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He could feel so much of the continent up here. So many souls in distress. Crying out in silence.

He hadn't seen it like this in a very long time.

Indeed. Before visiting the wolf and possibly making things even worse for these beleaguered people, he should at least do something to help them.

Where were the hotbeds of misery?

Lingering traces remained in the lands directly below. A terrible aftermath. Abolish's work, indeed. He was certain of it, now. They'd invaded Sair, eh? And now were making a move into Intar.

Ah. He sensed quite a bit over there. Intar was a gigantic nation--and certainly no stranger to turmoil. But it had been peaceful when he left. And now...

Now it was as bad as he'd ever sensed it. The land itself was crying out to him. To everyone. Tearing itself apart even while invaders were arriving. Taking advantage of the mayhem.

Malicious bastards. Their auras were so obvious. Clouds of wicked intent, moving with delight.

Hmm.

If he moved against them, they would scatter. Then he would be stuck hunting down their frightened remnants for quite a while. Was that the best use of his limited time?

Probably not, Tenebrach told him.

But it sure would feel nice, Sermung countered. And hadn't the two of them learned by now? Obsessing over optimal efficiency was never good. It only led to frustration. The more important thing was to remain flexible, no?

Hmph. Do what you like. A bit of indulgence was well-earned, thought Tenebrach.

Sermung smiled to himself. Thanks, pal.

Just make sure they regret ever being born while you're at it.

Aright, well, that might be a little excessive.

Render them to dust. Show them no mercy. Their fear of you will be key, in the future when you must depart again. So you must make that fear as crippling as possible.

Hmm. Fair point. But in that same vein, they can't spread fear of me if they're all dust, now can they? Plus, it's Abolish. A dramatic show of force is just as likely to excite them as it is to strike fear.

Stop making sense and just do as I say. The wrobels will buff out any psychological errors we make.

Maybe we've been merged too long, Tenebrach. You're power tripping again.

Only because you're undervaluing yourself again. You're the most powerful being in the world. Act like it, for a change.

I'd rather act like myself, if you don't mind. And he leapt from the cliff.

I do mind, as it so happens.

Well, I'm sure you'll get over it.