Several factors added to the decadence currently running rampant through the western continent of Henos, but for most, there were four major factors.
The first and perhaps the one that stood out the most for the common folk was the civil war within the Solomon Alliance that had ended two weeks ago with Lyssandros of Pellasus as the winner.
The second was the Goddess Ninmah’s attempt to further her ascension which led to the destruction of Pheripolis, causing the 12 city states of the Alliance to become the 11 city states.
The third was the Jester’s successful ascension to Demon God and the ritual preceding.
Lastly was the event that had come to be known as the Baptism of Knowledge and Madness, or simply, the Baptism.
Due to these catastrophic events, most city-states within Henos had fallen apart, barely held together by the preexisting leadership, while the rest of the continent was subjected to the terror of rampaging barbarians, bloodthirsty mutants, and repressed Cryptids.
With the continent in disarray, one the last few that still remained in order amidst the chaos was Pellasus, the city state ruled by King Lyssandros and currently, the city state was in a state of emergency.
It was within one of the many rooms of the Lyssandros palace.
Apart from the round table and chairs made out of cleanly carved rocks, the only other adornment within the room was a map of Henos, commissioned by a previous ruler from the Nester family.
As simple a room as it was, this was where major decisions concerning Pellasus were taken by Lyssandros and six of his closest aides.
Lyssandros, dressed in a white chiton, was once again seated with them, though, unlike previous meetings, he was remarkably... dull.
Ever since the death of Atiphates, he had noticeably retreated into himself.
Though he hadn’t punished the one responsible for putting an end to Atiphates, he had removed him from active service.
"... Your Majesty." One of the six aides present called out, jolting Lyssandros from his wandering thoughts.
Lyssandros glanced at him, taking a moment to gather himself before he replied. "At ease, Kineas; you are among friends; there is no need for formalities."
"Apologies," Kineas replied.
Dressed in a purple chiton, he was a man in his late thirties with a full beard and head full of curly brown hair along with copper-colored skin.
As he took his seat, yet another side rose to his feet.
His name was Briseos and he served as second in command to Lyssandros when it came to all Pellasian military affairs.
"You seem bothered," Lyssandros remarked, noting the somber air about Briseos with the latter responding.
"The continent is in disarray. Loss of human lives to random attacks from Cryptids, Mutants, and barbarians has continued to be on the increase. We have recently gotten reports of several cults rising on the continent but at the moment, three appear to be the most influential."
Taking a moment to pull out the relevant parchment, Briseos reported. "The first are the Enders, otherwise known as the Doomsayers. The second call themselves the Fallen Sky Institute and the last refer to themselves as the Mournful Choristers. We have yet to ascertain if the entities they serve are Devils, Otherworldly or newborn gods."
A heavy silence followed as everyone kept to themselves, taking the time to digest what they’d heard.
Just then, Lyssandros spoke up. "It’s been centuries since a deity was born in Henos and it has been even longer since an Otherworldly set foot on our land."
"It goes to show the importance of the Goddess Khanna to the safety of our people." Aeson, the third amongst the six aides, remarked with Kineas chipping in.
"You would not know how important something is until you have lost it."
"Indeed." Lyssandros nodded in agreement.
"Brother, if I may." Pytheas, the fourth aide, said as he rose to his feet. "I have something to say."
"Speak," Lyssandros said. "We are listening."
"The continent is in disarray, barbarian tribes have continued to raid settlement after settlement. Lives have been lost to the rampage of mutants and Cryptids and even fellow members of the Alliance are barely keeping themselves together..."
"Get to the point, Pytheas. Do not waste our time speaking of things we are already familiar with." Didymos, the fifth aide, spoke up at that moment, cutting Pytheas off.
Lyssandros nodded. "I agree, Pytheas, speak clearly, there is no need to speak of the woes plaguing our continent."
"Apologies, brother," Pytheas remarked. "My point is, the continent is in disarray and needs someone to set order to the chaos."
"... As it is, our state is one of the few that still maintains some semblance of peace. Our allies from the civil war even now. Our armies are ever ready to fight and we have you to lead us."
"Pytheas, don’t tell me you are suggesting we should wage war barely four weeks after the last one!?" Opheltes, the sixth aide and the most advanced in age chided.
Pytheas retorted. "This is the only way to set things right!... Pellasus has what it takes to become the capital of a new empire, and you, brother, have what it takes to be a great emperor. I believe it is time we step forward and do what is necessary to preserve the order of our continent, else it won’t be long before Henos would fall, unable to protect itself from outside forces."
"But aren’t you tired of the bloodshed?"
"The bloodshed will not stop until we correct the chaos threatening to rip us apart."
"You cannot be serious."
"Enough!" Lyssandros shouted, putting an end to what was shaping up to be a war of words.
Silence followed as Pytheas and Opheltes exchanged looks with one another before the former sat and the other shifted his attention to Lyssandros.
Nothing else was said for several more seconds before Lyssandros spoke up. "It has been four weeks since the war ended. The Long Night has begun and our men are spending it with their families."
Taking a moment to ensure that everyone was listening, Lyssandros added. "So for that reason, there shall be no more talk of war or bloodshed until the Lightbringer returns. Is that understood?"
Pytheas let out a sigh before replying. "Understood."
Satisfied with his response, Lyssandros continued. "We are all brothers here, so please, let us act as so."
"Apologies," Opheltes said with Pytheas echoing the same.
With the tension amongst brothers dealt with, Lyssandros turned to Briseos and gestured for him to continue.
"There is nothing else save for one more matter."
"It is about a man." Briseos began. "According to rumors, he has been going around, sharing his teachings in settlements, helping the people rebuild and giving them hope."
"His teachings appear to have spread far across the continent, which goes to show just how impactful it is. Our sources claim that he is partly responsible for the current recovery occurring across Henos."
"Who is this man?" Lyssandros asked.
Taking a deep breath, Briseos replied."We haven’t been able to identify him or his origins."
"But the people have a name for him," Briseos said. "They call him Elpis, the Beacon of Hope."