"Is it done?" Grandpa Winks asked his subordinate who replied in the affirmative, "It is. Everything of relevance has been sealed. He's too strong for me to wipe them away completely."
"Of course he is. Even if I had your set of skills, it would be impossible for me to do it as well. He isn't an ancient divine artefact for no reason." Grandpa Winks smirked.
"Pardon my disapproval, my lord, but I highly doubt that. Even if he's a divine artefact, there is no way he would be able to resist you were you to possess my particular set of abilities. Ancient or not, it makes little difference." The shadow warrior denied any possibility of his master's comment being true. It wasn't just due to his complete confidence in his master's abilities, but the words of one who had witnessed the true power of a peak Ascender. These were beings that left even the Universe Will in a state of caution. His master was such an existence, and even among these legends he was highly respected.
"He isn't a simple divine artefact. He is an origin divine artefact." Grandpa Winks' words were like a bombshell, one that left a shadow warrior who had long learned to control his emotions with a wide open mouth. Who could blame him? Origin artefacts were called divine artefacts but they were pretty much in their own league. With unique abilities that long transcended those of even ancient divine artefacts, origin divine artefacts had a history older than even the eternals themselves. They were present before the Universe Will was born, and their origins were a mystery. It was believed that they were made even before the universe, and were the true creators of the universe, hence their name.
"If he's an origin artefact, then…" Grandpa Winks continued in his subordinate's stead, "His abilities are sealed. We sealed them long ago. It had to be done." Grandpa Winks had a look of remorse on his face as he explained. Whatever the circumstances that led to that decision were, they were clearly painful ones. His subordinate kept mute seeing his master's expression. His master always kept a calm and cold façade before the people, and a jolly one before his family. But occasionally, his true emotions would surface: pain; anguish; and sorrow. He didn't need to ask to know that whatever it was, the Universe Will and the Dark Sword, that which ruled over the shadows, were the perpetrators.
"Asher" Grandpa Winks called. "Master" the shadow warrior replied. "What do you know about 'the edict'" Grandpa Winks demanded more than he asked. Asher countenance remained unchanged at the question that would offend many other eternals. Eternals were one of the most knowledgeable races in the entire universe, if not the most knowledgeable. Every citizen of the higher realms knew what 'the edict' was. Even the citizens who knew little about wielding and had very little strength knew what 'the edict' was.
"'The edict' is the force that opposes chaos. As fire is to water, so is 'the edict' is to chaos. Unfortunately, edict isn't as powerful as chaos, which is why 'the leash' is so important." Asher's reply was tactful, no grievance in his tone. Grandpa Winks nodded his head in approval at his 'minion's' words. He smiled mysteriously and said, "True, yet false." Asher didn't rebut his master's statement, choosing to remain silent and listen, like any good subordinate will.
"Before the universe was filled with life, and before even chaos had made its malicious introduction, the origin artefacts were present. It isn't mere speculation that the origin artefacts were the bringers of laws and power. Yet they were also the parents of destruction, which conceived and birthed chaos."
Asher was surprised by his master's words, but he didn't show much of a reaction. He held his tongue, waiting for his master to continue. And that he did.
"Origin is that- origin. It is the beginning of everything. From order to chaos. They are the evidence of the creator, for there is absolutely no way such mysterious and powerful artefacts are mere coincidences. There is no such thing in life. And order, what do you know about it?" Grandpa Winks asked.
"Not much master" Asher admitted. "Please enlighten this ignorant one, master." He pleaded.
"Edict isn't equal to chaos. It is merely a byproduct of 'order'" Asher was an excellent keeper of emotions, but even he showed his surprise. He looked at his master with a look of puzzlement on his face. Even in a situation where many would show their impatience, Asher didn't. He was curious, but his patience was stronger. And it was rewarded.
"How can there be order without chaos. Nothing in the universe remains unchecked. When the origin divine artefact, the 'Book of Order', brought about order, her polar opposite did not sit still. The 'Chaotic Flames' which had the same history and was in itself, a powerful origin artefact more than capable of contending with the 'Book of Order', lived up to its name- and brought chaos. The history is a long one. I cannot say it all. All that is important is that the 'Chaotic Flames' won that long war. And true to his name, he singed the 'Book of Order', yet he couldn't destroy her. But its victory wasn't without cost. It was weakened as well. The weakened 'Book of Order' didn't let up though, using a large portion of her power to create a lifeline. She gave us hope- she chose an heir. What she didn't know was that the 'Chaotic Flames' made the same choice as well. For although he came out on top, his injuries weren't light. He was needed to enter a long slumber to restore his strength. Though he didn't really choose an heir but a reagent. Know who they are?"
Grandpa Winks stopped to ask Asher a question. One to which he replied thus, "The heir of order is the eternal throne. As for the reagent to chaos, I reckon that is the Dark Sword." Grandpa Winks nodded and said in admiration, "Your mind is still as sharp as ever Asher. That is accurate."
"The eternal throne birthed edict to supplement the dying order, both strengthening each other. This energy called edict was tame and kind, allowing intelligent beings who were born much later to use and store it in their bodies. They call it inner energy. But Reiki has been sealed, hence chaos has grown stronger. And when the time is right, Reiki would rise to command order again."
Grandpa Winks smiled and said, "He would do it under the lead of the true owner of the universe." "What a sight it would be!" he exclaimed.
He looked at Asher and continued, "The two heirs fighting side by side."