Whereas Ardan Divinity wishes to lament on what could be done to stop their infighting, we come from a far different school of warfare. The Ardans are horrendously secretive about their own history, even down to the fact that the “White-Pantheon”, our “allies”, refuse to share anything but common general knowledge. Still though, even before we translated their texts, it has become obvious that the Ardan perspective on how to wage wars is extremely different from ours.

  The first is their reliance on Divinity and single-actors. “Hero-Doctrine”, as they call it, has taken their world down a path of tyranny unlike anything that has ever been seen before. This is evident even with our discussions with Allasaria. Their Goddess of Light claims to be strong enough to split their planet in half. Where is the proof of this? There is none. Yet we have seen her tear down mountain and wipe great fortresses away from existence down to wiping the slate clean. Whereas we did not believe it at first, it has become accepted by this point that even if Allasaria cannot cut the planet in two, she would surely be able to destabilize tectonic structures to the point of apocalypse.

  There exist others: Irinika, Baalka, Olephia, Elassa, Anassa, Zerus, Alkom, Neneria and Arascus are all entities that could theoretically end that planet on a whim. On one hand, with how much they despise each other, it baffles the mind as to how the planet still possesses life on it. On the other, we return to the notion of military affairs. The presence of such beings, and their lack of hesitation in joining conflicts of different races, has made them dependent on such strength. The White Pantheon does not even possess a formal hierarchy, Arascus’ Empire is considered a trailblazer because they have made the advance of giving their Divines ranks. In such fashion, it is a thoroughly primitive world.

  Arascus and Kassandora, viewed through this lens, are not great geniuses. They are merely the first entities on that entire planet to conceive of a military force which would wield all that Arda can possess. Likewise, they are the first attempt at trying to draw any long-term cooperation between the races of Man: Human, Dwarf and Elf.

  Whereas Paraideisius wishes to disagree, from the Tartarian perspective, it was the inclusion of these so-called “Dwarves”, the half-men who live under mountains and populate the great routes underground that is the most pressing issue. Land armies may not advance when a new front can be opened at whim by the dwarves tunnelling out. Their armies, largely composed of automatons, are both expendable and elite. It is difficult to defeat one machination in single combat, they are resistant to heat, difficult to blind and without any for re-supply in terms of foodstuffs. However, they cannot fly. Thus, Paraideisius considers them beneath their notice.

  Most infuriatingly, Allasaria does not consider such creatures a threat. Although that too makes sense. Arda is a world were power is wielded freely. The woman effectively defeats matter, her own men dying are not a moral wound, they are simply besmirching of her own honour.

  - Excerpt from “Lessons From Arda”, written by Tartarian Knight-Captain Furcas.

  By the time Olephia made it back to the central shaft of Klavdiv, news had spread of the Archdemon’s death. The greatest ever victory to have ever been scored against Tartarus. In terms of losses, it was no Plan Rampart, where four Imperial Legions encircled and cut down hundreds of thousands of demons during the Great War. Nor was it Plan Twin, where Olephia and Anassa took down one Archdemon whereas Irinika and Baalka another. But it was the first time Divinity had not been there to witness such a victory.

  The dwarves and the engineers were all on break even as evacuations from holds were taking place. Great pyres had been lit, music was playing loudly. Mead was brought out from storerooms and spirits were brought down from the surface. Cigarettes were handed out. Humans and dwarves danced and gamed and tested their strength in contests of arm-wrestling. No magicians had been assigned to Klavdiv, but Olephia was sure that if there were military celebrations down here, allowed on order from Kassandora herself, then up above, the world must be howling with frenzied joy.

  And so, just before she started to descend, Olephia turned and watched. This scene would make a painting. A start of a collection, or maybe the end of one, depending on how many Olephia could dream up. Either the end of the first arc, or the beginning of the retelling of the Second Great War. Klavdiv’s five suns lay cold although from here, Olephia could see only two. Great spheres stitched out of so many runes that they were overlapping. Bridges below them, skyscrapers and fortresses carved into stone. Their candlelight like orange stars patchworking a sky a stone.

  And below them, Imperial trucks, now ribboned and decorated in celebration. With men and dwarves singing around great pyres. A dozen projectors had been set up, all to replay the same video of Southern Rilia holding against an Archdemon. No commentary nor sound was needed, the men made their own effects with awed tones as they wanted the Raptors spin and dance through the tiny gap between the demon’s torso and his arm. The chain snapping. Front plate splashing into the sea below. And then missile after missile slam into the mountain of a monster’s torso. The part that got the most cheers was the actual collapse, but that part was a close second.

  “Hello?” Olephia suddenly heard Iniri’s voice from behind herself. Olephia’s lips pulled up into a smile and she extended an arm out to the closest projection. When Olephia had gotten here, the Goddess of Nature spoke in nothing but squeaks and whimpers. There was still nervousness there, but at least she was speaking clearly enough to be listened to.

  Iniri stepped closer to Olephia as men cheered again as the Archdemon collapsed. Iniri’s breath caught for a moment as she stared up at that. For a moment, the videos cut out and then began to replay. Some men began to roast meat. Olephia felt her mouth start to water, annihilating the ocean was busy work and even though she could not starve, sometimes, one enjoyed food for the sake of it. Iniri just watched the whole in battle silence. And then, after a moment, she leaned into Olephia’s ear. “Who was there?”

  There was nothing to say, not that Olephia could say anything in the first place. She just shook her head and Iniri looked up at her in surprise. Brown her, brown eyes, brown eyebrows, cute. Olephia would paint her later: Marvellous Nature. That was a good name. She smiled in satisfaction at the combination of letters which were neighbours in the alphabet. Perfect! “What do you mean there was no one?”

  Olephia wished she could sigh. But a sigh would turn the Dwarven capital into a tragedy on their day of celebration so she just pulled out her notepad and started to quickly write in her standard script. Supposedly people found it pretty how the letters all joined together, children found it difficult to read, Olephia just smiled smugly as she finished: ‘No Divines were present. They did it themselves.’

  “C-Can I?” Iniri reached for the piece of paper and Olephia tore it off her book. The Goddess of Nature inspected it once, twice. Then turned it around. “Really?” Olephia nodded. “You’re joking?” Olephia shook her head, her smile getting wider. Praise for the Empire was like praise for Arascus, and that meant praise for the family and that was praise for herself. As stunted as the line of logic was, she had sworn she would follow that the man she now called her father to the ends of the world. He had come asking for nothing save belief.

  Belief that one day, Divinity would walk amongst humanity and be fine with it.

  Olephia had believed back then. And now, her smile grew wider. Maybe this is what Arascus felt like when he fixed a problem for his daughters. To think that an Archdemon could be slain without her. Amazing.

  Olephia held out the piece of paper. ‘What do you think?’

  “It’s amazing.” Iniri whispered as if disbelieving her own words. The Goddess of Chaos was already ripping off another piece of paper.

  ‘And here we once called them powerless.’ Iniri looked at the piece of paper, her brown eyebrows furrowing. Olephia smiled in satisfaction. Of course she was smart enough to get what was being said. Olephia made it even more obvious with the next note. ‘Crazy how things change, huh?’

  Maybe that was too much. This one, Iniri didn’t even not to understand. “Are you talking about me?”

  ‘I may be.’ Olephia wrote down and came closer. Her fingers and pen practically danced across the piece of paper. ‘Problem?’

  “It is what it is.” Iniri said. Olephia was about to start writing when Iniri stopped her. “Don’t tell me no one who is in a good situation says that. I know already.”

  ‘I can’t help you there.’ Olephia said and extended notepad for Iniri to read. Then the Goddess of Chaos quickly swiped it one more time. ‘But don’t worry about it. I’m just happy today. Break-time for a few hours.’

  “You’re calling off the dig?”

  ‘One or two hours.’ Olephia wrote and stood on one leg to bend her other at the knee. These Imperial coats Helenna had designed were heavy indeed. ‘Just let me stretch.’

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “Oh.” Iniri said. “Alright.”

  ‘How are you finding the dig?’ Olephia honestly had no clue what to call what they were doing down at the bottom of Klavdiv. Dig simply fit the best. Her eyes caught a sleeping dragon being pulled in from the gates of Klavdiv by a pack of engineering vehicles. Around it, the dwarven animated skeletons marched slowly as they tugged on smaller chains, maybe a thousand of them. That was another painting. The painting spoke for itself, artistic flare would not even be needed: the dead and the mechanical pulling the sleeping into the safety of this city. Klavdiv would get a whole collection. A whole museum dedicated to it.

  “It’s fine.” Iniri said. “You’re further from me now so it’s easier.”

  ‘And energy wise? Are you not going to run out?’

  “I devour what you destroy. Radiation isn’t…” Iniri trailed off for a moment. “Well, it leaves material there, doesn’t it? Just something I have to repurpose. It’s not Allasaria’s erasing light.” Olephia made a supportive face, closed her eyes, nodded in an exaggerated manner and patted Iniri on the back. “Thanks.”

  ‘I saw you in the past.’ Olephia wrote quickly, her little finger holding the notebook, three others manoeuvring the pen. The writing wasn’t as neat but it was a trick she had learned during the Great War. ‘I knew you’d be able to handle it.’

  “Thanks.”

  ‘No problem :)’ Iniri chuckled at the little smiley face. The two Goddesses stared at the celebrations going on. Iniri dug her hands into the pockets of her dress.

  “Thanks for asking me though.” Iniri said, Olephia shook her head and waved her hand to signal there was no need to apologize. “No, honestly.” Iniri said. “Don’t tell me not to thank, I’m happy.” Olephia rolled her purple eyes and began to write another message.

  ‘There aren’t many who could do that. None I’d predict in fact. Only Elassa could potentially get close but she would consume the land.’ Olephia showed the piece and shrugged. Iniri smiled at the words and came a step closer. ‘So it is what it is. I ask before it’s polite. Because I want to.’

  “Well I’m happy for that Olephia.” Iniri said. “And I’m glad you came when I asked you to.”

  ‘Of course.’ Olephia wrote back. ‘I wasn’t busy anyway.’

  “You would have been useful against the Archdemon.” Olephia replied by pointing to herself, then to everything that was before them and then crossing her hands. Iniri should get it, if Olephia had gone up to annihilate the Archdemon, then this wouldn’t be happening. “Well thank you.”

  ‘It is nice.’ Olephia wrote. She began to scrawl, lost in her own thoughts. ‘I’m the solution to all of Kassie’s problems. If she can’t handle something, it’s just throw Ola at it.’ Olephia saw her own words, realised she had written them already and took a deep breath. It was always like this with writing, words from the mouth were spontaneous and fast and could not be taken back once they were uttered. That caused problems, Olephia knew that it caused problems and she knew that it could be taken badly but…

  Well, there were times Olephia wished she could just say something and get it over with. She slowly pulled the sheet off and gave it to Iniri. There, it was said now. That was good. Iniri read it and gave no reply. She just handed it back. And then, a few moments later, she finally spoke. “I struggle to believe how you turned out to be so normal.” Olephia smile and rolled her eyes. The two Goddesses stood in silence. There was nothing that needed to be said. Iniri was timid and shy and flustered, unsure of herself all the time, not-very talkative either and not aggressive whatsoever. The Goddess of Nature and the Goddess of Chaos were on opposites end of the scale frankly. And yet…

  ‘I’m a better woman than you.’ Olephia wrote back jokingly. This was the worst part about writing, tone inferred so much emotion. Fer with a single “mmh” could say what it would take Olephia a full page to write out.

  Iniri chuckled at the piece of paper. “I’m not going to argue Olephia.” She handed the piece of paper back. “But as enviable as you are, I would not trade positions.” Olephia put her hand on Iniri’s shoulder and leaned low. Both of them towered over humans, but Olephia was a full head taller than Iniri.

  Once again, she replied with just one hand. ‘It is what it is. Dad taught me how to write and behave. I have it off him.’

  “You give him credit.”

  ‘I do.’ Olephia said. ‘I’m the foremost example of his success.’

  “What did he do to you?” Iniri asked quietly. “I mean, to get you to join?”

  ‘He taught me how to write and read.’ Olephia said. ‘I was the second, after Irinika.’

  “Just that?”

  Finally, Olephia pulled away. Writing with one hand was too much trouble. ‘Everything Iniri. Music, painting, everything. How to speak even and not just wail. Those days are my most precious memories. Everything he could, he taught me.’

  Iniri sighed and closed her eyes. “I see why you joined him then.” By the time she was open, Olephia had prepared another piece of paper for her.

  ‘We know of history and how Divines incarnate. I did that too but I am actually unique in this regard, there were none who would lay claim to me. Dad is the first. First ever. To give me a chance. I am his in the truest sense of the word. Kass, she still needs to be fixed. Fer, he did fix. But me? He raised from the ground up.’

  “Oh.”

  Olephia did not know what came into her. Once she started writing, she simply could not stop. It was as if the pen was being channelled through her. ‘That’s why I stand here. I cannot speak or even let a tiny sound out of my mouth, I need this notepad to communicate and yet, I am still here. Who else would be? Fortia, Allasaria, Maisara would not manage it. I am sure it would even drive Kassandora to madness, she has too much to say.’

  Iniri nodded, she cleared her throat and Iniri finally picked up her pen, cutting it off mid-word, to give the Goddess of Nature a chance to reply. “What you have managed is amazing Olephia.” Iniri said carefully, that only got an eye-roll from the Goddess of Chaos. There was no need to be smothered with compliments, Olephia already knew where she stood. “But… So… Well, it’s different worlds.”

  ‘I pity you.’

  “Why?”

  ‘Because you should have met him sooner.’ Olephia said. ‘And because you are not difficult to figure out. Likewise, I know a lecture is not going to do anything. <- Anassa told me about you.’

  “You talk about me?”

  ‘We worry.’ Olephia quickly answered in the corner of the paper and then went back to the main body of the text. ‘So I will give none. I cannot do lectures anyway, they do not transmit well in paper anyway. I can simply stand here as an example. It is not like Anassa, who would beat Godhood into you, for if I tried that, you would cease to exist. I can merely say that you are wrong because I am here and if I am still here, then you really have no excuse as to why you should be so afraid of yourself.’ Olephia ripped the piece of paper off and gave it to Iniri to read.

  “Example, huh?” Iniri asked. Immediately Olephia knew which she would take it. “Olephia, you have been on the rise ever since you met Arascus.” Iniri began. “You called us opposites, that is true. I have an opposite relationship with him, ever since he stepped foot on this world, I have been driven back. From the endless Gaia that once overran Epa, from wild forests, from Goddess of Nature, down down down to what I am now. Humanity and Nature are dependent on each other in the same way that a child is dependent on a crib. There comes a time when you’re just a happy memory.”

  ‘No.’ Olephia wrote. ‘Not power or demesne wise. You say Humanity and Nature, what of Humanity and Uncreation? Here I am. I care not for my demesne. I see in Kass what happens when Demesne takes over the self. That was me until the Arascus found me. No Iniri. I was not saying that.’

  “Then what were you saying?” Iniri asked.

  ‘I am a Daughter-Goddess of Arascus and that is the most magnificent treasure I have ever been given. Not only that, I am truest Daughter-Goddess of Arascus. As true as they come, like I said before, the rest needed to be fixed. I needed to be built into someone. You look at me now, you call me amazing. You don’t know half of it Iniri. Arascus is the most amazing God to march this world, I stand here and without being able to dance or sing with them, I can still feel their joy. That is what Arascus taught me to do. I do not know how he did it. I do not even think it is possible to transfer. So I can only stand here and hope you learn from me.’

  Iniri crushed the piece of paper in her hand after reading it and stuffed it in her pocket. She leaned closer onto Olephia, placing her head on the woman’s arm. Olephia’s hand crawled up her back to rest on her hair. “It’s funny.” Iniri said sadly. “Because I thought I would cry.” Olephia replied with a thumbs-up. “But that’s because I saw Kavaa and Kass or Helenna and Malam. That lot… well… I don’t know… They just fit together. Like pieces to a puzzle. With you…” Iniri closed her eyes. “Thank you Olephia.”

  And again with just one hand. ‘I’ll tell you now, I won’t be the Kassie to your Kavaa.’

  Iniri chuckled at that and shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t expect you to be. I assume you’re like this to everyone.” Olephia kept it light and jovial and Iniri swiped her hand away from writing more. “Don’t worry, I meant I see why they look up to you now.”

  This time, Olephia did not let her hand be swiped at. ‘Daddy’s girl, they call me. I’m his favourite.’ The Goddess of Chaos smugly handed the piece of paper to Iniri.

  “Suck-up more like.” Iniri chuckled. “But thank you.” She sighed heavily. “There are times I think I fought on the wrong side back then. Even if it’s not for Arascus, then just for all of you.”

  ‘You should get to know him better.’

  “I’m one of the oldest Goddesses in the world, he’s one of the eldest Gods. We do know each other.”

  ‘Well excuse me old lady but you know I didn’t mean it like that. People change.’

  “I, of all people, know that.” Iniri said.

  ‘Why did you not join us?’

  “I don’t know.” Iniri said and laughed. “It’s not a reason but I don’t know. It just happened. Helenna strung me along for a while. When Zerus announced joining with Allasaria… Well, I’m the grandest Force. It should be natural I would be with my kin...” Only then, did Iniri see the paper before her.

  ‘It’s a reason.’ Olephia said, already writing more. ‘Not knowing I mean. IDC about your politics.’

  “Mmh.” Iniri said. “Well, thank you.”

  ‘You’re a strong Goddess to be standing here. Don’t forget that. There are not many who would hold up Klavdiv.’

  “Thanks again.” Iniri said, blushing. “But you don’t have to praise me.”

  ‘But I will because I expect it of myself and you can’t really change it. Call it a decent upbringing.’

  “I will.” Iniri turned and hugged Olephia, squeezing her tight. “And I’m sorry for being such a mess before.” Olephia just put her chin on the woman’s head and hugged back tight. Good thing she could not speak, else she would say that Iniri was still a mess. “I wish someone like you was in the Pantheon back then.” This one did need a reply. Olephia stared at the empty piece of paper and for once, realised she had nothing to write. What was there to say anyway? Was she crying? Olephia rolled her eyes again, allowed herself a smile and gently squeezed back.

  It was always good fun to play as the elder sister, especially when the other person wasn’t used to it. She stroked Iniri’s back and gently hugged her head. Would a kiss on the forehead be too far? Most likely. Olephia wouldn’t risk an atomic explosion down here just so that she could indulge herself even more. “D-Do..” Definitely crying then. Olephia kept up the hug.

  Humanity alone had slain an Archdemon.

  A Divine that was not Arascus got another to like them.

  Olephia smiled in pride at herself.

  “Do-do you want a t-tangerine.” One of Inir’s hands dive into her pocket and pulled out a tangerine. “I grew it myse-self.”