Oni Hill.

Five Minutes Ago.

"Seems our guests have arrived."

Queen Alia, who sat by the pristine lake atop the fabled mountain, looked to the skies. Her brows furrowed as she sensed the overwhelming power coming from above. She might have finally become a Transcendent herself, but she instinctively knew she was no match for those monsters.

Thankfully, however, she did not have to.

Queen Alia looked at the robed Transcendents behind her. "It's finally time. Please welcome our guests."

Low chuckles arose from the Transcendents as they kicked off into the sky. This was one of the powers of Transcendents. The [Flight] skill unlocked at Lv. 200. Of course, some were far more skilled at using this skill than others.

The Chaos Orders' Transcendents flew for about a kilometer ahead before they came to an abrupt stop when they spotted four men and a draconian among the cloud.

Nornesh stood at the group's center. His eyes turned red with rage when the Chaos' Transcendents came into view. "You children dare cover up in front of me!? Do you want to remove those ridiculous robes or do you need me to roast you up a bit?"

"Hah. You're as angry as ever, Nornesh." Bellmaster Rene took off his robe, and then faced the Divine Dragon with a happy grin. "It's been a long time. I did not think you would ever leave your lair."

Nornesh snorted. "Do not deign to understand the thoughts of a Divine Dragon." Flames burned in his eyes as he then looked at the others. "Well, what will it be?"

"Lose the robes." Bellmaster Rene sighed and then said, "It's too early to fight."

Whoosh!

Following Rene's suggestion, the remaining nine got rid of their robes, revealing their identities. In total, there were six men and three women. Of the six men, there were two masonians, one halben, one cerulean, one lycan, and a single daeben. The women, on the other hand, consisted solely of daeben. The daeben women were no surprise considering daeben were a matriarchal race. The women often fought in wars, while the men stayed behind to raise the next generation.

"Well, well, You certainly are no less commanding even in old age." Lilo Shadebreak, one of the daeben woman teased with a seductive smile. Her fine, straight, hair cascaded down her back like a cascading waterfall. The short daeben had an athletic, slim build, and was garbed in leather armor that was as professional as it was artistically pleasing.

"He ain't the only one, here, ya know?" Tritan snorted, pulling the attention away from Nornesh. Sure, Nornesh was the strongest being present, but it did not feel good to be ignored. Tritan locked onto one of the masonian men. His lips spread in a wide grin as he questioned, "Hey! Yong-Su. Did you finally find Gorian's Trident?"

The masonian, Yong-Su, looked at Tritan with a pair of deep-set brown eyes that were like two patches of dried blood. His luxurious beige hair sat at shoulder-length and was worn in a dignified, simple style. Like most masonians, Yong-Su was a bit on the short side, but his graceful, slim build and a vintage wardrobe made it so no one could take their eyes off him. "If the Trident were so easily found, I would have no reason to be here. Why do you ask when you already know this? Perhaps you made a discovery into Stagnetti's Black Pearl?"

"Hehe!" Tritan rubbed his nose with unabashed pride. "Looks like I'll be beating you to Master of the Sea."

Yong-Su, however, was unperturbed. "It would seem you have yet to acquire it. For someone of your ability, if you could not have it with you despite knowing its location, then you'll probably never be able to acquire it. What was the matter? Is it restricted to Summoned alone? Or is there some other kind of restriction?"

Tritan's face turned dark.

Yong-Su nodded. "I suppose my hypothesis is correct. Why don't you share the pearl's location? I might have more luck than you."

"Forget it. He's probably lying, anyway." The other masonian, Sang-Ki interrupted before Tritan could respond. The middle-aged man's sharp teeth and slitted green eyes brought to mind, a prowling alligator. Unlike Yong-Su, Sang-Ki was tall and quite muscular. Intriguingly, a pair of very bushy eyebrows sat above his eyes, giving him a comical look. The man wore a bizarre mishmash of clothes, with plenty of yellow. Sang-ki ran his hands through his wavy, burgundy hair as he said, "I'm more interested in Damah Dumm over there. Have you considered our offer? With your money and our strength, we can easily rule this continent."

Damah Dumm shrugged, a lackadaisical smile on his face. "I seek neither fame nor power. Only a realm without pain or suffering. You lot are incapable of providing that realm."

"There is only pain and suffering because of opposition," said Nhikli Grayhunter, a laid-back daeben with puffy white hair that resembled a cotton ball. Like most daeben women, Nhikli was tall, but she also sported a lean, muscular build. Her ruddy skin and callous fingertips told tales of the harsh training she underwent to reach her current position. Still, she wore a flattering blue and yellow dress that showed off most of her skin. It was certainly a bizarre choice of attire, but no one dared criticize her. She did not wear armor because, quite frankly, she did not need any. "If you joined us, we could crush the opposition in record time. Wouldn't you achieve your so-called peace then? A few thousand lives in return for centuries of peace. It is a fair trade, wouldn't you say?"

Damah Dumm shook his head. "The Chaos Order are conquerors. This world has seen countless conquerors, and they have all failed to achieve the peace I seek. So, I have chosen to seek out a different approach."

"The Hopeful Maggots, and their leader, Kashi?" Dyna L'Real, the final daeben woman questioned. Her contemplative gaze and warm smile spoke of a warm, reliable leader, with hair woven into beautiful locks that fell down her back. Unlike Nhikli, she wore a very practical, thin, leather armor that accentuated her curvy figure. "To my knowledge, they are going about it the same way we are. Serisis is a fluke. There won't be another land which he can win over with rations like that."

"Maybe so," said Brock, "But at the very least, the Hopeful Maggots are striving to put systems that benefit the common man in place." Brock looked at the Transcendents. "You all are only enamored with the idea of ruling. What would you know about the plight of the injured adventurer, or the child suffering in the slums? You have set your sights too high, which is why you are willing to rule with fear. A nation built on fear is bound to collapse one day. And then war will resume."

"You speak like most of us did not come from those very slums," said the cerulean, Onishi Rai, whose wide emerald-green eyes and enigmatic smile reminded one of a playful kitten. His thick, curly, short hair, the color of rich cream, accentuated his handsome features. He stood at average height and was quite muscular for a cerulean. He wore a red vest and flame-painted shorts. The bare-footed cerulean chuckled as he challenged, "I grew up in the worst hell-hole you can find, and I can tell you this. Humes say they want freedom, but they cannot handle it. Ultimate Freedom ultimately destroys any society. They need structure, a strong leader they do not dare oppose, and terrifying consequences to keep them in line. That's the only way dumb humes can ever coexist in peace."

"Aethir's Blessing." Palu Sails, unable to keep his silence any longer, spoke up. "I refuse to believe humes are these despondent creatures you describe. Humes wish for prosperity and happiness above all. All they require is to be provided the opportunities to live happily. The world the Order wishes to create does not care about these opportunities as long as the humes submit and obey."

"You speak of happiness like it is a singular attribute that all humes share," remarked Ixoud J'Tur, the only male daeben. His slanted red eyes, sardonic grin and tattered clothing gave off the aura of a crazed lunatic. Furthermore, thick chains bound his arms and legs, forcing his body into a straight 'I'. Interestingly, the daeben women did their best to stay as far away from him as possible. "Have you thought about those who can only derive joy from killing, murder or fighting? This dumb utopia where everyone gathers around a fire to sing folksongs doesn't fucking exist! The only thing that deters Chaos is strong and infallible Order. That's what you praying nancies don't freaking get. If you wanna stop all wars, then you need a power that's so scary, no one even dares to go against it."

"That is but one way," Palu Sails argued. "Peace and prosperity can also be gained through a happy and joyful community. Need I remind you that time and time again, humes have proven their ability to coexist peacefully—especially in the presence of an external threat."

"But then they fall right back into war at the slightest offense," Arasell Cloudlance, the sole halben, possessed the bearing of a precise machine. Be it his hair or businessman-like attire, not a single piece was out of order. His azure eyes were cold and dark but carried a vast intelligence within like the depths of an ocean. "There is no denying the nature of humes when left to their own devices. History has proven this point countless times. The only chance for peace is to crush all thoughts of dissent with overwhelming power."

"Chisoa's wisdom." Palu Sails firmly shook his head. "You might think this is the only option, but I assure you, there are more. Humes require hope to evolve. A hopeful nation will continue to grow under the strength of a desire for a better tomorrow for self and country, whereas a nation ruled by fear is only as strong as the fear allows. Such a nation will certainly crumble the second its citizens overcome their fear. What you seek is akin to building a structure on grains of sand. It will crumble at the first flood."

"Hmph! Basically, what you're saying is, everything's as long as the fear never ends right?"

"What? No—"

"Yes! That's exactly it!" Aedelwulf, the grey-furred 8-feet tall lycan challenged with a toothy grin. Aedelwulf's mad, violet eyes glowed with sick joy. "The peace will remain as long as we don't let the people dream of rebelling. That's the summary of what you just said." Aedelwulf clenched his fist, a sadistic grin on his face as he said, "Well, guess what? We've got the required power to keep the humes' desires in check! With us here, there will never be a situation where the common folk even dream of rebelling." Aedelwulf looked at Nornesh who had remained silent since the debate started. "What about it Nornesh? You don't hold an opinion?"

Nornesh silently looked at the ten Transcendents. Bellmaster Rene, Lilo Shadebreak, Nhikli Grayhunter, Yong-Su, Sang-ki, Dyna L'Real, Onishi Rai, Ixoud J'Tur, Arasell Cloudlance, and the lycan Aedelwulf. Each of these individuals was powerful on their own, enough to command significant portions of the continent if they wished. However, these ten powerhouses had come together to work under the same umbrella and ideal. Could he really say their basis had no claim? Nornesh did not think so.

Fear could indeed be an effective motivator if handled correctly. Even the current civilized cities had laws and punishments to deter citizens from committing crimes. That said, Nornesh had lived long enough to see what happened in civilizations ruled completely by fear. Eventually, someone loses that fear and subsequently infects those around them with the disease called courage. This courage would then cause these beaten down humes to rise up and challenge their overlords.

The dangerous thing about courage too was that it was almost impossible to stamp out once it spread beyond a certain point. In fact, like a terrible virus, any efforts to squash courage often caused the infection to spread even further.

Nornesh, personally, had no skin in this game. As a Divine Dragon, he did not care much about the humes' lives. He just wanted to live out his 2000-year life span and pass on peacefully. If the Chaos Order had not deigned to place his territory (Serisis) in their eyes, he would not have opposed them. Even now, the main reason he was here was to learn from Skyrm how he created a daughter when Divine Dragons were supposed to be sterile.

Vwoom!

Luckily, Nornesh was spared from answering the question as two gigantic pillars of light exploded into existence at the East and West of Oni Hill.

"Ah, they're here," Nornesh remarked with a loose smile. "Damah, why don't you set the stage. It will be a boor standing the entire time."

"Of course." Damah Dumm smiled and then waved his hand. The purple ring on his finger lit up, and then a large, rectangular table appeared in front of them with all sorts of drinks and food. Damah waved his hands again, and fifteen chairs appeared around the table. He then gestured to the head of the table, "If you will, Nornesh."

"Impressive as always," praised Nornesh as he took his seat. He then gestured to the Chaos Orders' Transcendents. "Take a seat. We might be here a while. There's no point standing like fools."

"Heh as you wish." The Chaos Transcendents took their seats and then cast their gazes to the wasteland below. This battle would determine the fate of the world to come. They did not want to miss a moment.

Brock, Damah, Palu, and Tritan also took their seats, and then cast their gazes to the ground. So much build-up for this moment. What would it be like?

Vwoosh!

Down on the ground, the columns of light finally dispersed, revealing the seventy-thousand strong coalition that glared at Oni Hill with greed and desire. Anya and Sayen gave up their leadership to Brilith and Sonic respectively upon arrival, and then promptly disappeared from sight.

While Brilith and Sonic worked on getting their men ready, up in the sky, an emotional reunion was about to take place.

Cathek's white fur fluttered beautifully in the evening breeze. He gazed at the four individuals in front of him with an enigmatic smile. The kafu's eyes glittered when Niye appeared in their midst. "Niye, it's been a while."

"Stuff it, Cathek."

Cathek smiled and then looked at Anya. "Anya-sama. I know this is benign, but I do hope you have been in good health, and your time has been peaceful."

"What are you planning exactly, Cathek?"

Cathek once again ignored the question and then turned to Zeign. "Zeign Ashqoj. Our paths rarely cross. I am happy you were finally able to liberate your brethren from oppression." The kafu's eyes did not hold the emotion in his voice. "Ah. I just pray you have not delivered them into another form of oppression."

"YOU!"

"Stop it." Rider held back Zeign with one hand. "There's no point in fighting him. He just wants to make you waste your energy before the big moment."

Cathek grinned. "Rider, Rider, Rider. Or should I say Lucius Ludarak, the man who spent a millennium trying to atone for being a coward and letting his love die." He chuckled when Rider's expression turned Dark. "You've been busy, Lucius. Don't you get tired of it all? When was the last time you went home? Are you even certain your parents are still alive?"

Bang!

Fladnag stomped his staff against the ground. "Shut up, Cathek. We're not here to talk. Whatever it is you're planning, we will put an end to it."

Cathek looked at Fladnag. "Stop me? Do not fret, brat. No matter how this battle turns out, I will emerge victoriously."

"What?"

Cathek chuckled. "Don't play innocent with me. Why did you send the daeben on a quest to unite the world? Isn't it because you figured it out? The only way to truly open a path to Razznik's realm is to conquer the continent under a single banner. All this talk of uniting and prosperity is smoke and mirrors. You desire freedom as much as I do. The only difference is the paths we chose to take, and the sacrifices we're willing to make."

Anya interjected with anger in her voice. "Killing and terrifying the innocent is not a sacrifice."

"No, but having to listen to century after century of inept rulers is a painful sacrifice," Cathek revealed a proud smile as he glanced at Oni Hill behind him. "Thankfully, fate is not blind. It has rewarded my pain with a competent, wise ruler at last. She shall be the champion that we've sought for so long."

"Does that justify the suffering you've caused?"

Cathek's smile shifted for the first time. He looked at Bert who lazily looked at the ground as if raising his eyes was too much of an effort. "Still won't look me in the eye, Nii-san?"

Bert closed his eyes. "No brother of mine would look upon such chaos with a smile."

Cathek's smile dimmed. "You do not understand, brother. None of you do." Cathek turned to look at the top of Oni Hill. "I do not derive pleasure from suffering. But, blood must be shed to unite the continent. In the grand scheme of things, the lives lost are but a blimp in the pages of history. Generations to come will happily forget the sordid past to celebrate their newfound peace."

Rider shook his head. "There is no point arguing ideologies. We're all too old and set in our ways. You take your path, and we shall take ours. In the end, our destination remains the same."

Cathek grinned. "Could not have said it better myself." He then looked at Oni Hill once more and said, "Begin, Gunder."

Roooar!

A terrible roar shook the souls of every living being within thirty miles. The coalition and Chaos Order soldiers looked up to the sky, trepidation in their eyes as a heavy gust of wind burst out from the top of Oni Hill and then cleared the surrounding clouds. Thus then revealed the terrible Skyrm, or rather, Gunder, who stood atop the mountain, head raised.

Thousands of Runes appeared around Gunder, and then flew into the skies, forming a giant, 5-meter, black egg. Horrifying pulses and screams akin to the echoes of hell escaped the strange object, filling the onlookers with a heavy sense of dread.

Cathek chuckled as he looked at the embryonic 'Gate'. He spread his arms wide and then said with a pleasant smile. "Well, I welcome your champions' attempts to stop mine. May the best emerge victorious."

A/N: One Chapter Left! Season Finale Incoming. Gonna need at least two days to write this one, as it might end up as one of my trademark stupid-long finales... Also, this chapter was so tough to write! Organically introduce ten whole characters at a time is not easy at all!