A Theory on Godhood: An Overlord Story

Chapter 58: Aftermath

Argland Council State, Hall of Legislation

"We were able to save a majority of the survivors. None of the dryads perished in the fighting, nor did any of the humans that we rescued after the initial assault. Arthur and I did good work in that aspect."

"Hmmm. And what of that information that you learned from the human, Svend? They claimed to have a patron who watched over them who went by the name of 'Blue Planet'. You were unable to follow up on it due to your weakened state. Am I understanding that correctly, Umbarth?"

"That would be right, Tsaindorcus. Pity too, I was hoping we could make it a party with some more players! Isn't that right, Arthur?"

The samurai grumbled, rubbing his face in exasperation. "What this man-child means is that it would have paid off to investigate further who this 'Blue Planet' was, but I felt we should return to the council state and give our full report. It would also give Umbarth a chance to rest so that we were not caught off guard."

Many of the councilmen assembled within the Hall of Legislation muttered discontentedly. They were forced to accept his answer, however, so they did not do much more than that. Arthur despised having to look up at the councilmen while they gave their report. Because of the way the hall was constructed, it meant he was in a lowered sort of podium area, while the councilmen sat on raised seats that were separated by marble railings. The dragon councilors sat on circular daises that they could lay on, housing their true forms.

Presently, all council members were accounted for in today's meeting. Arthur's return had been a hotly contested topic of debate when they saw him walk back in with Umbarth limping beside him. They only backed down when the human immortal showed off the [World Pact] tattoo on his arm.

Even then, they glared at him with distrust. His face was a stoic brick wall, not allowing any of his feelings to leak through. That was for the better since the only thing on his mind beyond the catastrophe of Tob was his family.

Keyleth must be getting the children settled in by now. I hope she takes them down to the markets while I'm out, that way I'm not a complete liar to my children.

He smirked at the thought but then winced when he recalled the disappointment that radiated off his wife when he told them they had to move back to Argland. She said nothing the whole time they were packing, but he could hear her unspoken questions nonetheless. He would make it up to them soon enough. He just had to get through today.

Tsaindorcus Vaison, the Platinum Dragon Lord, rumbled in thought. "You performed well in your duties, either way, you two. This 'Blue Planet' is a matter we can deliberate on in our next meeting. For now, I'd much rather focus on those undead which you found in the Forest. It seems our concerns about the Black Dragon have come to pass. He has begun the first stages of Ragnarok."

"But sire, surely that could not be!" One of the councilmen, a lion-man, cried out. "Magdor prophesied that Ragnarok would not happen until the day of 'the Black Sun'! There was no eclipse yet, nothing to herald its coming whatsoever! Nor have the Three Heirs appeared yet!"

Another councilman, a blond human, huffed. "And yet the Heavenly Dragon Lord reported that when he was scrying over the Forest of Tob, he saw nothing but darkness. When he approached a certain area, it felt like his skull would split in two if he didn't back off. Sometimes a 'Black Sun' is not always so literal."

"Even still, the world itself seems on edge. Lord Tsaindorcus, tell me, can we be sure that Ragnarok is not yet coming to pass? Surely we would have seen a much greater sign if that were the case."

"I... am uncertain. While I can not say Ishmael Magdor's prophecies are in any way accurate with their timing, their overall accuracy cannot be ignored. His visions are often shrouded in mystery and allegory. Regardless of what has come to pass, we cannot ignore the signs which present themselves before us."