Ashes

Arch II. Empire of Steel. Prologue. Threads

Xentaron changed when the two worlds merged. It took people a long time to recover from the disaster that struck them so suddenly. At first, the new life was scary. Although people knew about magic before this, those stories were long forgotten. But memories of it (magic) came flooding back with renewed vigor. Cities have entered a new era - the era of magic and technology. Now people will learn to use technology, filling it with magic.

But not only magic has returned. We, the gods, have also returned. You will say that this cannot happen. Trust me - this is reality. Your reality, in which you have to survive even more disasters created by you.

Of course, the way to Xentaron is closed to me, but I assure you, I will get there. As soon as the exile is over. I had many... Crimes for which I was exiled to the Empire of Steel, forced to escort souls to the Ghost.

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It is almost impossible to change fate. It is like threads that have long been woven into one ball. You will never know where your thread is and when it will be woven together with another. Perhaps someday I will find the answer to my question. But for now I am helping other souls find peace in the Empire of Steel. This is my destiny. And this is my punishment. He told me that I could only get out if I helped a living soul achieve their goal. Where can I find even one living soul here when everyone is dead and remembers nothing?

Oh? I didn't tell you? Souls in the Empire of Steel remember nothing. All thanks to the Masquerade of Oblivion. Maybe this is for the best... I thought until a young musician appeared in the Empire. And... He's quite alive! This is my chance! I don't know where he came from, but his clothes remind me of my hometown - Delamere. I did not ask him about this in order to avoid unnecessary questions. But I understood one thing for sure: he is here to change his destiny. And I will lead him.

He witnessed the Masquerade of Oblivion with his own eyes, but he still remembers everything. He seems determined. It seems his love is strong enough to withstand such powerful spells. But let me give him a wonderful idea. His voice is so wonderful that it could touch even those who previously did not know what emotions were. And if we find the right words, we can return all souls to their memory of who they were before they came here. Chaos will begin. And in this turmoil, he and his beloved will be able to escape. And he will be able to take Elini from here, the young goddess, long ago kidnapped by one of the Phantom's servants. He (the servant) planned to get married her. He kidnapped the goddess, but I suffered the punishment. The gods thought that I had kidnapped her. But why do I need it?

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Well... He really made a mess of the Empire. The Ghost will be furious. Perhaps saving Elini will have to wait... Against the backdrop of this chaos, kidnapping the young goddess would also be wrong... What... What is he doing?

So here's the thing... The Ghost still releases the soul of the young nymph. It seems... I just helped him achieve his goal. I can be free. I just need to wait until they reach the line. I will follow them like a silent shadow. The Ghost set only one condition: the young man must not turn around. And then we will be free... Lead us, hero.

There was very little time left until the long-awaited freedom. Why... Why did you stop? Have any doubts really crept into your bright mind? Just move on. You are a couple of steps away from your happiness. And I'm a couple of steps away from freedom. Don't worry, she's following you. I'm just asking you. Move. Grant me freedom. Give your beloved one more chance to live a happy life. The opportunity to change your destiny is now in your hands. You can...

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Everything collapsed in one moment. The hero turned around. What he saw was forever imprinted in his memory. The soul of his beloved dissolved before his eyes, forever going back to the Empire of Steel. You disappointed me. You were so close to your happiness, but you lost everything in one moment. Because of your own stupidity. You are pathetic.

I will not tolerate such monstrous betrayal on your part. I came out of the shadows. Hero, did you expect to see someone else? Maybe Fate itself? Do you remember the terms of our deal? No? Has the desire to save your nymph made you lose your memory?

The deal was simple: I help you, and you help me. I helped you get to the Ghost. I personally brought you to him. You begged him to let her go. After the refusal, you created chaos. And only then did you turn to Him again. He gave the go-ahead, but you disappointed EVERYONE. I wonder which of us is the hero here in this case?

On that day I freed your soul from the imprisonment of your body. Now you can be reunited with your nymph, and you will remain together forever. Now your threads are definitely woven into one. This is your destiny, hero.

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I know this story better than anyone, just like my five fingers! But no matter how many years pass. I never cease to be amazed: I led him along a proven path - to the gods, the pinnacle of glory and honor! What did he see in the moment before the line? Or... Someone?..