In The Wandering Territories, far from the conflicts unfolding across multiple timelines and domains, existence continued its slow collapse.
A region of murky multicolored decay stretched across unfathomable distances, surrounded by waves of fold remnants that drifted like ash from long-dead fires. The area pulsed with instability, space itself seeming to fray at the edges where reality had given up maintaining coherence.
Through this desolate landscape, a massive white serpent moved with purposeful grace.
The creature was enormous beyond conventional measurement, its scaled body thick enough that entire citadels could have rested comfortably on its back. Each scale gleamed with pristine white brilliance that seemed out of place amid the surrounding decay. Its eyes were intelligent and ancient, carrying wisdom accumulated over countless eons.
This was Goliath, though few would recognize the humble origins from which such a magnificent being had evolved.
Its body came to a gradual slowdown moments later as the environment ahead began to shift. In front of Goliath’s position, the murky collapse started to rearrange itself with intentional purpose. New auras appeared, cutting through the ambient decay with focused authority.
Goliath came to a complete stop as the figures materialized fully.
Powerful entities radiating the faint but unmistakable Civilizational Authority of Origin stood arrayed before him. They numbered in the dozens, each one carrying themselves with the confidence of survivors who had endured what should have destroyed them completely.
They were among those belonging to the Collapsed Civilization of Origin, refugees from a grand vision that had been systematically dismantled by THE Living Paradox.
The beings present ranged widely in power, with Complexity and Purity measurements spanning from the lower Quintillions to the upper ranges of that same scale. But what was truly shocking was the figure standing at the forefront of this assembled group.
Duke Whisker stood there with his small mouse form, his whiskers twitching with contemplation as he observed Goliath’s arrival.
He had appeared previously as a mere Duke of Origin serving within Aeternitas Concordia, a position of middling authority. But here, surrounded by the remnants of a Collapsed Civilization, his true significance became clear.
This small creature stroked his whiskers with visible confusion as he spoke with measured concern.
"I thought you were bringing Osmont over from the lands of The First Farmer," he said while studying Goliath carefully. "What happened to change those arrangements?"
At these words, Goliath shook his massive head with something resembling frustration.
"He disappeared," the great serpent said with simple honesty. "Told me he had to tend to something urgent and would not be available for an indeterminate period. And that if I needed anything in his absence, I could ask The First Farmer directly for assistance."
Duke Whisker and those assembled behind him blinked with surprise at this information. The implications of Osmont’s sudden unavailability raised numerous questions.
Moments later, before anyone could comment further on this development, space twisted again with violent suddenness.
From the surrounding murky collapse, multiple massive humanoid forms appeared with predatory grace. They possessed animalistic features combined with sleek white skin that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.
Their bodies were built for hunting, with powerful tails that could be used for balance or as weapons. Sharp claw-like limbs extended from their hands and feet, each digit ending in talons that looked capable of tearing through reinforced matter.
Their faces combined humanoid structure with bestial features, creating visages that were unsettling in their wrongness. Eyes gleamed with cold intelligence above mouths filled with too many teeth.
Each one was surrounded by concentrated authority of Collapse itself, marking them as Living Collapses. Entities wholly dedicated to opposing Paradox and what they termed the Sin of Paradox!
Their power was immediately evident to any who could perceive such things. Each of them radiated authority in the hundreds of Quintillions, with some standing firmly in the Sextillions range of Complexity and Purity.
At the forefront of this new group stood one that clearly held leadership authority. It looked toward Duke Whisker and Goliath with cold eyes.
"I thought we were to be meeting with the Leader of another established external Civilization," it said with voice carrying multiple harmonic tones. "We have already established contact with all other known Collapsed Civilizations. And more recently, we are observing the spread of these powerful creatures throughout multiple territories."
As the Living Collapse spoke, it waved its clawed hand to manifest images in the air between them.
The images showed Primus Inevitabilities in various poses and locations, their distinctive appearances unmistakable.
The Living Collapse’s gaze became extremely grave when looking at these projections.
"Do you all know what these entities are?" it asked with genuine concern. "We have not engaged them in conflict as they are potently powerful even by our measurements, and they do not seem to actively seek confrontation with others. But they are spreading their influence across increasingly vast territories at alarming rates."
At this moment, Duke Whisker smiled with wry understanding and sighed with something resembling resignation.
"That was among the primary things we were going to clarify during this meeting," he said while stroking his whiskers thoughtfully. "Those creatures have appeared across The Folds in significant numbers. From contacts we maintain in the Transcendent Law Folds, our Duke-level informants have shared that these beings follow the direct orders of The Early Creature, Osmont."
He gestured toward where Goliath floated.
"The same individual we were supposed to be meeting here today. He is considered a friend and potential ally, but there are many things we ourselves do not fully know or understand about him and his capabilities."
His expression became more serious.
"But as I warned the other Dukes of Origin before, he is not someone to casually offend or antagonize. He may prove to be one of our strongest allies against The Fallout when it fully manifests. As soon as we can establish contact with him again, we can facilitate proper communication between all parties."
Duke Whisker pointed directly at the floating image of the Primus Inevitabilities.
"I am reasonably certain that if you approach any of these creatures and request that they relay a message to Osmont or his representatives, we would likely be able to get in touch with him or his organizational structure through that channel."
The others looked at each other and exchanged glances weighted with consideration. After a moment of silent consultation, they nodded with acceptance of this information.
The strongest Living Collapse present, measuring at a few Sextillion in both Complexity and Purity, spoke with authority that carried finality.
"The more allies we can gather, the better our collective chances become," it said with grim understanding. "For The Fallout nears with increasing certainty. Existence itself can sense the approaching culmination. We are in the endgame now, whether we feel adequately prepared or not."
The words settled over the assembled beings with heavy weight.
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After all the preparation, all the cultivation of power, they were finally approaching the moment where everything would be tested.
Duke Whisker looked out at the murky collapse surrounding them and wondered where Osmont had gone and what had pulled him away at such a critical juncture.
And whether he would return in time for what was coming!