ULTIMATE VENTURES SEASON 1

LIN ONGRO

The moment Erebus seizes power, the air on Megan shifts. The death of Emperor Pontius, his father, has set the stage for chaos. It isn't long before Erebus eliminates Didius Julianus, his strongest rival, and crushes the challenges posed by General Pescennius and Clodius Albinus. With the election over, Erebus is emperor. The evil gods, the Bloody Scars, and the Vicious Predators revel in his victory, their dark hearts beating in unison with joy. But for the humanoids, the feeling is different—an undercurrent of dread runs through them. Their frowns deepen, and their murmurs of discontent grow louder.

A Few Weeks Later

Erebus's rule quickly descends into tyranny. He takes power by force, and his relationship with Goliath and Garma sours as he asserts his dominance. The humanoid military grows stronger, and the balance of power tips dangerously in their favor. I watch with a sinking feeling as Erebus's actions push the humanoids to the brink. They rise up, armed with high-tech weapons that fire superheated bolts of plasma, and strike back against the Helioses. The humanoids move with stealth, infiltrating Gavaria and slaughtering Helios soldiers with brutal efficiency. The streets run red as they wield their sharpened swords, axes, and spears. Their defiance echoes through the empire as they openly call Erebus "The Crazy Helios," "The Bad Monarch," and "The Antagonist."

The old man's prophecy, once dismissed, now looms large in my mind. I can't shake the feeling that I have made a terrible mistake by ignoring it.

A Few Days Later

Radnak, Drax, Marger, and I meet with Erebus's envoys—Garma, Aynat, Birsha, and Allatou. The tension in the room is palpable as we try to negotiate a return to republican government and an end to Erebus's dangerous alliances. But our efforts are futile. One of the envoys, his voice laced with contempt, speaks up.

"Humanoids are violently protesting, and you've done nothing to stop them. The damage they've caused, the lives they've taken—none of it seems to matter to you. And now, you want to stop us from fighting back? Impossible. If they want war, then we'll give them war."

After the meeting adjourns, my father, Radnak, approaches me. He looks defeated, his grief hanging over him like a dark cloud.

"What's wrong, Father?" I ask, trying to hide my own growing anxiety.

"The prophecy about the crisis on Megan is true," he says, his voice heavy with resignation.

"Oh... okay," I reply, though I feel a chill run through me. I try to keep my voice steady as I ask, "So, what do we do now?"

He looks at me, noticing my trembling hands. "Why are you shaking, Lin?"

"It's nothing. You haven't answered my question."

"We have to prepare for war. Gather the powerful gods and let them know what's coming."

My heart skips a beat. "Are you serious, Father?"

He narrows his eyes at me. "How dare you question me?"

"I'm sorry, but are you sure this is the right move?"

"One hundred percent."

"A lot of people will die if we start a war," I protest, my voice wavering.

"No," he says firmly. "We'll protect the humanoids and conquer the Crazy Helios and his army."

"Father…"

"Listen to me, Lin. Erebus deserves this. He murdered Didius Julianus and took power by rebellion. He's built up the humanoid military to the point where they've overrun their own states. We can't let this stand."

I hesitate, then ask, "Why don't we meet with the humanoids and try to resolve this peacefully?"

"There's no need for that," he replies. "The humanoids have the right to protest."

"Oh, I see. And they have the right to protest violently?"

"Of course, they do. Erebus started all of this. He deserves to die, Lin. Remember that. I will see Garma and Erebus executed."

I shake my head, tears welling up in my eyes as I step back. "You're unbelievable, Father."

I turn and walk away, my body shaking with the weight of what is to come.

"Lin, I'm sorry! Lin!" he calls after me, but I can't bear to look back. My tears fall freely as I walk away, the sting of melancholy and confusion settling deep within me.

A Few Weeks Later

The humanoids continue their violent protests, and Emperor Erebus strikes back with a vengeance. He unleashes ten thousand Bloody Scars and Vicious Predators to crush the uprising, and the streets of Megan are soaked in blood. Millions of humanoids perish under his brutal regime. In response, Radnak rallies the gods, sending them into battle against the Vicious Predators and Bloody Scars.

"Assist Path Finder, and I'll stop Garma!" Radnak commands, his voice resolute. "This war ends now. I've heard enough."

RADNAK

I transform into a creature of immense power. My wings, pure white with golden edges sharp enough to cut through metal, spread wide as I prepare for battle. My armor, forged from gold, rubies, emeralds, tanzanium, and diamonds, gleams in the light. My anthropoid body is strong, with broad chest, rippling thighs, and silver claws. My head, shaped like an eagle's, completes the transformation. I soar into the sky, heading toward my father, Garma.

LIN ONGRO

I have been fighting off evil gods when I hear the heavy flapping of wings. Looking up, I see my father, Radnak, flying towards Garma. Panic grips me, and I scream at the top of my lungs, "Dad, wait!!!"

I run toward him as he descends, reverting to his humanoid form. He turns to face me, his expression calm.

"Dad, please don't do this. He's more powerful than you. Let me join you—together, we can defeat him."

He places his hands on my shoulders, his eyes filled with a quiet resolve. "No, daughter. I need you to assist Path Finder with your cousins. I'll handle this on my own."

"But what if he doesn't listen to you? What if he tries to deceive you?"

"He can't, Lin. I know you're scared, but there's no need. I'm strong enough to take him down. Go now. That's an order."

I swallow hard, nodding reluctantly. "May Roak be with you, Father. I can't lose you."

We press our foreheads together, a final gesture of love and hope. Then, I turn and run to join Drax and Marger. But as I watch Radnak transform and take to the skies, my heart sinks. A deep, gnawing fear settles in my chest, and for a moment, I feel as if the world itself has stopped turning.

To be continued...