Idle Mage: Humanity's Strongest Backer
chapter-400

In her secluded chamber at the Paradiso outpost, Alice sat at a round table, her gaze fixed on the glowing orbs containing the captured souls of Lysander and Aries. Mary, who was stationed at Inferno, appeared as a holographic projection, while Blake's voice came through a communication device.

"...that's about everything I discovered so far after my fight with those abominations." Alice just concluded telling them everything she knows so far.

As Alice shared her discoveries, Mary's holographic figure furrowed her brows in confusion. "Wait, if the darkness within the Celestial Vault corrupted the council members, how did they end up in Inferno? It doesn't make sense. The vault is there in Paradiso!"

Alice nodded, her expression mirroring Mary's bewilderment. "That's the very question that puzzles me as well. The appearance of the Nightmare Incarnates in Inferno raises significant concerns. We need to understand how they managed to escape the confines of the vault and spread to other realms."

Blake's voice came through the communication device, his tone filled with urgency. "This development is troubling. If the corrupted council members are targeting humanity, we must take immediate precautionary measures. We need to fortify our defenses, increase surveillance, and warn the teams in both realms about the threat."

Alice's eyes narrowed as she contemplated their next steps. "You're right, Blake. We must prioritize the safety of our people. Strengthening our outposts and reinforcing magical barriers will be essential. We should also share information and coordinate with the teams in Inferno to ensure they're prepared to confront the Nightmare Incarnates."

Mary's holographic projection nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We need to gather as much information as possible about the Celestial Vault and the nature of the darkness within. Our researchers and scholars must delve deep into ancient texts and consult with the most knowledgeable minds in the Mystic Guild to unravel this mystery."

Alice's voice resonated with determination. "We cannot allow the Nightmare Incarnates to ruin our plans, they're already an uncontrolled variable. We must find a way to confront and defeat them, while also uncovering the truth behind their sudden appearance. Our mission to protect humanity is more crucial now than ever."

As the discussion continued, plans were formulated, and strategies were devised. Alice, Mary, and Blake resolved to work together, despite the physical distance separating them, to ensure the safety of humanity and seek answers to the enigma of the Nightmare Incarnates. The challenges ahead were formidable, but their unwavering determination would guide them through the darkest of times.

With their plans in place, Alice, Mary, and Blake set their respective operations into motion, taking decisive action to counter the growing threat of the Nightmare Incarnates.

Alice, stationed at the Paradiso outpost, convened a meeting with the outpost's commanders and strategists. She relayed the information gleaned from the memories of Lysander and Aries, emphasizing the urgency of fortifying their defenses and increasing surveillance. Patrols were intensified, magical barriers were reinforced, and specialized units were assigned to monitor potential incursions of the Nightmare Incarnates.

Meanwhile, in Inferno, Mary coordinated with the teams stationed there. She disseminated the intelligence gathered by Alice, cautioning them about the imminent danger posed by the corrupted council members. Instructions were issued to heighten vigilance, establish contingency plans, and collaborate closely with the other units.

Blake, leading the forces in Inferno alongside Mary, mobilized their troops to conduct targeted strikes against their enemies through several skirmishes. They sought to exploit any weaknesses in their ranks while maintaining a defensive line against the encroaching Nightmare Incarnates. Blake also dispatched teams of skilled operatives to gather more information on the origins and vulnerabilities of these eldritch abominations.

***

On the war-torn battlefield, skirmishes erupted between humanity and their true enemies, the Celestials and Hypogeans. Human soldiers fought with unwavering determination, employing their skills and strategies honed through months of relentless conflict. Swords clashed, spells were cast, and arrows flew through the air, creating a chaotic symphony of warfare.

Despite having experienced a strange encounter, Humanity's priority remained the same. Destroying both Paradiso and Inferno to ensure that their home will never be invaded ever again.

Amidst the chaos, Alice, the Sword Empress, oversaw the operations from her command post. She issued orders to the various teams deployed throughout Paradiso, instructing them to gather information on the location of the elusive Celestial Vault. It was a crucial task, as discovering its whereabouts could potentially reveal the key to unraveling the mystery behind the Nightmare Incarnates and their corruption.

It would've been helpful if the memories of the souls she captured had some clues at least, but to her frustrations, there was nothing. It's as if that part of their memories were specifically erased just to protect the vault.

With utmost caution, the teams ventured into uncharted territories, utilizing their stealth and reconnaissance skills to navigate the treacherous landscapes. They encountered celestial soldiers and encountered harrowing obstacles, but they remained focused on their mission. Each member was acutely aware of the risks involved, heeding Alice's warning not to get too close to the Celestial Vault, lest they fall victim to the same corrupting darkness that had befallen the council members.

As the teams ventured deeper into enemy territory, they relied on their wits and resourcefulness to gather intelligence. They documented celestial movements, observed patterns of activity, and reported any signs that might lead to the Celestial Vault's location. Alice stressed the importance of timely communication, urging them to relay their findings immediately to prevent any further surprises or dangers.

Back at the command post, Alice tirelessly analyzed the incoming reports, mapping out potential areas where the Celestial Vault might be hidden. She collaborated with her strategists and scholars, seeking any available knowledge that could aid in pinpointing its exact location. The search for the Celestial Vault became a race against time, a vital puzzle piece that could hold the key to humanity's survival.

Amidst the chaos of battle, the quest to locate the Celestial Vault and unravel the mystery of the Nightmare Incarnates remained at the forefront of Alice's mind. She knew that finding and understanding the source of the corruption was paramount, for it held the potential to tip the scales of the war. With every passing day, as skirmishes continued and lives were lost, Alice's determination grew stronger, her resolve unyielding as she led humanity's fight against their celestial adversaries.

***

In the ethereal realm of the dreamscape, Ashton found himself in the company of the trapped Celestial God. The celestial being, bound by Ashton's powers, remained enigmatic and elusive, refusing to divulge any significant information about the darkness that plagued Paradiso.

Ashton, driven by his insatiable curiosity, sought answers from the god, hoping to glean some understanding from their conversations. He pondered over the recent discoveries made by Alice and the mysteries surrounding the Nightmare Incarnates. In his questioning, Ashton probed the Celestial God about the nature of the darkness, its origin, and its intentions.

However, much to his frustration, the Celestial God remained tight-lipped, offering only cryptic remarks. The god's response was limited to a foreboding statement, claiming that the darkness was humanity's demise. Beyond that, no further information was forthcoming, leaving Ashton grappling with more questions than answers.

Nevertheless, Ashton's demeanor remained surprisingly calm and collected. He acknowledged his role in trapping the Celestial God within the dreamscape, ensuring that the god could not directly interfere with the affairs of humanity. Ashton's trust in his allies and their abilities to resolve the situation without his direct involvement was unwavering.

This nonchalant attitude began to grate on the Celestial God's patience. The god, accustomed to the power and influence it held over its followers, found Ashton's tranquility and confidence in the face of such uncertainty infuriating. In the god's perception, Ashton should have been panicking, desperate for answers and solutions.

But Ashton remained resolute, understanding that his purpose was not to panic, but to trust in the capabilities of his comrades on the battlefield. He knew that Alice, Mary, Blake, and the rest of their forces were fighting tooth and nail to uncover the truth, to locate the Celestial Vault, and bring an end to the Nightmare Incarnates. Ashton's role, for now, was to hold the Celestial God captive, ensuring that it could not unleash further chaos upon humanity.

As the Celestial God seethed with frustration, Ashton maintained his calm composure. He knew that time would eventually reveal the secrets hidden within the darkness. With patience and unwavering trust, he would remain within the dreamscape, steadfast in his belief that his allies would triumph over this enigma, unraveling its secrets and securing humanity's future.

"...so, you're really not going to tell me anything?" Ashton asked the irritated god once more.

Instead of answering, the god just grunted at him but his grunt resembled a growl instead, reflecting just how much he hated Ashton right now.

Seeing this, Ashton shrugged and said: "Fine. Keep your secrets. It's not like that's going to free you from here anyway."

Ashton walked away, seemingly vanishing right before the Celestial God's gaze. He already knew that the God wouldn't tell him anything so this was expected.

He didn't need the Celestial God for this. After all, his real body might be asleep but that doesn't mean his doppelganger was either. If God refuses to tell him anything, then he'll research on his own.