"Lewriova! Why would you bring outsiders?! Adventures at that! Are you sabotaging our mission?!"
Suddenly a discordant voice echoed through the luxurious room, drawing the attention of the players. They looked over and observed the long table in the centre of the room. Immediately their breath got stuck in their mouths and their chests tightened. A majestic, overpowering aura hit them, emitted by the beings sitting around the table.
There were a few humans in glorious armour, lavish robes, and luxurious, regal clothes. One of them, a man in an impressive black robe and with long black hair was well known to the party. It was Therim Riverbell, the guardian of the Southern Light Kingdom. Another one of them emitted a familiar aura but the friends couldn't quite pinpoint it. He appeared somewhat out of place as a burly man wearing a colourful feather dress. Only Liam knew that this was Lennreo, King of Basilisks, after using transformation magic.
When Liam's eyes met Therim's, the two men exchanged polite greetings. But when they fell on Lennreo a chill ran down his spine. He had the illusion as if a terrifyingly sharp beak was trying to pierce his eyes out. Liam shivered and could only avert his eyes, observing the rest of the people.
Other than humans there were holy nephilim with pristinely white wings, their holy aura only overshadowed by the person at the head of the table. His entire body was hidden within an impeccable golden armor. Only the wings behind his back were revealed proudly. He was one of the 72 adjutants of the Godspawn, named Golden Tiger.
The holy nephilim sat to the right of the adjutant and to his left were the dark nephilim. Their presence was rather subdued, not showing their wings, looking similar to humans with some characteristics of other races. The gathering of bigshots continued with arrogant high elven mages and silent wood elven hunters. Next came a few proud orcs, wearing almost no armor and staring at the humans with undisguised hatred.
Last but not least there were the dwarves. They were either clad like merchants decorated in gold or wearing heavy armours which made them look even burlier than the tall orcs.
There were a few more people in the room. Beastkin and goblins stood at the side, observing silently. Obviously, despite getting invited they had no right to speak in this high-level meeting.
Out of all these groups the one to chide Lewriova was actually one of the holy nephilim, a slightly shorter man wearing a white dress with a few white and silver cloths draped over it.
"Bevrio, these adventurers have made a big contribution to our cause. They deserve to get some recognition."
"They? Pah! I don't believe it. Perhaps that warrior and that thief have done some good deeds, but the rest? Don't kid yourself."
Bevrio's eyes passed over Radiant Shield and Bloody Edge as he spoke. The two friends were confused before realizing that they were the only two holy nephilim in the group. Perhaps the real issue wasn't the identity as adventurers…
"You are being unreasonable…"
"I also don't think this is reasonable. We were still in the midst of a discussion. Your timing is a disrespect to all of us."
A slightly creaking voice came from Lennreo. The basilisk didn't even look at the players as he voiced his opinion. Lewriova frowned, confused as to why Lennreo would attack her. But at least Therim came to assist her:
"I have had dealings with many adventurers. I think they can be trusted. The help they can provide is not small."
One of the dwarves dressed luxuriously also shared his agreement. He was a higher-up of Deep Bell City with a good impression of the adventurers who tirelessly cleared the dungeon in his city. Even the orcs showed support, having many players in their race, although they couldn't help but ridicule the dwarves as tin cans in the same breath.
Another small-scale argument broke out between orcs and dwarves. The wood elves next to them sought to gain some distance, cursing the day they left their forests, while the high elves looked at the warriors quarrelling like children with disdain.
Lewriova turned towards the other original nephilim for support but those avoided her gaze. The original nephilim were not in a great position ever since their contracts with hell shattered after the invasion of the void. Compared to the other big races they were lacking in power and were even shunned by some because of their past connection with devils. Some, like Lewriova, found means to preserve parts of their power, mostly through special artifacts. Meanwhile others like Taragal attempted to discover new ways to incorporate the dark magic, creating much misery in the process until they were ousted by the order faction.
Thus, Lewriova faced much criticism as she brought the adventurers to this gathering. However, did any of these arguments have anything to do with the abilities of adventurers? No!
"Silence!"
Suddenly Golden Tiger's shout shut everyone up. The godspawn's authority radiated through the room and no one dared to show dissatisfaction. Elsewhere they might not fear the adjutant that much, but here, in the territory of the godspawn…
Golden Tiger turned his head hidden behind the tiger-shaped helmet, stopping on the adventurers.
"Over the last few months, we have indeed seen a sudden resurgence of adventurers. Their power is increasing at an unbelievable pace. This is the grace of the gods. It is the aid they have gifted us to vanquish the void. You should not look down on the adventurers! We will need them!"
Those present felt some doubts. After all, adventurers also existed among the chaos faction. Could this also be the will of the gods? Doubtful! However, no one was stupid enough to doubt the gods in front of Golden Tiger. Instead, they talked in roundabout ways.
"I know that adventurers are rapidly improving and thank the gods every day for their gift. But at least right now they are not strong enough. They can't combat the void yet. What if they all were to die in the upcoming war? I think it is better to let them grow and allow them to participate in future battles."
It was once again Bevrio who turned out to be a discordant voice. But as he spoke, he saw Golden Tiger slowly turn his head towards him. Despite not being able to see the godspawn's face, he could feel his displeasure.
Golden Tiger was indeed displeased. This alliance of the order faction was created to face a difficult mission. Every bit of assistance could prove useful. But the rift between the factions threatened their mission before it even began. Suddenly Golden Tiger stood up, attracting everyone's attention. His vast wings emitted a sacred glow which filled the entire room. He began to speak with a sonorous voice:
"Everyone! It seems to me that you are not recognizing the severity of the situation! When I called for this alliance, didn't we agree to pause all our disputes for now? I demand that you not let your petty quarrels endanger our mission! Several high devils have been trapped by the void. Those unaffected have become unbridled since then, leveraging the void to cause chaos all over Crunaboul, disregarding the damage done to the very essence of our world. It is of utmost importance to punish these evildoers and vanquish the void, even if it means freeing the trapped high devils! The very survival of our world could be at stake! The gods are watching!"
With this last sentence a slight golden-white glow flashed on the ceiling of the room. The people present didn't know if it was a trick of the godspawn or not but for a moment they felt the breath of an unfathomable presence far beyond their understanding. Immediately everyone shut up, sitting orderly like children who had been scolded by their teacher.
Golden Tiger looked satisfied. He slowly sat down and continued talking:
"Now, I think adventurers have become strong enough. They can play their part in this mission. Do you all agree?"
Of course everyone nodded seriously, as if this had always been their opinion.
"Good. My recommendation is that each race takes care of their own adventurers. Let them assist in preparations. Everyone knows their missions. The war will start after all preparations are completed!"
Finally, the discussion seemed to be over. C's voice immediately rang in the party's ears.
"Congratulations, you have discovered the large-scale event 'War on the void'. As the first to discover the event you are granted the title 'Pioneer of Adventurers'. For more information, please refer to your journal."
"A large-scale event?!"
"What happened?"
"Seems we are going to war again."
"No, didn't you listen? It's not us who are going to war."
The friends immediately began to discuss excitedly. But suddenly they felt a suffocating pressure. They realized that all the bigshots were looking at them strangely.
"Hehe. Sorry to disturb you…"
Cyclone apologized meekly. Luckily, Lewriova helped the party out as she opened another portal and guided them through. The world changed and the friends appeared on a teleportation platform in Duabalis.