Peace between worlds

[srwu_npc3]

"The Spirit Emperor said that I understand the importance of my duty, and he isn't wrong. When the time comes, I will go to Balmar, as the Priestess of Zehirut."

"But until I am needed there, I wish to stay on Earth. Experience more and more of it - and I have all of you to thank for the opportunity to do so."

Armana's thanks are extended to all members of Project Unification, and she's not the only friendly Balmarian now. Apparently ESUN and Balmar have achieved peace, and a large Huleh is now landed near Alhambra. Its crew are mostly Balmarian cloned soldiers who don't have anything important to say - but not only them.


"Until that time comes, I will guard the Princess with my life. I am Luria of the Qayits noble house. We met on the battlefield twice, but I hope we can coexist in peace now."


"Wa ha ha! Well said. After all the Spirit Emperor nominated me, Baran Doban, as the Balmarian representative to Earth, so we should get along. And though we are finally at peace, I must commend you: You fought well, warriors of Earth! Such determination and tenacity, it reminds me of myself in my younger days."

Wish you to talk to the Balmarian Princess - or perhaps one of her colorful bodyguards?

Comments

[srwu_npc4]

"It's not mere parlor tricks. Zehirut is our god - the giant crystals you saw are mere copies, manifestations of his form in this world."

"The Spirit Emperor communes with Zehirut and channels his power. Through him, all of Balmar may exist. But that attunement grows weaker over time. To sustain it, a sacrifice of life force must be made, one of someone who is also very close to Zehirut. The Priestess of Zehirut."

[majestic_keiki]

How does he allow you to exist? Power source? Ancient curse he's staving off? Something entirely different?

[srwu_npc4]

"..."


"It's alright, Luria. I'll tell her. It's because of the Apocalypsis."

[majestic_keiki]

And the way it's destroying Balmar would have done it if the Zehirut didn't keep it at bay or mitigated the effects?

[srwu_npc3]

"I'm afraid so. Apocalypsis is a world-ending force whose power can manifest in an incredible variety of ways. Even now, it rains on Balmar as a meteorite shower... and we need the Spirit Emperor's power to stave it off."

[majestic_keiki]

I wonder how that works. Seems like other planets have different ways to handle it too.

[srwu_npc3]

"Apocalypsis threatens all sentient life in the galaxy. The Wulgaru genes failing are a facet of its influence... but even if it is defeated somehow, a new crisis will appear shortly after."

"But, the Spirit Emperor can push off the threat, not just for Balmar but for everyone. At least, for a time..."

[majestic_keiki]

So what causes Apocalypsis? It's clearly not a natural phenomenon the way hurricanes or comets are given how many ways it can manifest.

[srwu_npc3]

"I... don't know. I don't even know if it is truly sentient or just something inevitable but acting without purpose."

"But it is a force just as dangerous as the Lady. Possibly even more - I think there might be some connection. The Lady is trying to come back just as Apocalypsis grew so much stronger."

[majestic_keiki]

Both threaten the universe in different ways. Maybe one dominates the other, maybe they're partners or even manifestations of the same thing.

[srwu_npc3]

"I wish I knew more about it. When it is time for me to return to Balmar, you will have a chance of an audience with the Spirit Emperor. He will share his vast knowledge with you, I'm certain."

[majestic_keiki]

Okay. It seems important to understand.