Fate/Magus Path

"Interesting, though the pace of growth is slow, there is indeed some enjoyment to be found."

In another dimension, not of this world, within the darkness of an infinite realm, a voice suddenly echoed.

Like planets not fully formed, everything in this space was in a state of chaotic ambiguity, as described in countless myths and scriptures.

The surroundings were nothing but a chaotic fog, with an endless darkness as the backdrop. There was no atmosphere, no solid ground, just an endless abyss.

Many figures floated on this dark plane.

"Finally realized his anomaly, understanding the power to bind fate and the world? Pity, he still doesn't fully grasp the significance. Otherwise, we could leave here with the key."

"Impatient, are we?"

"Shall we help him then?"

"Help him? Ha! Mh'ithrha, what are you planning? Don't tell me you want to interfere with the plan?"

"You never listen to what Yog-Sothoth says. If your rash actions disrupt the plan, delay our departure, the wrath from countless of us will be more than you can bear."

"Hah, it was merely a suggestion. Essentially, it's about the majority rule; if you all disagree, then forget it."

Facing the scrutiny of countless shadows, the figure who made the suggestion quickly backed down.

"Hohoho, Mh'ithrha backing down, now that's interesting. It seems that key has changed you quite a bit."

"Ha, you too, Daoloth. The changes in you are significant. You wouldn't have spoken out over something like this before. What should we call this... in that boy's memory, 'tsundere'?"

"After all, we've all gained emotions, so it's natural we're not the same as before."

"This feeling, while not exactly wonderful, is certainly peculiar, at least more exhilarating than being in our original forms. To the point where..."

"I now don't even want to leave the body created by Nyarlathotep!!"

"Hahahahaha... interesting, very interesting, Shub-Niggurath, we've all obtained different parts, different emotions and experiences from that child, this unprecedented sensation is indeed marvelous."

In the dark plane, laughter like thunder boomed, from how many shadows, one couldn't tell.

"Even you, who loves pranks, must be feeling true emotions for the first time, right Nyarlathotep? Tell us, how do you feel?"

The conversation shifted, and the collective's gaze fell upon the white-haired girl at the forefront.

"Feelings? Oh, they're... fantastic. These unprecedented sensations, joy from the heart, anger, sorrow, pain, all manner of emotions truly experienced."

"Not like the simple simulations or experiences through consumption before, but genuine possession, true feelings and cognition of our own!!"

"Compared to the sensations we've gained, any avatar or planet seems meaningless. Likewise, it's not just Mh'ithrha; all our kin here must be struggling to contain their excitement."

"Desperate to hand everything over to this child, to have him complete our expectations quickly so we can escape this meaningless dream with this body, to truly be free!!"

Nyarlathotep's tone was mad yet carried some rationality. She surveyed the vast darkness and issued a stern warning.

"But, that cannot be! Such actions are absolutely forbidden. Don't let your new emotions and the wonders they bring make you reckless."

"Our goal isn't these petty gains but true freedom, unshackling ourselves from all constraints, and with these feelings, to revel in true freedom. Understand?"

"Yog-Sothoth hasn't used his piece yet for this very reason."

"To eliminate any possibility of interference, it remains in its original form, keeping us sealed here until the right moment arrives. That will be when we truly execute our plan for freedom."

"Therefore, during this time, I hope all kin adhere to the rules, maintain the status quo, and not do anything unnecessary. Wait for the right moment."

Facing the shadowy figures in the vast darkness, she sternly warned.

"Should anyone dare to overstep, alerting that child prematurely and disrupting our plans, they should be well aware of the consequences and the fury they'd face."

"..."

With those angry words, the chaotic abyss swelled, enveloping those gods Nyarlathotep deemed unreliable.

Mh'ithrha, facing the incoming tide, did not resist, allowing it to wrap and restrict his avatar.

Because he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't overstep due to these new sensations.

And even if he could easily tear through this level of chaos, the others would immediately pin him down and forcibly seal him.

Such a thankless task was not for him.

None of them were present in their true forms; these were merely avatars crafted by Nyarlathotep's key.

These bodies, powerful to planetary life, were fragile like clay in their battles.

If one acted recklessly, causing irreparable damage to this avatar, thus losing their ticket to freedom, it would be the greatest loss.

To them, sealing meant only a few years or decades of temporary confinement, insignificant compared to their eternal existence, not worth struggling against.

However, even in accepting the seal, he had to mock a little.

"Nyarlathotep, the most chaotic one, now maintaining order? That's the ultimate irony."

"Hahaha, is it? Irony? I feel the same, but for freedom, what's a little irony? We've waited this long; what can't I do now?"

"All our kin are willing to abandon their bodies and most of their power, throwing everything at the feet of the great leader to maintain balance. Even willing to escape in such weakened forms to a place of true freedom to rebuild."

"If we don't have such resolve now, we're no better than the weak, lower lifeforms on those planets."

"Yes... abandoning our bodies, our followers, and most of our power, remaining in this universe to maintain dreams. We, on the other hand, use the key and the child to escape to true freedom and restore our original scale. If we're willing to pay such a price, what more could we lack?"

Daoloth, watching the chaos envelop him, sighed.

"I have no complaints about self-sealing, but..."

"Nyarlathotep, you're not exempt. Anyone else can stay out, but not you. I don't trust you, so... you must also accept my seal!"

With these words, countless strange, irregular objects immediately covered Nyarlathotep's body.

This sudden action by Daoloth was unanimously approved by all in the darkness.

They immediately layered countless seals upon Nyarlathotep using their respective powers.

"Really don't trust me, huh..."

"Fine, I have no objections... Rest assured, I'll be sealed with you all, doing nothing. Just watching, unable to interfere with the material world. When the time comes, Shub-Niggurath will release us."

"How's that? No objections to this arrangement?"

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

"Agreed..."

.

.

.

Countless responses echoed through the darkness.

"Oh? You trust me so much, Nyarlathotep? Aren't you afraid I'll do something sneaky while you're all self-sealed?"

"Hah, you won't, Shub-Niggurath. Remember, you're not in your true form either. With your current abilities, if you tried anything, it wouldn't escape our notice, and if it leads to discontent among our kin, causing the plan to fail..."

"Even you wouldn't escape retribution!!"

Her tone was both stern and terrifying.

"Tsk... that is indeed scary, but you're right, I wouldn't do such a thing."

"Well, chat time is over. Everyone, let's slumber."

With that final voice, silence spread, enveloping the area.

Then, the eternal, boundless darkness swept over the entire dimension, plunging the whole space into a deathly silence.

- Volume 3: World Stage - END