The Betrayer, clad in tattered garments and rusty armor, awakened from a forlorn grave, stands at the crossroads of destiny. The air crackles with anticipation, and the three paths beckon like diverging constellations in the night sky. Let us explore these fateful choices:
[[Regression]]: A path that winds backward through time, where the age of gods stirs once more. Their ethereal presence seeps into the mortal realm, seeking dominion over humanity. The sun itself wavers, torn between its celestial duty and earthly desires. Will the Ashen One embrace this divine resurgence, or defy it?
[[Casuality]]: Here, darkness unfurls like a ravenous maw. The abyss gnashes its teeth, threatening to devour all existence. Shadows writhe, and forgotten horrors stir. The Ashen One’s steps echo in the void, and the very fabric of reality frays. Will they confront this cosmic entropy, or flee from its gaping maw?
[[Rebirth]]: Flames dance upon the third path—a cleansing fire that promises renewal. Death becomes a chrysalis, and from its ashes, life blooms anew. The world trembles, shedding old skin, and the Betrayer stands poised for metamorphosis. Will they embrace this fiery baptism, or cling to the remnants of the past?Despite having doomed them, and turned his blade upon them. He still revered them, trusted them. For if a god cannot be trusted, what is their meaning to live? He rested in his grave, as was the Gods' will, yet when he ascended. He saw their sanctum. Old yet Glorious. Spires as tall as the Mountains. Winged creatures soaring through the golden sky. It was beautiful, just as the legends said. "Welcome, Betrayer." He turned to see the voice, and noticed a woman. Dressed in white, she wore a blindfold, and carried a staff of equal height. In life, he had known her. For she was Althaia, Queen of the Gods. He bowed before her, showing respect. Yet she laughed and said, "Come now Ser Knight, there is no need for that. For it is I who should be bowing to you." The Knight stared forth through his helm, wondering what she meant by that. "While you did turn against us in the end, we have seen fit to offer you a second chance. To go back to the [[Mortal Realm]] and confront the Abyss. To destroy its darkness and save our light. Yet if you wish to [[Stay]], we shall not dissuade you, for even a Betrayer deserves to rest." He had betrayed the gods, spat on their faces. For he had gone to the Abyss, where the monsters dwelled. It's dark plains were a sight to behold, though the monsters surrounding him made its horrific apitude show itself. Each of these things, Demons they were named, had been stalking and killing the Children of the Gods for centuries. None had ever seen one such as him venture here, let alone survive. They spoke in many voices, with a thousands lips to him: "Why have you come here, [[Slave of the Gods]]? Have you come to [[Hunt Us]], as your kin do? To murder and butcher us for our celestial blood? Or do you seek to [[Embrace the Darkness]]? To kill the gods who shunned you? To watch their kingdoms be consumed by our unending night? Or perhaps you seek to offer yourself as a sacrifice? Choose your words carefully." The knight said nothing, for he was deep in thought. If he let his tongue lip, they would consume him in a second.The Betrayer of All, once revered and beloved, turned against that which he swore to serve. For his crimes, he was punished by The Gods. When he sought out the Abyss, he was shunned. For all there recoiled in fear of a dark soul such as he. He lingered and waited, and swore his revenge. To finish what he started, to put an end to all and begin anew.
As his corpse rested in his grave, he saw a great light. A voice soon came out, one smooth as silk, yet rough as a blade's edge. "If thou wish to bring an end to this world, to free thy people from the cycle eternal. Then I ask you to rise, to take up your sword. And bring about a cleansing fire to all who yet live. Simply [[Reach for the Light]], it is that simple. And spread my truth to those who forsake it." Out of the light, wings sprang forth, as radiant as an evening sun. A majestic bird, a phoenix came down. To awaken the Betrayer, if he should simply choose, to Reach for the Light, and [[Rest]] no longer. In remembrance of his oath, to those who begged him. "Please, you have the strength. Resist thy doctrine. Embrace the Fire." He reached for the light, and his eyes opened. His skin had decayed, his armor had rusted. Yet he took up his sword, and gave his word. "To both Gods and Demons, I give this oath. All shall perish in the fires of Rebirth. And all shall rejoice, yet cower in fear."Despite his wish to take his vengeance, The knight did not wish to awaken once again. He wished to rest. To no longer live. For even a soldier must find his peace. He relented, and said "While I do thank you for this kind gift, I must decline. For I do not care for the Gods and Abyss. The Great Rebirth will come no matter what I do. One man cannot destroy the world." The firebird was taken aback, for it had thought this one wished to live once more. Yet, out of pity, or perhaps respect, he simply bowed his head, and the light simply vanished. The darkness of death soon came down once more, and the Knight closed his eyes, simply wishing to die. He hoped there would be a place where the dead go, where peace is granted to all. Yet in his heart he knew that it was naught but empty. For it was a foolish dream, given by foolish men. I