Friday, March 21, 2025

Page 3814

Yes. His recent memories knew what it was. Kallmakk the Nightspinner. Collectively, they had been locked in battle with it for days now. Of course. It was wounded but not defeated. Recovering quickly. Soon, it would rampage again.

But... it could sense him in turn, couldn’t it? He could feel the feedback. After being quieted by Dozer, it had been rendered curious. Now, it observed the battlefield, waiting for its moment. And it was lingering on him.

Feldeaths. He had encountered them countless times before. Fought them countless times, too. But not every time. Not every encounter had resulted in battle.

They were creatures of pure instinct. Consumed by pain. Angry at the world. Seeking its destruction. But also trapped. Without hope. Drowning in despair.

That was the only reason why they did not rampage more frequently than they already did. Why they did not make more of an effort to bring the mortal world to ruin.

Because they were too distracted by their endless misery.

It was the font of their terrible strength, after all. The glue that bound so many poor souls together.

And on occasion, Koh had seen this before. Their curiosity towards him. He never entirely understood why or how it manifested, but perhaps, when they were calm like this, they could sometimes discern that he was not of this realm. That he was therefore undeserving of their rage.

And this one. It had a powerful affinity with darkness, as well.

Just like himself.

A rare connection.

The souls. They felt it, too. They were here with him, in this slowed space. They were crying out. Begging him for help.

Begging him to save them from their despair. To send them onward from this realm.

And perhaps he could. It was not his purpose, but perhaps he could.

Once his task was complete.

In the meantime, they could join him. Lend him their strength.

Did they understand that? It would be a long journey yet. The Prime Hunt must continue. But when it was done, he might finally return to the master’s side himself. And he could take them with him, if they wished.

It might not be their proper place. It might not be the faded dream at the root of their despair. They might only find more misery there. But perhaps the master would be able to aid them, if so. If he chose to.

That was no guarantee. Did they understand? Could they reach such an accord?

Hmm.

It would seem so.