Malkrie

After the Hypogeans shattered the Barred Gate, Sandsedge, a town far from the Lightbearer Empire, remained one of the few places untouched by the smoke of war. People felt fortunate, unaware that beyond the town's golden fields, a Celestial lived in seclusion, quietly protecting the residents from evil. Knock, knock, knock—the door echoed with forceful taps. When the Celestial stepped outside, the visitor had vanished, leaving only a thin envelope swaying gently in the breeze, wedged in the gap of the wooden boards. The stranger's swift and flamboyant style reminded him of an old friend. His friend, a dedicated messenger, might have seemed a bit unreliable at times, but she always delivered messages accurately and promptly. However, she mysteriously disappeared after the Battle of Haltor, and no one has seen her since then... Thinking about this, the Celestial cautiously opened the envelope, hoping to find some clues. The letter wasn't signed, but the handwriting seemed remarkably familiar.

Dear friend, it's been a long time! The gods only know how hard I worked to find you. My poor ride is covered in mud from all the rushing around... You should feel lucky to get this letter! Of course, I know you must be curious about what I've been through. Several years ago, during the gods' resistance against Uemiss' minions in the ocean depths of Haltor, the Hypogeans behind the Barred Gate stirred, attempting to return to the mortal realm. I rushed to the scene upon receiving the news, but unfortunately, I was ambushed by their minions halfway. Trapped, I decided to expend all my divine power and create a flock of birds, to at least convey the news to you. However, they were tracked and hunted down, leaving only the smallest one, which barely escaped... To be honest, I didn't expect to survive. At the moment my body disappeared as my power depleted, I could feel my consciousness wandering with that last small, green bird in Esperia. But I learned that by the time the gods received the news it was too late—the Barred Gate had been breached, and the war was like a bursting flood. The gods were divided and disintegrated by evil, each fighting on their own. I couldn't understand... I had always been proud of being the swiftest of them all, yet I was powerless to change an outcome that had already unfolded. In the wake of the Hypogeans' return, what else could I do? Through the bird's gaze, I looked upon the land, witnessing nothing but war and smoke. Most messengers among mortals, fearing danger, had long given up their mission. The earth was torn apart, and information was cut off. The gods were separated, each thinking they were isolated and helpless, unaware that there were others, no matter how far or near, in the same situation. The Hypogeans thrived on this division, and no one knew where they would destroy next. One village, in particular, was hopelessly outmatched against the Hypogeans, and everyone sat in their homes waiting for death. Twenty miles away in the town, an officer was worried that no one would be able to deliver the message he had written. So, my consciousness guided the little bird to pick up the envelope and deliver it to the village. The letter stated that the town had designated a place to receive them, and reinforcements would set out immediately to escort them. Simply surviving until the reinforcements arrived was more realistic than defeating the Hypogeans. Their eyes lit up, suddenly showing unprecedented... resolve. Their devout prayers caused my scattered power to gather once again. Oh, Aurelian, you're well aware that compared to us, they are more fragile, but the miracles they create never cease to amaze. Suddenly, I knew what I had to do next. As a messenger, my mission is about more than just communicating information. I impart belief to the wavering, courage to the timid, and hope to the despairing. So, I walked the earth again, delivering to people everywhere what they need most—including us. The Hypogeans' flames are ready to raze this land, and only a fool would fight alone. Now that order has been restored to the mountains, you are not the first deity I have invited, nor shall you be the last. Believe me, my old friend, we need to fight together.

"Ah... it's Malkrie, my faithful friend." The Celestial sighed softly, putting the letter away and then smiling, "You've always been able to deliver the surprises and hope we need most at the right time. I must say, your invitation comes at the perfect moment."

"Hey, your package has arrived! Don't forget to pick it up!"