☆ CELESTIAL CRUSADERS ☆ (Classic Edition)

☆ Chapter 12 - Tyranny Incarnate ☆

Genno and Goddess Ara welcomed the group to the land of the gods: I'henová, a dimension separate from the Multiverse where Ara has full control of her surroundings.
The Crusaders sat down in a large table, and they talked to each other for a bit, still processing that this was actually happening.

|Wot do ye think she wants...?|
"I don't know, honestly...this is still a lot to take in at once."
♤I know. But if we, of all people, were called here, must be important.♤
"×Geez...I knew Dissle was serious business, but I wasn't expecting THIS.×"
'None of us were. Which is why we need to pay attention on what she has to say.'
^Yeah...^

Ara, Genno and Diati walk in the room.
'"How is Dissle?"'
%He's healed. He just needs a moment before he wakes up.%
"Yeah...the Light magic had a weird effect when I tried it on him."
ªIt's simple. The Arrow was nearly not powerful enough to banish the demon in his soul.ª
"...oh, ok."
♤...excuse me, Goddess, but I have to ask. How did André get his Light Magic?♤
ªAfter I saw his performance on the Battle of Zytruvia, and his determination to fight against evil...I knew he had great potential. So I gave him the Arrow of Purification.ª
|...hot dang.|
"...I...T-Thank you, Goddess. I...I'm really thankful."
ªGratitude is unnecessary. I know you have many questions.ª
》If Dissle isn't responsible for attacking the Multiverse...then who is?《

Genno flew over them.
ºHave you heard the tale of Xersúda Ribokun, the Tyrant?º

When he said that name, some members of the group, André, Sharida, Crystal, Madeline and the Paragons in particular, looked shocked.

-^...you must be joking.^-
ºI'm afraid I am not.º
'...sorry, but we haven't heard of him.'
^Yeah...we're still new to this Multiverse thing.^
ªWorry not. I shall tell you the story of what happened 500 years ago...ª

She snapped her fingers and the room turned dark.

ªIn one of the first universes ever created, there was a planet called Maunáki. It was a planet dominated by beings from multiple races.ª

Her magic allowed her to display images of the story she was telling.

ªAt first, the planet lived in anarchy. It was nearly impossible to lead a world filled with chaotic creatures. But then, one man among them proved that it was possible. That man was Xersúda Ribokun. Half leviathan, half dragon, and master of the most obscure and forbidden magic. He ruled over his people with the iron fist of his empire, and those who wanted to challenge him either surrendered...or died.ª
^Eesh...^
ªHowever, he didn't want to stop there. He wanted to expand through the boundaries of his world, and create the first Multiversal Empire, to prove that he was the strongest being in existance. But he also knew that he would need power to do so. A lot of power.ª
ºIn secret, he started to travel to other universes and steal powerful artifacts from across the realms. Using those artifacts and dark magic, he forged a medallion that would greatly multiply his power. The Medallion of the Alpha and the Omega.º
'...excuse me, but...wouldn't you guys notice if something like that happened?'
%Despite their divine status, the Gods are not all-powerful. They may have incredible power, but not something as absurd as sensing all power present in every realm out there. Everyone has their limit.%
'Ah...alright.'

ªUsing his new power, Xersúda's ambitions grew. He didn't want to just become powerful...he wanted to become a God. So, he invaded the sacred Lands of Infernum to steal the Demon Crown, lurking inside the Fortress of the Flame Heart. By the time we noticed his plan...it was too late.ª
ºBack then, Dissle and Diati's parents, Drake and Danita, used to be Gods. They were the first to notice Xersúda's plan and tried to stop him. However, by the time they got there, Xersúda had fused the Medallion with the Demon Crown's power, and obtained a new form. Ever since, he declared himself the Demon God.º
ªDrake and Danita still tried to stop him. But Xersúda already predicted this outcome. Using his divine powers, he created a dimensional barrier around the Fortress, one that can't be broken or crossed by normal means. The two Gods tried to fight back, but they were easily overwhelmed...and eventually slain.ª
'Ouch...'