s just insulting. He wouldn’t want to come into this tired.’
‘Tired? You and I are not tired, and we made it here. Why would he need to be?”
‘Actually, I’m feelin’ pretty winded.’
‘Mm. Pitiful.’
‘Okay, man, I’ve been fighting for like two weeks straight. You don’t get to make fun of me yet. Not until your old ass has been in the fryer for at least as long.’
‘If it is Sermung, then he must be about to teleport in, because I do not sense his presence anywhere nearby.’
‘Tch, I hate that he can do that.’
‘You hate that you were not able to replicate it.’
‘I could’ve! If I’d kept working the problem, I could’ve!’
‘So why didn’t you?’
‘I got distracted.’
‘That is equivalent to failure.’
‘Nuh-uh! A victory delayed is still a victory earned!’
‘Not if Sermung kills you today.’
‘Puh! Worry about yourself, old man.’
‘That was not worry. I assure you.’
‘Whoop. I sense another change. Whoever it is, they’re close now.’
Indeed, Dozer could sense it, too. The Void State was practically trembling. A hidden earthquake, of sorts. Perceptible only to him and Morgunov.
And then there was enough. The new presence began to crystalize, and he could finally tell who it was.
‘Nooo!’ laughed the Mad Demon, disbelief in his tone.
It was a rare moment of shared sentiment between them, because Dozer could hardly believe it himself.
How many years had it been since Sai-hee, the Empress Peacemaker, had decided to make such a bold move as this?
‘Could still be a ways off,’ said Morgunov. ‘If the Void State is only preparing for the new arrival, then maybe it’s still a few minutes away. Or hours, even! With how long these fights can last, there’s no telling!’
‘If that is so, then it is almost as if the Void State is telling us to kill them both before one of them breaches through.’
‘Eheh. Maybe it is! Do you think the Void cares about the two of us that much?’
Now there was a loaded question. He decided to ignore it. ‘There IS another explanation for this, you know.’
‘Sure. But if it’s Sermung, he wouldn’t already be attuned to the Void State, right? He’d need a bit of time within the fury of battle.’
‘Unless, perhaps, he has been fighting elsewhere.’
‘What, you mean he’s pre-gaming? For a fight against BOTH of us? I mean, that’s just insulting. He wouldn’t want to come into this tired.’
‘Tired? You and I are not tired, and we made it here. Why would he need to be?”
‘Actually, I’m feelin’ pretty winded.’
‘Mm. Pitiful.’
‘Okay, man, I’ve been fighting for like two weeks straight. You don’t get to make fun of me yet. Not until your old ass has been in the fryer for at least as long.’
‘If it is Sermung, then he must be about to teleport in, because I do not sense his presence anywhere nearby.’
‘Tch, I hate that he can do that.’
‘You hate that you were not able to replicate it.’
‘I could’ve! If I’d kept working the problem, I could’ve!’
‘So why didn’t you?’
‘I got distracted.’
‘That is equivalent to failure.’
‘Nuh-uh! A victory delayed is still a victory earned!’
‘Not if Sermung kills you today.’
‘Puh! Worry about yourself, old man.’
‘That was not worry. I assure you.’
‘Whoop. I sense another change. Whoever it is, they’re close now.’
Indeed, Dozer could sense it, too. The Void State was practically trembling. A hidden earthquake, of sorts. Perceptible only to him and Morgunov.
And then there was enough. The new presence began to crystalize, and he could finally tell who it was.
‘Nooo!’ laughed the Mad Demon, disbelief in his tone.
It was a rare moment of shared sentiment between them, because Dozer could hardly believe it himself.
How many years had it been since Sai-hee, the Empress Peacemaker, had decided to make such a bold move as this?
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Page 3796
‘Good luck with that,’ said Dozer. ‘He’ll never show himself before you unless the stakes are sufficiently high.’
‘Yeah, he’s been a real jerk about that, lately. Even more so than you, actually! And you never do shit! Maybe you could help me test my Roberts out, then!’
‘I don’t think you want me to do that.’
‘Pah! Why? Because you you’d destroy them totally? Big talk, old man! I bet they’re tougher than you think!’
‘Is that another wager I hear?’
‘It might just be!’
‘Interesting. Once we’re done here, bring them to my camp and have them assist against the Mendocava. If they prove useful in concluding my business there, then I will test them for you.’
‘Mm, tempting, tempting! But I feel you’d be getting way more out of this than I would!’
‘We can work out the details of the wager later, once it is assured to occur.’
‘Sure, but I’m still lending you my toys. My toys that I’ve spent years working on, by the way! You gotta give me something more for that kind of assistance!’
‘What do you want?’
‘Hmm! Mmm! How about Lucky?!’
‘Why are you so fixated on him?’
‘Honestly, I dunno! He just seems like a funny little guy! Piqued my curiosity, somehow!’
‘Honestly, you’re lying.’
‘Bah, you always think that!’
‘Because it’s always true.’
‘Is not!’
‘What if I offered some land, instead?’
‘Land? I got plenty of land. What do I need yours for? You’re just being stingy because I expressed an interest in something! That’s so spiteful! Just gimme--’ Morgunov cut himself off, and a beat passed. ‘...You sense that?’
He did. A new presence. Faint but distinct. Even the Void State itself was beginning to shudder. But why?
Because it was preparing.
To welcome another into this place. A third mind capable of existing here.
‘Who is that?’ said Dozer.
‘Can’t tell yet,’ said Morgunov. ‘Ooh, maybe it’s one of these two here. Finally manifesting a presence of their own, hmm?’
Sanko or Lamont? He greatly doubted that, but it was possible, he supposed. Even he and Morgunov still knew very little of this Void State, since it was virtually impossible to study. Neither of them had ever been able to find mention of it in any of the Archives around the world.
Though, admittedly, Morgunov could have been lying about not finding anything. The man liked to claim that he did not hoard knowledge for himself, but Dozer knew better than to take him at his word by now.
‘Yeah, he’s been a real jerk about that, lately. Even more so than you, actually! And you never do shit! Maybe you could help me test my Roberts out, then!’
‘I don’t think you want me to do that.’
‘Pah! Why? Because you you’d destroy them totally? Big talk, old man! I bet they’re tougher than you think!’
‘Is that another wager I hear?’
‘It might just be!’
‘Interesting. Once we’re done here, bring them to my camp and have them assist against the Mendocava. If they prove useful in concluding my business there, then I will test them for you.’
‘Mm, tempting, tempting! But I feel you’d be getting way more out of this than I would!’
‘We can work out the details of the wager later, once it is assured to occur.’
‘Sure, but I’m still lending you my toys. My toys that I’ve spent years working on, by the way! You gotta give me something more for that kind of assistance!’
‘What do you want?’
‘Hmm! Mmm! How about Lucky?!’
‘Why are you so fixated on him?’
‘Honestly, I dunno! He just seems like a funny little guy! Piqued my curiosity, somehow!’
‘Honestly, you’re lying.’
‘Bah, you always think that!’
‘Because it’s always true.’
‘Is not!’
‘What if I offered some land, instead?’
‘Land? I got plenty of land. What do I need yours for? You’re just being stingy because I expressed an interest in something! That’s so spiteful! Just gimme--’ Morgunov cut himself off, and a beat passed. ‘...You sense that?’
He did. A new presence. Faint but distinct. Even the Void State itself was beginning to shudder. But why?
Because it was preparing.
To welcome another into this place. A third mind capable of existing here.
‘Who is that?’ said Dozer.
‘Can’t tell yet,’ said Morgunov. ‘Ooh, maybe it’s one of these two here. Finally manifesting a presence of their own, hmm?’
Sanko or Lamont? He greatly doubted that, but it was possible, he supposed. Even he and Morgunov still knew very little of this Void State, since it was virtually impossible to study. Neither of them had ever been able to find mention of it in any of the Archives around the world.
Though, admittedly, Morgunov could have been lying about not finding anything. The man liked to claim that he did not hoard knowledge for himself, but Dozer knew better than to take him at his word by now.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Page 3795
‘Good,’ said Dozer. ‘Now how much longer should we draw this out?’
‘Mm, getting bored already? We have all the time in the world here. We shouldn’t let it go to waste, y’know.’
‘Yes. So let’s go on with it, then. Tell me of your long-term plans for this continental war that you started.’
‘Long-term plans?’
Dozer wanted to shake his head. ‘I knew it. You have none. You started it on a whim, didn’t you?’
‘Well, I mean, all that geopolitical tension was just sitting there...’
‘You really are a fool.’
‘Alright, look, man, I wanted to do something that would ruffle a few feathers. And the war provided me with some excellent cover for it. But now I’ve basically accomplished my objective, so what happens now with the war doesn’t really matter to me.’
‘Ah. Are you referring to your little escapade in Sair?’
‘Got wind of that, huh? Of course you did. How much do you know?’
‘Not as much as I’d like. I know you ventured out into the Uego Desert, made Jackson and Lamont look like children, kicked off an incursion into Sair, and then left your incompetent men behind to see things through. Which they have not, of course.’
‘What, you disappointed? If you wanted to mount some kind of massive assault on Intar through Sair, then you could have. No one was stopping you from heading over there and picking up where I left off.’
‘I have no desire to get involved in your messes. That is almost always how I end up in situations like this one.’
‘Oh, come on! I know you’re secretly havin’ fun, right now! Just embrace it! If I can admit I lost the bet, you can admit to enjoying my company just a little!’
‘I’d rather saw off my own hand.’
‘That doesn’t mean much when you can just grow it back. Anyway, pushing harder into Sair would’ve been pointless. Yeah, I probably could’ve conquered it ‘n everything, but there’s no way I would’ve held it for very long. Intar would’ve mobilized once things got bad enough, and I’m sure Sermung would’ve shown up soon or later and massacred a buncha my boys.’
‘Were you not looking to test these “Roberts” of yours against him?’
‘I was, but preferably in a lower-stakes setting, first. Without more data on how they’d perform against him specifically, I’d rather not gamble too much on an all-or-nothing battle. Not yet, anyway.’
‘Mm, getting bored already? We have all the time in the world here. We shouldn’t let it go to waste, y’know.’
‘Yes. So let’s go on with it, then. Tell me of your long-term plans for this continental war that you started.’
‘Long-term plans?’
Dozer wanted to shake his head. ‘I knew it. You have none. You started it on a whim, didn’t you?’
‘Well, I mean, all that geopolitical tension was just sitting there...’
‘You really are a fool.’
‘Alright, look, man, I wanted to do something that would ruffle a few feathers. And the war provided me with some excellent cover for it. But now I’ve basically accomplished my objective, so what happens now with the war doesn’t really matter to me.’
‘Ah. Are you referring to your little escapade in Sair?’
‘Got wind of that, huh? Of course you did. How much do you know?’
‘Not as much as I’d like. I know you ventured out into the Uego Desert, made Jackson and Lamont look like children, kicked off an incursion into Sair, and then left your incompetent men behind to see things through. Which they have not, of course.’
‘What, you disappointed? If you wanted to mount some kind of massive assault on Intar through Sair, then you could have. No one was stopping you from heading over there and picking up where I left off.’
‘I have no desire to get involved in your messes. That is almost always how I end up in situations like this one.’
‘Oh, come on! I know you’re secretly havin’ fun, right now! Just embrace it! If I can admit I lost the bet, you can admit to enjoying my company just a little!’
‘I’d rather saw off my own hand.’
‘That doesn’t mean much when you can just grow it back. Anyway, pushing harder into Sair would’ve been pointless. Yeah, I probably could’ve conquered it ‘n everything, but there’s no way I would’ve held it for very long. Intar would’ve mobilized once things got bad enough, and I’m sure Sermung would’ve shown up soon or later and massacred a buncha my boys.’
‘Were you not looking to test these “Roberts” of yours against him?’
‘I was, but preferably in a lower-stakes setting, first. Without more data on how they’d perform against him specifically, I’d rather not gamble too much on an all-or-nothing battle. Not yet, anyway.’
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Page 3794
Dozer had said he was “about to move,” but the truth was, in fact, the opposite. He intended to prevent his movement entirely. So he just braced himself and took it. The window of response was short, but within it, he pumped the inertia of his body up to even greater heights. As much as he could with what little time was available.
The force against his body was tremendous. A tidal wave crashing against a cliffside, trying to break it apart. Tear off a chunk. Pull it into the ocean.
And it didn’t stop, either. After the initial impact, it turned into a storm unto itself, focused entirely on him. Swirling, lashing, swarming.
Dozer barely budged. Even suspended in midair, with nothing to brace himself against but his own power, the attack pushed him hardly a foot backwards before turning into a swarm.
Satisfactory. The bet was his.
Sanko and Lamont did not realize that they had just disappointed Morgunov, however. Nor would they have cared one iota. They resorted to an imprisoning technique, instead.
A wise move. If they could not make him budge, then perhaps they could lock him down.
The temperature plummeted. The water and sediment encased him totally.
A frozen prison, meant to suppress not just his ability to move but even his ability to think.
The numbing of the mind was an especially potent trick against servants. It was the main reason why Iceheart was such a problematic enemy. Wave after wave of servants could be sent against that man, but unless they had a sufficiently powerful method of countering his nigh-unrivaled ability to manipulate atmospheric temperature, those servants might as well have been normal human beings, for all the damage they would be able to do to him.
What a valuable subordinate he would have made. If only Dozer had found him before Sermung.
Rather than breaking himself out right away, Dozer decided to stay in this prison for a few moments. A bit of peace and quiet was a welcome change of pace in the middle of all this mayhem, he felt.
And he still had the Void State. Which he dove back into.
‘It’s my win, fool.’
Morgunov groaned. ‘You can still talk from in there? Shouldn’t Sanko’s cage be blocking your thoughts from me? What, is she not even empowering it with her soul?’
‘She is. I can sense it.’
‘Then how?!’
‘Because this is the Void State, I suppose.’
‘Because this is bullshit, more like!’
‘Stop looking for excuses to delay your concession. You’ve lost. Admit it.’
‘Agh! Fine!’
The force against his body was tremendous. A tidal wave crashing against a cliffside, trying to break it apart. Tear off a chunk. Pull it into the ocean.
And it didn’t stop, either. After the initial impact, it turned into a storm unto itself, focused entirely on him. Swirling, lashing, swarming.
Dozer barely budged. Even suspended in midair, with nothing to brace himself against but his own power, the attack pushed him hardly a foot backwards before turning into a swarm.
Satisfactory. The bet was his.
Sanko and Lamont did not realize that they had just disappointed Morgunov, however. Nor would they have cared one iota. They resorted to an imprisoning technique, instead.
A wise move. If they could not make him budge, then perhaps they could lock him down.
The temperature plummeted. The water and sediment encased him totally.
A frozen prison, meant to suppress not just his ability to move but even his ability to think.
The numbing of the mind was an especially potent trick against servants. It was the main reason why Iceheart was such a problematic enemy. Wave after wave of servants could be sent against that man, but unless they had a sufficiently powerful method of countering his nigh-unrivaled ability to manipulate atmospheric temperature, those servants might as well have been normal human beings, for all the damage they would be able to do to him.
What a valuable subordinate he would have made. If only Dozer had found him before Sermung.
Rather than breaking himself out right away, Dozer decided to stay in this prison for a few moments. A bit of peace and quiet was a welcome change of pace in the middle of all this mayhem, he felt.
And he still had the Void State. Which he dove back into.
‘It’s my win, fool.’
Morgunov groaned. ‘You can still talk from in there? Shouldn’t Sanko’s cage be blocking your thoughts from me? What, is she not even empowering it with her soul?’
‘She is. I can sense it.’
‘Then how?!’
‘Because this is the Void State, I suppose.’
‘Because this is bullshit, more like!’
‘Stop looking for excuses to delay your concession. You’ve lost. Admit it.’
‘Agh! Fine!’
Friday, February 21, 2025
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Page 3793
‘Alright, well, if I win,’ said Morgunov, ‘then I want the Black Hand and the Demonic Tornado. Everyone already thinks that guy works for me anyway, so we might as well make it official.’
‘The latter is fine. The former is not.’
‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, we just went over this! You don’t get a say! It’s my choice!’
‘If I told Ito that he now works for you, he would commit suicide. In fact, I recall him telling you as much himself.’
‘Oh, I remember! That’s why it’d be funny! I wanna see if he’d really do it!’
‘Of course he would. I will not abide such wastefulness. Pick someone else.’
‘Psh. Fine! Hmm!’ The Mad Demon paused for a snicker. ‘The Monster of the East!’
‘He is not a Judicator.’
‘So demote him! C’mon! It’d be hilarious!’
It actually might, Dozer thought. ‘No. Pick seriously.’
‘The Liar of Lyste, then!’
‘He is not a Judicator, either.’
‘Eh, he might as well be! Promote him! Hell, it wouldn’t even BE a promotion! More like a side-motion! A transfer! C’mon! Imagine the look on his face!’
‘Pick someone you actually wish to use and not kill.’
‘What if I promised to let him live?’
‘For as believable as that would be, you might as well promise to never speak again.’
‘Tch! You’re as bad as Bool, y’know that? I swear I’m gonna find your sense of humor, one of these days!’
‘I am about to move. If you do not choose, the bet is off.’
‘Alright, alright! I want Lucky!’
Dozer might’ve blinked at that if he could have. Lucky? That was probably the least accomplished Judicator in his entire army. His moniker--if it could even be called that--stemmed from his reputation of supposedly failing upward. Why in the world would this idiot pick him? Did he know something that Dozer did not?
Agh. After all this back-and-forth, however, he didn’t feel like questioning it, nor did he have any real justification to refuse like he had with the others. ‘Fine.’
And he returned the majority of his attention to the present world.
To the avalanche of destruction heading his way.
A torrential wall of mud and water. A dozen spears of jagged ice, all spinning with such force that the wind and water around them distorted with tornadic fury.
Everything fell upon him simultaneously.
‘The latter is fine. The former is not.’
‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, we just went over this! You don’t get a say! It’s my choice!’
‘If I told Ito that he now works for you, he would commit suicide. In fact, I recall him telling you as much himself.’
‘Oh, I remember! That’s why it’d be funny! I wanna see if he’d really do it!’
‘Of course he would. I will not abide such wastefulness. Pick someone else.’
‘Psh. Fine! Hmm!’ The Mad Demon paused for a snicker. ‘The Monster of the East!’
‘He is not a Judicator.’
‘So demote him! C’mon! It’d be hilarious!’
It actually might, Dozer thought. ‘No. Pick seriously.’
‘The Liar of Lyste, then!’
‘He is not a Judicator, either.’
‘Eh, he might as well be! Promote him! Hell, it wouldn’t even BE a promotion! More like a side-motion! A transfer! C’mon! Imagine the look on his face!’
‘Pick someone you actually wish to use and not kill.’
‘What if I promised to let him live?’
‘For as believable as that would be, you might as well promise to never speak again.’
‘Tch! You’re as bad as Bool, y’know that? I swear I’m gonna find your sense of humor, one of these days!’
‘I am about to move. If you do not choose, the bet is off.’
‘Alright, alright! I want Lucky!’
Dozer might’ve blinked at that if he could have. Lucky? That was probably the least accomplished Judicator in his entire army. His moniker--if it could even be called that--stemmed from his reputation of supposedly failing upward. Why in the world would this idiot pick him? Did he know something that Dozer did not?
Agh. After all this back-and-forth, however, he didn’t feel like questioning it, nor did he have any real justification to refuse like he had with the others. ‘Fine.’
And he returned the majority of his attention to the present world.
To the avalanche of destruction heading his way.
A torrential wall of mud and water. A dozen spears of jagged ice, all spinning with such force that the wind and water around them distorted with tornadic fury.
Everything fell upon him simultaneously.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Page 3792
The fool was playing it up now, Dozer knew. When it came to the men working under him, Morgunov was not nearly as flighty or mercurial as he wanted people to think. It was part of the game that he played as the leader of so many absolute lunatics. An idiotic strategy, to be sure, but one that had somehow managed to keep his half of Abolish from collapsing in on itself dozens of times over.
‘Don’t try that with me,’ said Dozer. ‘I know you obsess over all of your men’s abilities and accomplishments, down to the middle ranks at least. And Judicators are far above that.’
‘Nah, nah, maybe I used to be that way, but I’ve been out of sorts for years. Too busy workin’ on my inventions and stuff. I barely know who’s who, anymore!’
‘You just don’t want to tell me who your best are. Afraid you’ll lose your favorites over a trifling wager. Which, to use one of your favorite words, is quite cowardly of you.’
‘Hoh. Ahh... The c-word, is it? Resorting to that now?’
‘If the shoe fits.’
‘Well, too bad! Not fallin’ for it, this time! The wager is for the winner’s choosing, right? So if I do lose, then that means you have to pick them yourself! Not get me to do it for you! Lazy bastard!’
Hmph. Unfortunately for Morgunov, it would likely make no difference. ‘I want the Crazy Bull and the Jackrabbit.’
‘Agh, you bastard. Why even say all that, huh? When you already knew who my favorites were!’
‘Why would I pass up an opportunity to point out your hypocrisy?’
‘Prick! C’mon, sure you don’t want someone else?! How about the Man of Crows?’
‘The Man of Crows is dead.’
‘Ah. Heard about that already, huh? Your spies’ve been busy.’
Agh. A mistake, Dozer realized too late. He shouldn’t have let slip that he knew about that. Morgunov had said that as a trap for him. A fool as always, yes, but the man was still, at times, a clever fool. ‘I cannot help it if your men like me more than you. When they come to me with information, should I turn them away? Punish them for their ambition? I think not.’
‘Okay, now THAT’S bullshit. My men don’t come to you and yours for anything. Or if they do, it’s to try and swafferdonk your boys out of some resource or another. You’re just tryin’ to prevent me from hunting down the moles you’ve sent over.’
‘Delude yourself however you like.’
‘Don’t try that with me,’ said Dozer. ‘I know you obsess over all of your men’s abilities and accomplishments, down to the middle ranks at least. And Judicators are far above that.’
‘Nah, nah, maybe I used to be that way, but I’ve been out of sorts for years. Too busy workin’ on my inventions and stuff. I barely know who’s who, anymore!’
‘You just don’t want to tell me who your best are. Afraid you’ll lose your favorites over a trifling wager. Which, to use one of your favorite words, is quite cowardly of you.’
‘Hoh. Ahh... The c-word, is it? Resorting to that now?’
‘If the shoe fits.’
‘Well, too bad! Not fallin’ for it, this time! The wager is for the winner’s choosing, right? So if I do lose, then that means you have to pick them yourself! Not get me to do it for you! Lazy bastard!’
Hmph. Unfortunately for Morgunov, it would likely make no difference. ‘I want the Crazy Bull and the Jackrabbit.’
‘Agh, you bastard. Why even say all that, huh? When you already knew who my favorites were!’
‘Why would I pass up an opportunity to point out your hypocrisy?’
‘Prick! C’mon, sure you don’t want someone else?! How about the Man of Crows?’
‘The Man of Crows is dead.’
‘Ah. Heard about that already, huh? Your spies’ve been busy.’
Agh. A mistake, Dozer realized too late. He shouldn’t have let slip that he knew about that. Morgunov had said that as a trap for him. A fool as always, yes, but the man was still, at times, a clever fool. ‘I cannot help it if your men like me more than you. When they come to me with information, should I turn them away? Punish them for their ambition? I think not.’
‘Okay, now THAT’S bullshit. My men don’t come to you and yours for anything. Or if they do, it’s to try and swafferdonk your boys out of some resource or another. You’re just tryin’ to prevent me from hunting down the moles you’ve sent over.’
‘Delude yourself however you like.’
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Page 3791
‘Ah. The Dulvani. Hmm. The Dulvani and the Mendocava. Never knew of a connection between them.’
‘I do not know if there is one,’ said Dozer. ‘I’ve not uncovered any communication between them, but admittedly, matters are still unclear.’
‘Sounds like some interrogations are in order.’
‘Indeed. I was hoping to employ a softer touch with the Dulvani, but if you kill Germal, that option may become untenable.’
‘Softer touch? You mean like asking them nicely for information? Saying “pretty please?”’
‘Better than wasting resources on a needless fight.’
‘Bah. Resources, shmee-sources. You’re always so obsessed about that. Resources are meant to be used! Not hoarded and hoarded for some rainy day that’ll never come!’
‘It’ll never come, will it? Look around, fool. This very day seems quite rainy indeed.’
‘Oh, please. You’re not actually worried about this little tussle, are you?’
‘I am not, but that is beside the point. Crises have a way of sneaking up on the unprepared and careless, such as yourself. This situation still has the potential to begin spiraling.’
‘Mm, I disagree. Now that we’ve both entered the Void State, these poor saps are all pretty well screwed. Doomed. Hecked, even! Our reaction times are through the roof. We can talk as much as we want. Assess the battlefield as much as we want. Coordinate our attacks as much as we want. Even plan far into the future as much as we want! In fact, I’d say that not only is this fight already over, it’s also the beginning of far bigger problems for the rest of the world! Eheh!’
‘Your arrogance will be your undoing, one day.’
‘Promises, promises! You keep telling me that, and yet it keeps not happening! At this rate, they’ll get you before they get me! And then who’ll be the fool, huh?!’
‘Still you.’
‘Hmph! Anyway, those guys are gettin’ awfully close to you over there. You gonna do something about that, or what?’
‘Still mulling it over.’
‘Hah! What, are you thinkin’ you can withstand this simultaneous assault from Sanko and Lamont when you’re already off balance?’
‘I know I can. It is just a matter of whether I want to or not.’
‘Tough talk! Wanna make it interesting?’
‘...What do you have in mind?’
‘I’ll bet you two Judicators that they’re about to send your old ass flying.’
‘Two? Of the winner’s choosing?’
‘Of course.’
‘Do you even have two Judicators in your entire army that I would want in mine?’
‘I don’t know. Do I?’
‘I do not know if there is one,’ said Dozer. ‘I’ve not uncovered any communication between them, but admittedly, matters are still unclear.’
‘Sounds like some interrogations are in order.’
‘Indeed. I was hoping to employ a softer touch with the Dulvani, but if you kill Germal, that option may become untenable.’
‘Softer touch? You mean like asking them nicely for information? Saying “pretty please?”’
‘Better than wasting resources on a needless fight.’
‘Bah. Resources, shmee-sources. You’re always so obsessed about that. Resources are meant to be used! Not hoarded and hoarded for some rainy day that’ll never come!’
‘It’ll never come, will it? Look around, fool. This very day seems quite rainy indeed.’
‘Oh, please. You’re not actually worried about this little tussle, are you?’
‘I am not, but that is beside the point. Crises have a way of sneaking up on the unprepared and careless, such as yourself. This situation still has the potential to begin spiraling.’
‘Mm, I disagree. Now that we’ve both entered the Void State, these poor saps are all pretty well screwed. Doomed. Hecked, even! Our reaction times are through the roof. We can talk as much as we want. Assess the battlefield as much as we want. Coordinate our attacks as much as we want. Even plan far into the future as much as we want! In fact, I’d say that not only is this fight already over, it’s also the beginning of far bigger problems for the rest of the world! Eheh!’
‘Your arrogance will be your undoing, one day.’
‘Promises, promises! You keep telling me that, and yet it keeps not happening! At this rate, they’ll get you before they get me! And then who’ll be the fool, huh?!’
‘Still you.’
‘Hmph! Anyway, those guys are gettin’ awfully close to you over there. You gonna do something about that, or what?’
‘Still mulling it over.’
‘Hah! What, are you thinkin’ you can withstand this simultaneous assault from Sanko and Lamont when you’re already off balance?’
‘I know I can. It is just a matter of whether I want to or not.’
‘Tough talk! Wanna make it interesting?’
‘...What do you have in mind?’
‘I’ll bet you two Judicators that they’re about to send your old ass flying.’
‘Two? Of the winner’s choosing?’
‘Of course.’
‘Do you even have two Judicators in your entire army that I would want in mine?’
‘I don’t know. Do I?’
Monday, February 17, 2025
Page 3790
‘Anyway, I should relax. Shouldn’t get too worked up about something tha hasn’t even happened yet. Tell me what’s been goin’ on with you, old man! We shouldn’t waste this opportunity to bring each other up to speed on everything!’
Ugh. Unfortunately, he was correct about that. This Void State was not something that they could harness at will. It was an emergent phenomenon that only manifested during furious clashes. As much as he might’ve liked to ignore Morgunov’s rambling--or at least postpone it for another occasion after the battle--that would not be a very efficient use of their time.
‘I encountered the Mendocava on the Gettira Plains of Ardora.’
‘Oooh! The skeleton guys?! Our undead cousins?!’
‘You sound even more surprised than I expected. Did your men tell you nothing of what my forces have been up to?’
‘Oh, they probably did. And I probably wasn’t listening. Been kinda busy with my own stuff, lately, y’know? Startin’ a war ‘n all. And besides, I’d rather get the details from the horse’s mouth! Which is you, big fella!’
‘Do you know anything about the Mendocava that might prove useful to me?’
‘Mm, well, now, lemme think here... Haven’t thought about those guys in an Age. But I do recall studying them fairly extensively for a while. Back when I was just an uppity little snot, myself. Historically, the Mendocava are something of an anomaly. They pop up every now and then, cause some sort of ruckus, only to disappear for centuries thereafter. Or longer, even. And this, despite many curious historians’ and adventurers’ best efforts to locate and learn more about them. I remember reading one sad book about a guy who spent his whole life searching for them. Literally, his whole life. From when he was a child until he penned his final work on his death bed. Never encountered them even once. And yet, here you are, stumbling onto them by total accident!’
‘Lucky me.’
‘Benefits of living so long, eh? Now you’re makin’ me want to encounter them, myself!’
‘Join my campaign in Ardora, and you will.’
‘Huh?! You’re really offering me that?! How unexpected! They must be annoying the shit out of you over there!’
‘Not just them. The Jaskadan Forest and the Dulvani, too. It has all devolved into quite the tedious affair. One I’d see resolved sooner rather than later, if at all possible.’
Ugh. Unfortunately, he was correct about that. This Void State was not something that they could harness at will. It was an emergent phenomenon that only manifested during furious clashes. As much as he might’ve liked to ignore Morgunov’s rambling--or at least postpone it for another occasion after the battle--that would not be a very efficient use of their time.
‘I encountered the Mendocava on the Gettira Plains of Ardora.’
‘Oooh! The skeleton guys?! Our undead cousins?!’
‘You sound even more surprised than I expected. Did your men tell you nothing of what my forces have been up to?’
‘Oh, they probably did. And I probably wasn’t listening. Been kinda busy with my own stuff, lately, y’know? Startin’ a war ‘n all. And besides, I’d rather get the details from the horse’s mouth! Which is you, big fella!’
‘Do you know anything about the Mendocava that might prove useful to me?’
‘Mm, well, now, lemme think here... Haven’t thought about those guys in an Age. But I do recall studying them fairly extensively for a while. Back when I was just an uppity little snot, myself. Historically, the Mendocava are something of an anomaly. They pop up every now and then, cause some sort of ruckus, only to disappear for centuries thereafter. Or longer, even. And this, despite many curious historians’ and adventurers’ best efforts to locate and learn more about them. I remember reading one sad book about a guy who spent his whole life searching for them. Literally, his whole life. From when he was a child until he penned his final work on his death bed. Never encountered them even once. And yet, here you are, stumbling onto them by total accident!’
‘Lucky me.’
‘Benefits of living so long, eh? Now you’re makin’ me want to encounter them, myself!’
‘Join my campaign in Ardora, and you will.’
‘Huh?! You’re really offering me that?! How unexpected! They must be annoying the shit out of you over there!’
‘Not just them. The Jaskadan Forest and the Dulvani, too. It has all devolved into quite the tedious affair. One I’d see resolved sooner rather than later, if at all possible.’
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Page 3789
‘You’re impossible to work with sometimes, y’know that? I don’t know how Suresh did it so much. Did he just have a much higher tolerance for your abuse, or were you actually a nicer guy back then, huh? Tell me, please.’
‘Hardly. He hated me far more than you do now.’
‘Psh! That’s difficult to believe!’
‘He plotted my death constantly. You only do that occasionally.’
‘Eheh! Maybe that was just how he demonstrated his affection!’
‘If that is so, then perhaps this entire mess is the same. Perhaps Germal is secretly enamored with you.’
And to Dozer’s muted surprise, that actually gave the Mad Demon pause. A brief silence intervened before Morgunov picked the conversation back up.
‘...Y’know, I hadn’t even considered that.’
Dozer might’ve sighed if he could have. Of course, on the rare occasion when he’d deigned to make a joke, this idiot would take it seriously. He didn’t know whether to feel further amusement or merely pity.
‘I mean, he DID try to recruit me,’ said Morgunov. ‘And he nearly believed me when I said sure! You might be on to something!’
Pity. He definitely felt pity now. What a chaotic fool.
‘Shame I promised I’d kill him. Too late to go back on my word now, even for a secret admirer. But talk about flattering! A Primordial crush, eh?! How adorable!’
‘What makes you so convinced that Germal is one of these so-called Primordials?’
‘So-called? How much do you know about them? I’ve been studying them, on and off, for centuries. But especially recently.’
‘Personally,’ said Dozer, ‘I have never been convinced they were ever real to begin with. It has always been just stories and myths. And we both know how those propagate themselves over the eons. How they stretch the truth and exaggerate. How they become narrative tools, more than anything else. To strike fear in the weak and discourage undesirable behavior.’
‘Oh, so you just think it’s all a buncha hooey, huh?’
‘Even if not, why should we worry over them? In their own tales, they were, in the end, as nothing before power of the Void.’
‘That’s what I’m sayin’! And that’s also why I hope they’re real, too! So I can bring ‘em down a peg! I gotta tell ya, if it turns out that ol’ Germy actually ISN’T a Primordial after all this, then I am gonna be in SUCH a sour mood! Warnin’ ya now, pal! If that happens, ya better not bother me for a while, unless you’re spoilin’ for a real fight!’
Hmph. A tempting notion.
‘Hardly. He hated me far more than you do now.’
‘Psh! That’s difficult to believe!’
‘He plotted my death constantly. You only do that occasionally.’
‘Eheh! Maybe that was just how he demonstrated his affection!’
‘If that is so, then perhaps this entire mess is the same. Perhaps Germal is secretly enamored with you.’
And to Dozer’s muted surprise, that actually gave the Mad Demon pause. A brief silence intervened before Morgunov picked the conversation back up.
‘...Y’know, I hadn’t even considered that.’
Dozer might’ve sighed if he could have. Of course, on the rare occasion when he’d deigned to make a joke, this idiot would take it seriously. He didn’t know whether to feel further amusement or merely pity.
‘I mean, he DID try to recruit me,’ said Morgunov. ‘And he nearly believed me when I said sure! You might be on to something!’
Pity. He definitely felt pity now. What a chaotic fool.
‘Shame I promised I’d kill him. Too late to go back on my word now, even for a secret admirer. But talk about flattering! A Primordial crush, eh?! How adorable!’
‘What makes you so convinced that Germal is one of these so-called Primordials?’
‘So-called? How much do you know about them? I’ve been studying them, on and off, for centuries. But especially recently.’
‘Personally,’ said Dozer, ‘I have never been convinced they were ever real to begin with. It has always been just stories and myths. And we both know how those propagate themselves over the eons. How they stretch the truth and exaggerate. How they become narrative tools, more than anything else. To strike fear in the weak and discourage undesirable behavior.’
‘Oh, so you just think it’s all a buncha hooey, huh?’
‘Even if not, why should we worry over them? In their own tales, they were, in the end, as nothing before power of the Void.’
‘That’s what I’m sayin’! And that’s also why I hope they’re real, too! So I can bring ‘em down a peg! I gotta tell ya, if it turns out that ol’ Germy actually ISN’T a Primordial after all this, then I am gonna be in SUCH a sour mood! Warnin’ ya now, pal! If that happens, ya better not bother me for a while, unless you’re spoilin’ for a real fight!’
Hmph. A tempting notion.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Page 3788
‘Every child I have ever sent to study under your tutelage has come back either unrecognizable or not at all,’ said Dozer.
‘But not stupider! Never that! And c’mon. Let’s not pretend like this is some one-sided thing. You’ve offed plenty of my little fellas.’
‘I’ve dealt with raving lunatics who you failed to control, yes. That is not the same.’
‘Sure it is! And that’s perfectly fine by me! Nothin’ to be embarrassed about! If anyone is ever gonna finally stand alongside us, then they’ll have to be capable of dealing with all of our unfair bullshit! Trial by fire is the only way!’
Hmph. A rare point of agreement between them. Dozer didn’t want to acknowledge it, though, so he merely said nothing. That was no problem, of course, because one of the things that made this man so insufferable was his ability to ramble on endlessly with no input from whomever he was supposedly having a conversation with.
‘Don’t be coy, Dozy! I know you well enough by now! You’re just as uncompromising as I am when it comes to disciplining the so-called “rising stars.” Sure, I may do it more often, and sure, you may not make as much of a show of it as I like to, but that doesn’t change the fact that, ultimately, we’re cut from the same cloth, you and I. More in common than not, I’d say. In fact, that’s probably why we’re so good at getting under each other’s skin, eh?’
Nonsense. They couldn’t have been more different. But saying as much would only provoke further irritating remarks, no doubt. He wanted to move the subject back to something more utilitarian. The slowed down mayhem before him was still inching closer. He’d have to decide what to do about it soon. ‘You should be aware that if you do manage to kill Germal, I will require tremendous compensation. He has proven immensely useful to me. Replacing him will not be a simple task.’
‘Hmm! Sounds like a you problem!’
‘I will ensure that it is yours, as well.’
‘Ugh, come on. What am I even supposed to do for you, huh? Every time I offer you a favor, you tell me to screw off! Kinda hard to compensate you when you’re always acting like such an unpleasable ass.’
‘That is because your “favors” are always poisoned.’
‘They are not!’
‘Lies upon lies.’
‘But not stupider! Never that! And c’mon. Let’s not pretend like this is some one-sided thing. You’ve offed plenty of my little fellas.’
‘I’ve dealt with raving lunatics who you failed to control, yes. That is not the same.’
‘Sure it is! And that’s perfectly fine by me! Nothin’ to be embarrassed about! If anyone is ever gonna finally stand alongside us, then they’ll have to be capable of dealing with all of our unfair bullshit! Trial by fire is the only way!’
Hmph. A rare point of agreement between them. Dozer didn’t want to acknowledge it, though, so he merely said nothing. That was no problem, of course, because one of the things that made this man so insufferable was his ability to ramble on endlessly with no input from whomever he was supposedly having a conversation with.
‘Don’t be coy, Dozy! I know you well enough by now! You’re just as uncompromising as I am when it comes to disciplining the so-called “rising stars.” Sure, I may do it more often, and sure, you may not make as much of a show of it as I like to, but that doesn’t change the fact that, ultimately, we’re cut from the same cloth, you and I. More in common than not, I’d say. In fact, that’s probably why we’re so good at getting under each other’s skin, eh?’
Nonsense. They couldn’t have been more different. But saying as much would only provoke further irritating remarks, no doubt. He wanted to move the subject back to something more utilitarian. The slowed down mayhem before him was still inching closer. He’d have to decide what to do about it soon. ‘You should be aware that if you do manage to kill Germal, I will require tremendous compensation. He has proven immensely useful to me. Replacing him will not be a simple task.’
‘Hmm! Sounds like a you problem!’
‘I will ensure that it is yours, as well.’
‘Ugh, come on. What am I even supposed to do for you, huh? Every time I offer you a favor, you tell me to screw off! Kinda hard to compensate you when you’re always acting like such an unpleasable ass.’
‘That is because your “favors” are always poisoned.’
‘They are not!’
‘Lies upon lies.’
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Next page at noon
Just want a little more time wtih it. NO BIG DEAL, RIGHT? GOOD, I'M GLAD YOU AGREE. Thanks for reading.
Friday, February 14, 2025
Page 3787
Morgunov was still blabbering on while Dozer hardly listened. Doubtless, the fool would never give up trying to convince the entire world--including himself--of his ultimate and noble brilliance, but Dozer had no patience for that, right now. Even if they had all the time in the world, it wasn’t enough.
Dozer had seen and heard that song and dance far too many times. Morgunov was an ally, but only in the most superficial sense. The appearance of their partnership was more important than the actuality of it. In the end, the so-called Mad Demon could never be trusted in any meaningful capacity.
The only thing he could ever be was useful.
‘--stick in the mud! I’m offerin’ to help you out, y’know! Just like always! And yeah, I might get a little silly with it, every now and then, but I always come through, don’t I? When have I not, huh? I mean, besides the rocket prank.’
‘Do you know why Sermung is not here?’ said Dozer.
‘Hmm? That dull jerk? No idea. I keep expecting him to, and he keeps not showing up. Honestly, it’s kind of disrespectful, don’t you think? I mean, how often do we give him a prime opening like this? And what, he’s too busy to make time for us, these days? Don’t make a lick of sense, if you ask me. But I know one thing: if he keeps on leaving us hanging like this, then pretty soon, I’m gonna make sure he’s REALLY got somethin’ to keep him busy.’
‘Is that right?’
‘Sure is. Curious? Go ahead and ask. Maybe I’ll tell you! If you start being nicer to me!’
‘I’d sooner die ignorant.’
‘Pah! You’re certainly on course for that!’
‘What about Sai-hee? Do you know anything of her whereabouts?’
‘Maaaybe. Why? Think she’ll decide to make an appearance, too? Seems doubtful to me, but I wouldn’t mind seein’ that old bat again!’
‘She will never warm to your advances.’
‘Says you! So negative! I’m telling you, one day, she’ll come around! And then our children will become the stuff of legends!’
‘The stuff of nightmares, more like.’
‘Well, that’d be cool, too.’ Morgunov broke for a telepathic cackle. ‘What about you, old man? Made any new lady friends since I last saw you? Any new kids? Hmm? Hmmmm?’
‘Even if I had, why would I share that information with you?’
‘Uh, because I’m the best godfather ever? Obviously.’
Dozer had seen and heard that song and dance far too many times. Morgunov was an ally, but only in the most superficial sense. The appearance of their partnership was more important than the actuality of it. In the end, the so-called Mad Demon could never be trusted in any meaningful capacity.
The only thing he could ever be was useful.
‘--stick in the mud! I’m offerin’ to help you out, y’know! Just like always! And yeah, I might get a little silly with it, every now and then, but I always come through, don’t I? When have I not, huh? I mean, besides the rocket prank.’
‘Do you know why Sermung is not here?’ said Dozer.
‘Hmm? That dull jerk? No idea. I keep expecting him to, and he keeps not showing up. Honestly, it’s kind of disrespectful, don’t you think? I mean, how often do we give him a prime opening like this? And what, he’s too busy to make time for us, these days? Don’t make a lick of sense, if you ask me. But I know one thing: if he keeps on leaving us hanging like this, then pretty soon, I’m gonna make sure he’s REALLY got somethin’ to keep him busy.’
‘Is that right?’
‘Sure is. Curious? Go ahead and ask. Maybe I’ll tell you! If you start being nicer to me!’
‘I’d sooner die ignorant.’
‘Pah! You’re certainly on course for that!’
‘What about Sai-hee? Do you know anything of her whereabouts?’
‘Maaaybe. Why? Think she’ll decide to make an appearance, too? Seems doubtful to me, but I wouldn’t mind seein’ that old bat again!’
‘She will never warm to your advances.’
‘Says you! So negative! I’m telling you, one day, she’ll come around! And then our children will become the stuff of legends!’
‘The stuff of nightmares, more like.’
‘Well, that’d be cool, too.’ Morgunov broke for a telepathic cackle. ‘What about you, old man? Made any new lady friends since I last saw you? Any new kids? Hmm? Hmmmm?’
‘Even if I had, why would I share that information with you?’
‘Uh, because I’m the best godfather ever? Obviously.’
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Page 3786
‘A nice moment,’ echoed Dozer flatly. ‘Now what might that look like for you? Perhaps like the moment when you sabotaged my project that was decades in the making?’
‘Hey, man, that was just, like, a prank. Y’know?’
‘I lost twenty of the brightest minds working under me.’
‘I offered to replace them! You said no!’
‘Tens of thousands of hours of labor. Lost in a single explosion.’
‘Technically, it was more than one. Chain reaction ‘n all.’
Dozer might’ve paused for a deep breath to steady himself, if his physical body wasn’t in this veritable stasis. Instead, he had to satisfy himself with merely ignoring Morgunov and taking a moment to instead reassess the field of battle.
Everything was moving so slowly that it might as well have been motionless. Even himself. That was how this strange Void State worked. It allowed him time to stop and think, even in the middle of utter chaos.
But it was flexible, too. He was still present at the normal speed of the world, as well. It was more like his mind had been divided by two, and this one here, within the Void State, was nearly detached from the thread of time.
It was a supremely odd feeling, one he’d never even attempted to explain to anyone before. Here, time didn’t feel “slow,” exactly. Rather, it felt almost non-existent. As if it held hardly any sway over him at all. So even though this half of his mind may have been “dragging” behind the other half at a snail’s pace, it wasn’t bothersome in the slightest. There was no sensation of having to “wait” or “catch up” to the present.
And not only that, if he concentrated on it, he could actually perceive events across a range of time, both forward and backward. If he missed something amid the chaos, he could go back and inspect it more closely. If he wanted to predict what was about to happen--such as what Iceheart and the Gargoyle were about to do--then he could do that, as well, though it wasn’t always as clear or reliable.
Especially against certain opponents. And these two absolutely qualified, even though they were still apparently not on a high enough level to speak to him and Morgunov here. Perhaps they’d already developed some awareness of this space, too, even if they couldn’t yet breach it.
‘Hey, man, that was just, like, a prank. Y’know?’
‘I lost twenty of the brightest minds working under me.’
‘I offered to replace them! You said no!’
‘Tens of thousands of hours of labor. Lost in a single explosion.’
‘Technically, it was more than one. Chain reaction ‘n all.’
Dozer might’ve paused for a deep breath to steady himself, if his physical body wasn’t in this veritable stasis. Instead, he had to satisfy himself with merely ignoring Morgunov and taking a moment to instead reassess the field of battle.
Everything was moving so slowly that it might as well have been motionless. Even himself. That was how this strange Void State worked. It allowed him time to stop and think, even in the middle of utter chaos.
But it was flexible, too. He was still present at the normal speed of the world, as well. It was more like his mind had been divided by two, and this one here, within the Void State, was nearly detached from the thread of time.
It was a supremely odd feeling, one he’d never even attempted to explain to anyone before. Here, time didn’t feel “slow,” exactly. Rather, it felt almost non-existent. As if it held hardly any sway over him at all. So even though this half of his mind may have been “dragging” behind the other half at a snail’s pace, it wasn’t bothersome in the slightest. There was no sensation of having to “wait” or “catch up” to the present.
And not only that, if he concentrated on it, he could actually perceive events across a range of time, both forward and backward. If he missed something amid the chaos, he could go back and inspect it more closely. If he wanted to predict what was about to happen--such as what Iceheart and the Gargoyle were about to do--then he could do that, as well, though it wasn’t always as clear or reliable.
Especially against certain opponents. And these two absolutely qualified, even though they were still apparently not on a high enough level to speak to him and Morgunov here. Perhaps they’d already developed some awareness of this space, too, even if they couldn’t yet breach it.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Monday, February 10, 2025
Page 3785
‘Hmm! Gotta be honest, pal. Was really hopin’ you hadn’t noticed that.’
‘You’ve never been known for your subtlety.’
‘Eheh! True! But look. Guy’s a traitor. He’s the mastermind behind this entire operation to kill me.’
‘The entire operation? All of Blacksong?’
‘Oh, I don’t know about all. But this part of it, certainly. Admitted it to me himself, when we had a nice little heart-to-heart of our own. Not unlike the one you and I are having right now, actually.’
That piqued Dozer’s curiosity. ‘Germal can access this space? I do not sense him here.’
‘No, no, it was a different thing. Similar, but different. More hostile, too. Guy really hates my guts. And he might be an ancient Primordial, too. Or possessed by one, maybe. Tough to say for sure. He IS the Liar of Lyste, after all.’
Possessed? Hmm. Now that was an intriguing little revelation. The leader of the Freemen Fellowship, possessed by one of the so-called Primordials?
Questions pooled in his mind as he humored the possibility. Germal had indeed always been something of a curiosity, ever since appearing before him and Gohvis as a sickly child all those years ago. Dozer recalled Gohvis mentioning the child’s oddness many times. The split personality, among other things.
And naturally, Dozer had experienced his own strangeness with Germal, as well. The man’s ability to charm people was certainly no normal thing. The immense utility of it was why he’d allowed Germal to form his little Fellowship in the first place. And it had proved plenty useful, too.
‘If he is a traitor as you say,’ said Dozer, ‘then it is my responsibility to deal with him, not yours.’
‘Oh, believe you me: this is one responsibility I don’t mind unburdening you from, my friend. He needs to die. As soon as possible. And I’m going to make sure that happens.’
‘You do not appear to be doing a very good job of that so far.’
‘Hoho! Now you’re TRYIN’ to piss me off, aren’tcha?!’
‘You have been fighting for many days now, and he yet lives. Do you require my help?’
‘Hah...’ Morgunov fell briefly quiet. ‘And here I was, tryin’ to be nice to you. Tryin’ to keep things light. Pleasant. Tryin’ to not hate you. So why ya gotta say stuff like that, huh? Why can’t you just be a little courteous, instead of slappin’ my hand away whenever I reach out, hmm? What, are you just too broken inside, old man? Can’t allow us to share a nice moment, every now and then?’
‘You’ve never been known for your subtlety.’
‘Eheh! True! But look. Guy’s a traitor. He’s the mastermind behind this entire operation to kill me.’
‘The entire operation? All of Blacksong?’
‘Oh, I don’t know about all. But this part of it, certainly. Admitted it to me himself, when we had a nice little heart-to-heart of our own. Not unlike the one you and I are having right now, actually.’
That piqued Dozer’s curiosity. ‘Germal can access this space? I do not sense him here.’
‘No, no, it was a different thing. Similar, but different. More hostile, too. Guy really hates my guts. And he might be an ancient Primordial, too. Or possessed by one, maybe. Tough to say for sure. He IS the Liar of Lyste, after all.’
Possessed? Hmm. Now that was an intriguing little revelation. The leader of the Freemen Fellowship, possessed by one of the so-called Primordials?
Questions pooled in his mind as he humored the possibility. Germal had indeed always been something of a curiosity, ever since appearing before him and Gohvis as a sickly child all those years ago. Dozer recalled Gohvis mentioning the child’s oddness many times. The split personality, among other things.
And naturally, Dozer had experienced his own strangeness with Germal, as well. The man’s ability to charm people was certainly no normal thing. The immense utility of it was why he’d allowed Germal to form his little Fellowship in the first place. And it had proved plenty useful, too.
‘If he is a traitor as you say,’ said Dozer, ‘then it is my responsibility to deal with him, not yours.’
‘Oh, believe you me: this is one responsibility I don’t mind unburdening you from, my friend. He needs to die. As soon as possible. And I’m going to make sure that happens.’
‘You do not appear to be doing a very good job of that so far.’
‘Hoho! Now you’re TRYIN’ to piss me off, aren’tcha?!’
‘You have been fighting for many days now, and he yet lives. Do you require my help?’
‘Hah...’ Morgunov fell briefly quiet. ‘And here I was, tryin’ to be nice to you. Tryin’ to keep things light. Pleasant. Tryin’ to not hate you. So why ya gotta say stuff like that, huh? Why can’t you just be a little courteous, instead of slappin’ my hand away whenever I reach out, hmm? What, are you just too broken inside, old man? Can’t allow us to share a nice moment, every now and then?’
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Page 3784
‘Gave me quite the scare, too, when he suddenly popped back up, even angrier than before! Thrashed me somethin’ fierce! So look forward to that, buddy!’
A part of him was. He wasn’t about to admit that to this fool, though. ‘I cannot sense Kallmakk’s presence clearly any longer. If he is not dead, then where has he gone?’
‘Everywhere. All around us. I think he’s melting into the shadows as we speak. Then, when he’s ready, he’ll spring out again and smack you upside the head. Probably via some kind of sucker punch, too. Real sneaky jerk, this fella. So don’t say I didn’t warn ya.’
Hmph. Morgunov was being oddly helpful. And Dozer had an idea as to why. Before potentially burning that bridge, however, he decided that he should get a bit more use out of it. ‘You’ve been studying these creatures extensively, have you not?’
‘Sure have.’
‘And you have discovered no common weaknesses? Nothing we can exploit here?’
‘Nope. Every feldeath is unique, just as the old masters claimed they were. I really hate it when old wisdom turns out to have been right all along, but I also gotta give credit where credit is due, I guess.’
‘Hmph.’
‘But for Kallmakk here, I’m thinking maybe we need more light. If it’s escaping into the shadows when it’s wounded, then perhaps the solution would be to remove all shadows from the area, eh?’
‘Interesting.’
‘Easier said than done, though, since the bugger can generate its own new shadows. Doesn’t have to rely on the environment.’
‘What do you mean it can “generate” them? Surely, it is merely the suppression of light, not the generation of anything new.’
‘Oh, yeah, if feldeaths were bound by the laws of physics, then sure, you’d be right. But from what I’ve observed, Kallmakk’s shadows have actual mass to them. Which, frankly, is making me slightly worried that it’s going to start slinging black holes at us one of these days, but that hasn’t happened yet. Thankfully.’
Wonderful. ‘So we will be needing a truly overwhelming source of light, then.’
‘That’s what I’m thinkin’. Not quite sure how to pull it off, though.’
Dozer paused. He supposed he’d gotten enough. He could push now. ‘Is that the truth? Or have you simply not been trying hard enough?’
‘Excuse me? You callin’ me lazy? I am offended, sir!’
‘Perhaps because you have been too preoccupied with trying to kill Germal, instead.’
‘Ah...’
‘Explain yourself.’
A part of him was. He wasn’t about to admit that to this fool, though. ‘I cannot sense Kallmakk’s presence clearly any longer. If he is not dead, then where has he gone?’
‘Everywhere. All around us. I think he’s melting into the shadows as we speak. Then, when he’s ready, he’ll spring out again and smack you upside the head. Probably via some kind of sucker punch, too. Real sneaky jerk, this fella. So don’t say I didn’t warn ya.’
Hmph. Morgunov was being oddly helpful. And Dozer had an idea as to why. Before potentially burning that bridge, however, he decided that he should get a bit more use out of it. ‘You’ve been studying these creatures extensively, have you not?’
‘Sure have.’
‘And you have discovered no common weaknesses? Nothing we can exploit here?’
‘Nope. Every feldeath is unique, just as the old masters claimed they were. I really hate it when old wisdom turns out to have been right all along, but I also gotta give credit where credit is due, I guess.’
‘Hmph.’
‘But for Kallmakk here, I’m thinking maybe we need more light. If it’s escaping into the shadows when it’s wounded, then perhaps the solution would be to remove all shadows from the area, eh?’
‘Interesting.’
‘Easier said than done, though, since the bugger can generate its own new shadows. Doesn’t have to rely on the environment.’
‘What do you mean it can “generate” them? Surely, it is merely the suppression of light, not the generation of anything new.’
‘Oh, yeah, if feldeaths were bound by the laws of physics, then sure, you’d be right. But from what I’ve observed, Kallmakk’s shadows have actual mass to them. Which, frankly, is making me slightly worried that it’s going to start slinging black holes at us one of these days, but that hasn’t happened yet. Thankfully.’
Wonderful. ‘So we will be needing a truly overwhelming source of light, then.’
‘That’s what I’m thinkin’. Not quite sure how to pull it off, though.’
Dozer paused. He supposed he’d gotten enough. He could push now. ‘Is that the truth? Or have you simply not been trying hard enough?’
‘Excuse me? You callin’ me lazy? I am offended, sir!’
‘Perhaps because you have been too preoccupied with trying to kill Germal, instead.’
‘Ah...’
‘Explain yourself.’
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Page 3783
It was much clearer, yes, but not much calmer. The ferocity of the surrounding hurricane only became more apparent. The Vanguard was still after his head, after all.
But how much longer would their fighting spirit last, he wondered?
He couldn’t yet tell if the feldeath was dead, but if it was, then the Vanguard were about to become desperate. Which would make them temporarily more dangerous. One last assault. Trying to catch him while he was still on the backfoot.
Once that was broken, though, they would be done. Their morale would plummet, and they would scatter like the roaches they were, hoping and praying for Sermung to show up and save them.
Because they would know that nothing less would suffice. Dozer would make them pay sorely for this overextension.
But that was only if Kallmakk was truly dead. Dozer didn’t get the opportunity to check, because Iceheart and the Gargoyle were both bearing down on him at the same time.
Aiming to keep him suppressed at the very least, no doubt. Couldn’t very well let him run loose, now could they?
Ah.
But he’d already entered the Void State.
That was what he called it, anyway. Truthfully, he had no idea if it was the Void’s doing. It just seemed like the most reasonable explanation for this phenomenon that he’d been experiencing for over two hundred years now.
In the beginning, he’d thought it was perhaps a byproduct of his power. That, somehow, his ability to manipulate inertia could also affect his perception of the world writ large.
Of time itself, even.
As if he’d become so immovable that he could even resist the flow of the future. Watch it unfold more slowly. Perceive it more deeply.
But sadly, that explanation didn’t appear to be quite accurate.
‘Wow, nice one!’ came that all-too-familiar voice.
Dozer’s head began turning, though only very slowly. Thankfully, he didn’t actually need to look over in the direction of Morgunov in order to know that the voice belonged to him. ‘Already here, too, are you?’ said Dozer.
‘Oh yeah,’ said Morgunov from afar. ‘All this fighting opened the place up for me days ago. Nice to not be alone anymore, though! Been a while since I got to experience this with you! How nostalgic! We HAVE been through some stuff together, haven’t we? What a couple of cards we are, eh?! Ehehehe!’
‘Do you think Kallmakk is dead?’
‘Mm, probably not. A few days ago, I got the sucker pretty good, too, and he only stayed down for like four minutes.’
Dozer wanted to sigh.
But how much longer would their fighting spirit last, he wondered?
He couldn’t yet tell if the feldeath was dead, but if it was, then the Vanguard were about to become desperate. Which would make them temporarily more dangerous. One last assault. Trying to catch him while he was still on the backfoot.
Once that was broken, though, they would be done. Their morale would plummet, and they would scatter like the roaches they were, hoping and praying for Sermung to show up and save them.
Because they would know that nothing less would suffice. Dozer would make them pay sorely for this overextension.
But that was only if Kallmakk was truly dead. Dozer didn’t get the opportunity to check, because Iceheart and the Gargoyle were both bearing down on him at the same time.
Aiming to keep him suppressed at the very least, no doubt. Couldn’t very well let him run loose, now could they?
Ah.
But he’d already entered the Void State.
That was what he called it, anyway. Truthfully, he had no idea if it was the Void’s doing. It just seemed like the most reasonable explanation for this phenomenon that he’d been experiencing for over two hundred years now.
In the beginning, he’d thought it was perhaps a byproduct of his power. That, somehow, his ability to manipulate inertia could also affect his perception of the world writ large.
Of time itself, even.
As if he’d become so immovable that he could even resist the flow of the future. Watch it unfold more slowly. Perceive it more deeply.
But sadly, that explanation didn’t appear to be quite accurate.
‘Wow, nice one!’ came that all-too-familiar voice.
Dozer’s head began turning, though only very slowly. Thankfully, he didn’t actually need to look over in the direction of Morgunov in order to know that the voice belonged to him. ‘Already here, too, are you?’ said Dozer.
‘Oh yeah,’ said Morgunov from afar. ‘All this fighting opened the place up for me days ago. Nice to not be alone anymore, though! Been a while since I got to experience this with you! How nostalgic! We HAVE been through some stuff together, haven’t we? What a couple of cards we are, eh?! Ehehehe!’
‘Do you think Kallmakk is dead?’
‘Mm, probably not. A few days ago, I got the sucker pretty good, too, and he only stayed down for like four minutes.’
Dozer wanted to sigh.
Friday, February 7, 2025
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Page 3782
He went for a ride. The feldeath carried him along as if on the nose of a train. Together, they quickly reached the edge of his emptied sphere of influence and splashed through a towering cliff of seawater.
Dozer’s fingers sunk into the monster’s hulking, ethereal body as he held onto it. The force against his back was even greater than he’d expected, to the point where he could hardly move a muscle as they torpedoed through the Luthic Ocean.
That wasn’t right. This force pinning him down was more than just that of speed and water.
Ah. So this was the power of the Nightspinner’s domain. Its own sphere of influence. Was it trying to absorb him?
It was in for a rude awakening, if so.
The torpedoing soon began to slow, until it was more like crawling, and then it stopped all together. He could feel the beast still pushing against him, thrashing ever more wildly with each passing second, like a great eel that had suddenly discovered the wall of its aquarium.
He was that wall. And he would not budge.
With his own body’s inertia cranked up this high, the feldeath could have been replaced with a rocket ship for all the difference it would have made here.
But Dozer could still move himself, if he wished. It took immense concentration and effort, but he could. That had been one of the most difficult things to master: how to control his body with such precision that, when inertia was maxed out, it would still listen to him.
How to become one with inertia. How to make the world break upon his immovable form without actually becoming immovable himself.
A delicate balance. More about refining mental precision than about summoning new strength. Fragile. Disciplined. Experienced. Tedious, even.
But the payoff had been enormous.
Because when he moved his body in this state, the world could only crumple before him.
With both of his arms spread wide as he gripped the feldeath’s body, Dozer brought his hands together.
And Kallmakk the Nightspinner, this dark serpent of the ocean, combusted like a popped balloon.
There wasn’t nearly enough light to see it with his eyes, but he could certainly sense the change. The oppressive interference over his mind, the blanket of ardor covering everything around him, just had a great hole punched through it, and suddenly, the world was much less murky.
Dozer’s fingers sunk into the monster’s hulking, ethereal body as he held onto it. The force against his back was even greater than he’d expected, to the point where he could hardly move a muscle as they torpedoed through the Luthic Ocean.
That wasn’t right. This force pinning him down was more than just that of speed and water.
Ah. So this was the power of the Nightspinner’s domain. Its own sphere of influence. Was it trying to absorb him?
It was in for a rude awakening, if so.
The torpedoing soon began to slow, until it was more like crawling, and then it stopped all together. He could feel the beast still pushing against him, thrashing ever more wildly with each passing second, like a great eel that had suddenly discovered the wall of its aquarium.
He was that wall. And he would not budge.
With his own body’s inertia cranked up this high, the feldeath could have been replaced with a rocket ship for all the difference it would have made here.
But Dozer could still move himself, if he wished. It took immense concentration and effort, but he could. That had been one of the most difficult things to master: how to control his body with such precision that, when inertia was maxed out, it would still listen to him.
How to become one with inertia. How to make the world break upon his immovable form without actually becoming immovable himself.
A delicate balance. More about refining mental precision than about summoning new strength. Fragile. Disciplined. Experienced. Tedious, even.
But the payoff had been enormous.
Because when he moved his body in this state, the world could only crumple before him.
With both of his arms spread wide as he gripped the feldeath’s body, Dozer brought his hands together.
And Kallmakk the Nightspinner, this dark serpent of the ocean, combusted like a popped balloon.
There wasn’t nearly enough light to see it with his eyes, but he could certainly sense the change. The oppressive interference over his mind, the blanket of ardor covering everything around him, just had a great hole punched through it, and suddenly, the world was much less murky.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Page 3781
If it were only Iceheart’s interference that he had to worry about, this whole situation might not have been so bad. He was a threat, of course, but a controllable one. The Gargoyle, however, was proving exceedingly obnoxious. As ever.
Her ability to melt into the environment and--quite literally--turn the world against him was something that had never become easier to deal with. Even after all these years, she was still one of the most irksome opponents he’d ever face. And at this point, he may well have fought more battles against her than anyone else in his life. Rarely ever had she managed to wound him, but she always managed to find ways to make things more difficult. Battles of attrition were perhaps her specialty now, and this one certainly qualified as that.
One might have thought that all these rolling seas and howling winds would be causing no end of trouble for her here, but if they were, it wasn’t obvious. Perhaps they were even helping her by masking her movements. Whenever a surge of water lashed against him or a gust threatened to knock him off course, it could have been her doing. Or it could’ve just been the chaos of this fight.
He remembered hearing from Ito that she’d recently begun harnessing lightning, too, and indeed, it seemed to be so. The dark skies cracked and flashed constantly, and while it was thankfully not as controlled as Dozer might’ve expected, it was still quite the hassle, especially for his men. Ito himself was here somewhere, but Dozer kept losing track of him.
Had to stay focused on Kallmakk. The feldeath was still the most pressing concern, of course.
After two days of combat, Dozer still didn’t really know how much of the creature’s power he could withstand, but he was keen to find out, now that it was finally his turn to be its punching bag.
He met its charge head on. Kallmakk plowed into his becalmed sphere of influence like a thrashing bull, covered in seawater and enormous bulbs of dark energy. Lightning sparked across its hulking form as he drew close, and then there was suddenly a massive claw flying toward him from the right.
Dozer swatted it away, just like he did with the beam, but rather than flying away, the claw exploded apart and disintegrated.
That didn’t stop the rest of its body from slamming into him, though.
Her ability to melt into the environment and--quite literally--turn the world against him was something that had never become easier to deal with. Even after all these years, she was still one of the most irksome opponents he’d ever face. And at this point, he may well have fought more battles against her than anyone else in his life. Rarely ever had she managed to wound him, but she always managed to find ways to make things more difficult. Battles of attrition were perhaps her specialty now, and this one certainly qualified as that.
One might have thought that all these rolling seas and howling winds would be causing no end of trouble for her here, but if they were, it wasn’t obvious. Perhaps they were even helping her by masking her movements. Whenever a surge of water lashed against him or a gust threatened to knock him off course, it could have been her doing. Or it could’ve just been the chaos of this fight.
He remembered hearing from Ito that she’d recently begun harnessing lightning, too, and indeed, it seemed to be so. The dark skies cracked and flashed constantly, and while it was thankfully not as controlled as Dozer might’ve expected, it was still quite the hassle, especially for his men. Ito himself was here somewhere, but Dozer kept losing track of him.
Had to stay focused on Kallmakk. The feldeath was still the most pressing concern, of course.
After two days of combat, Dozer still didn’t really know how much of the creature’s power he could withstand, but he was keen to find out, now that it was finally his turn to be its punching bag.
He met its charge head on. Kallmakk plowed into his becalmed sphere of influence like a thrashing bull, covered in seawater and enormous bulbs of dark energy. Lightning sparked across its hulking form as he drew close, and then there was suddenly a massive claw flying toward him from the right.
Dozer swatted it away, just like he did with the beam, but rather than flying away, the claw exploded apart and disintegrated.
That didn’t stop the rest of its body from slamming into him, though.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Page 3780
In the early days, some half-millennia ago, the very concept of inertia hadn’t even been discovered yet. It had therefore been quite difficult and laborious to arrive at any kind of understanding of its nature. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple centuries of undeath that he really began to feel as though he’d truly wrapped his head around it. And even now, he occasionally still found himself questioning what he thought he knew.
His younger years had been quite turbulent, as a result. For a while, he’d thought that his power was simply to “adjust the weight” of things. That he could only make things lighter or heavier. Then he went through a period where he thought that, no, perhaps his power was instead to control some otherworldly force and flame, granted to him by the Void itself. There was ancient precedent for that, after all. Some called it the Inferno. Then, still later, he learned about a discovery called friction, and so he thought it might be that, too.
Even after he’d learned about inertia, that hadn’t been the end of his uncertainty. While he did indeed settle on it as the most likely candidate over which his power held sway, there eventually came the discovery of subatomic particles, which again threw him for a loop, making him reevaluate everything.
Ultimately, though, he returned to inertia, as it was the most fitting. He decided that even though it seemed like he could manipulate subatomic particles quite freely, everything of which he was capable could still be explained by the manipulation of inertia upon those same particles. The localized generation of heat, for example, might have looked like the result of excitement in particle vibrations, but it also could have been the subatomic application of inertia upon particles within an open system.
The sudden, dramatic change in inertia for certain particles but not others could theoretically create a need for energy transference among said particles in order to reestablish equilibrium. And the more dramatic the change, the more rapid the need would become.
The more heated, in other words.
So Iceheart’s ability to remove the heat out of any system, while indeed deadly, was by itself not nearly enough to give Dozer trouble. As long as he could still think, he could create as much heat as he needed. And in this fight, with his soul power added on top of things, he was constantly keeping his entire body heated nearly to the point of bursting into flames.
His younger years had been quite turbulent, as a result. For a while, he’d thought that his power was simply to “adjust the weight” of things. That he could only make things lighter or heavier. Then he went through a period where he thought that, no, perhaps his power was instead to control some otherworldly force and flame, granted to him by the Void itself. There was ancient precedent for that, after all. Some called it the Inferno. Then, still later, he learned about a discovery called friction, and so he thought it might be that, too.
Even after he’d learned about inertia, that hadn’t been the end of his uncertainty. While he did indeed settle on it as the most likely candidate over which his power held sway, there eventually came the discovery of subatomic particles, which again threw him for a loop, making him reevaluate everything.
Ultimately, though, he returned to inertia, as it was the most fitting. He decided that even though it seemed like he could manipulate subatomic particles quite freely, everything of which he was capable could still be explained by the manipulation of inertia upon those same particles. The localized generation of heat, for example, might have looked like the result of excitement in particle vibrations, but it also could have been the subatomic application of inertia upon particles within an open system.
The sudden, dramatic change in inertia for certain particles but not others could theoretically create a need for energy transference among said particles in order to reestablish equilibrium. And the more dramatic the change, the more rapid the need would become.
The more heated, in other words.
So Iceheart’s ability to remove the heat out of any system, while indeed deadly, was by itself not nearly enough to give Dozer trouble. As long as he could still think, he could create as much heat as he needed. And in this fight, with his soul power added on top of things, he was constantly keeping his entire body heated nearly to the point of bursting into flames.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
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