Beginning of the end

Rahu is set up in an empty tent. When you enter, you see arcane runes etched into the dirt, and the giant former deity nods somberly. Aside from a few flickering candles, the tent is completely dark, especially once Ferra closes the flap behind you. You look at Rahu curiously.

“This seems a bit different. Anything I should know?”

He shakes his head. “The precision we’re going for requires more than just the teleport I used before. The ritual I’ve prepared will send you to Niran’s precise location, as opposed to a general area.”

You nod. “You’re saying I should be ready as soon as you send me, then.”

Rahu nods. “Indeed. I’m hoping that you can catch him off guard, or at least prevent him getting assistance.”

You sigh, shaking your head. “Probably too much to ask, but worth a try. No sense in delaying any longer.”

You step forward into the center of the room, drawing Caliburn. Beside you, Ferra shifts her form, changing to her now familiar combat body. The two of you look at each other, and Ferra gives you the slightest of nods. You roll your neck, taking one more deep breath. You feel Lilith in your mind, not speaking, but the warmth radiating to your limbs tells you she’s prepared to aid you.

You look to Rahu once again. “Ready as we can be. Let’s do this.”

Rahu nods, closing his eyes and muttering incantations under his breath. Around you, the runes glow with golden light, as the candles flare brighter. There’s a tension in the air, a sensation of pressure, that builds and builds, as the glow around you continues to grow. Soon, you can see nothing but light.

Then, with a bang, the light fades. You find yourself standing in a large, stone room. It’s brightly lit, and decorated with expansive tapestries and lush rugs, all leading up to a low platform with an elaborate throne. Made of gilded wood, and lavishly decorated, the throne is a work of art, but you’re paying no attention to that.

Seated on the throne is a figure draped in tattered black robes, arms folded in the sleeves. From the depths of the hood, a pair of baleful, sickly green glowing eyes peer from the darkness. There’s silence for a moment, and then, Niran speaks, rising slowly from his seat.

“You’ve arrived. Just as the corruption predicted. Wonderful. Now it ends. And I get my rewards. A world united under my corruption. Purity through poison, ignorance banished, all strife crushed. I will be the creator of a utopia!”

You shake your head, raising your sword. “Sounds like a peaceful prison to me.”

Niran uncrosses his arms, stretching his wasted, skeletal fingers. “Only because you haven’t experienced the purity that it brings! And you never will, deluded fool, servant of order!”

You sigh, advancing on the ranting mage. “You talk too much.”

Niran casts his hood back, revealing a face barely recognizable as the man he was. Mottled, green and purple skin writhes with strange motion, and bony growths protrude from his cheeks and forehead. Insane light burns in his eyes, and his misshapen mouth opens to reveal too many sharp teeth and a long, purple tongue. He lifts his hands, an aura of power growing around him.