[Under-Realm]
In the abyssal depths beneath the mortal realm, where the whispers of antiquity resonate through caverns of immeasurable vastness, a meeting of profound significance transpired. The very air grew thick with the anticipation of revelations, as an unearthly, guttural voice echoed forth, demanding audience.
"Well, what news do you bring?" It thundered, a timbre that seemed to carry the weight of an eternity of secrets.
"My esteemed and ancient master," a figure obscured by the shadow of its own concealing visage stepped forth with a grace that was both solemn and eerie. "The omens of the divine transgressions have begun to manifest themselves."
"Indeed?" The deity's tone was suffused with a curiosity that bore the faintest hint of displeasure. "Pray tell, what is it that you have uncovered?"
The figure, known as Sebastien, took a deep and deliberate breath before imparting his words, "The initial phase of our most meticulously constructed scheme has been set into motion. The transgressions of the gods are slowly, yet inexorably, rising to the surface from the murky waters of their concealment."
"Ah, I am intrigued." The deity responded, his voice resonating with a sense of omnipotent disdain. "Their misdeeds shall not be allowed to fester in the obscurity of the abyss any longer."
"However, my lord," Sebastien continued, his words measured and laden with gravity. "The power that these transgressions wield is greater than our initial estimations had allowed for."
The deity, whose grandeur could be felt yet not fully perceived, questioned with a tone that could make the very stones of the earth tremble, "Is it so? Have our efforts to cast forth the truth been thwarted?"
Sebastien bowed his head, his features obscured by the shadows of his mask, "Indeed, sire. The gods have displayed an unexpected resilience. Their sins have obstructed our dominion from extending across the entirety of the continent as we had so meticulously plotted."
The deity, known only by the name of 'Beyond', God of the Under-realm, contemplated this information, his countenance unreadable in the gloom. His visage was one of terrifying beauty, a creature of nightmare, with horns that stretched to infinity and eyes that pierced the very soul.
"Do these sins dare stand between us and our purpose?" The deity's voice grew to a crescendo of rage and incredulity. "Do they wish to shield the Gods vile deeds from the light of the world above?"
"It appears so, my lord," Sebastien replied, his own voice unyielding despite the palpable power emanating from the divine being before him. "Their strength is formidable, even when faced with the inevitability of exposure."
The deity, Beyond, took a moment to ponder the gravity of the situation before issuing a command that could not be denied, "Prepare the second wave, then. On this very day, the sins of the gods shall be laid bare before the eyes of the world."
Sebastien bowed low in obedience, "As you wish, sire."
"Good work, my steadfast servant." Beyond's voice held a note of approval. "Your loyalty to our cause is worthy of the highest praise."
"Thank you, sire," Sebastien replied, his tone suffused with reverence. "Beyond, God of the realm untouched by the hand of mankind."
The masked servant turned to face the towering, shadowy figure, whose presence was as overwhelming as it was unseen.
---
[The Village, Barley]
In the desolate hamlet of Barley, nestled within the unforgiving embrace of a never-ending winter storm, the boundary between the cloak of night and the cold light of day grew indistinct. The village, once a bastion of human fortitude, had become a frozen tableau of despair, clinging to the faintest whispers of life.
Within this maelstrom of icy winds, Arteus battled to maintain his equilibrium, as a haunting voice reverberated through the corridors of his mind.
"Feast upon the flesh of the Gods!" It shrieked, a cacophony of malicious intent.
"Reduce to ash all that symbolizes their divinity!" The words ricocheted with a fervor that could ignite the very stars themselves.
Arteus clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing as he murmured silently to himself, "I hear thy will, mother..."
He paused, his gaze lost in the tumultuous heavens above, before leaping from the sanctuary of his lofty perch in an ancient tree, landing with the grace of a predator upon the merciless ground below.
"Hmm," Arteus mused to the void, his breath materializing into a fleeting cloud in the frigid air. He set forth, his eyes scanning the horizon as the desolate remnants of Barley emerged from the curtain of snow.
The villagers, once a flock of the forsaken, now trailed him with an unspoken loyalty forged from shared adversity and the promise of salvation. The narrative of Sovereign, a town once notorious for its sins and depravity, was about to be rewritten.
-To Be Continued-