Though Scarlett couldn’t be sure, she felt like Thainnith cocked an inquisitive eyebrow in response to her question. After a brief pause, his mostly featureless visage raised a hand, and an image shimmered into existence above his palm — a vast, cloud-streaked sky. Within its expansive vista, glimpses of a tremendously long, serpentine creature periodically emerged, slithering through the clouds like one colossal leviathan.

The sight made the hairs on the back of Scarlett’s neck prickle with discomfort.

“There is much about the Anomalous One that even I still do not comprehend,” Thainnith began in his resonant voice. The skyscape flickered and reformed into the image of a vast, shapeless grey mass rising from the ocean depths, its very form seeming to strain the eyes. “As its name implies, it is an irregularity — an entity that does not belong in our world, forced into existence here despite that. A caged beast, operating outside the laws and moral boundaries we understand. It poses an existential threat to all that dwell here, whether divine or mortal.”

The vision shifted once more to a smaller scene. At its center was a solitary, indistinct humanoid silhouette set in a stark, barren wasteland. Scarlett wasn’t sure she was truly comprehending the full extent of these sights, but even just what she could perceive was more than enough to convey an overwhelming sense of wrongness and apprehension.

She tore her gaze back to Thainnith. Despite the vague, ethereal nature of his form, he projected an undeniable commanding presence, entirely unperturbed by the disturbing nature of what he was showing her.

Perhaps that was only to be expected. Though he might just be a remnant left behind by the original, Thainnith had basically been a demigod, overshadowed only by literal gods. Or, considering that Thainnith had sealed the Anomalous One—which even gods were apparently afraid of—he might well have surpassed even them in some respects.

She considered his words for a moment. “When you refer to it as a ‘caged beast’, what precisely do you mean by that?”

Thainnith clenched his fist, dismissing the projections. The nagging sense of wrongness immediately faded. “Although we may view the Anomalous One as a threat and an adversary, it is no invader. Nor is its presence here driven by its own intent. It desires nothing more than to escape — a return to wherever its existence originated, just as fervently as we wish for its departure. However…” His silvery eyes glinted with some indecipherable emotion. “Its means of escape would irreparably shatter the very foundations upholding all the realms.”

A crease formed on Scarlett’s brow. “What force could possibly confine such a powerful being against its will?”

That detail had never been mentioned in the game, at least not in these specific terms.

“I do not know the original circumstances by which it became trapped here,” Thainnith admitted. “Only the consequences should it break free. The Anomalous One cannot simply leave, for it remains shackled by the very laws and system of fate that it wages war against.”

Scarlett’s thoughts pulled to a halt, and her focus zeroed in on what he’d just said. “…Do you know what the system is?”

Thainnith looked at her, studying her carefully. “Please elaborate on your question, inheritor.”

Drawing a breath, Scarlett continued, “You mentioned a system of fate? With that, are you referring to an artificial construct underlying this world and its functions? I have myself encountered an artificial system that appears integral, or at the very least tied to, how this world operates. Is that related to what you were describing?”

The man remained silent for a while. “…The nature of fate as understood by most may differ from what I refer to,” he eventually said, seeming to not quite answer her question. “It is inexorable and preordained, yes, but also more tangible than many would think. Tangible, yet intractable. A vast, ineffably complex tapestry of very real interwoven laws and mechanisms actively shaping and constraining all that transpires in this world to its image. However, its full extent remains unknown.”

Uncertainty entered Scarlett’s expression. She wasn’t sure whether this ‘fate’ was part of the same system she knew or if it was an entirely separate force. “Are you aware of any system that binds to an individual, granting them power in exchange for completing tasks?”

Thainnith slowly shook his head, his form drifting subtly. “I am not familiar with whatever you just described.”

A flicker of disappointment stirred inside Scarlett. “You are unaware of any artificial framework of that nature existing within this world? What about a separate plane of reality where the events and fate of this world exist merely as a narrative?”

His form still showed no signs of recognition. “Whatever you refer to lies beyond the extent of the knowledge instilled in me.”

Scarlett clicked her tongue in light frustration, realising that—despite how unlikely it was—she’d actually been hoping that Thainnith would know something about the game-like aspects of this world. Although…his lack of familiarity with her description didn’t necessarily mean he didn’t know anything. It was possible that the system as she knew it simply hadn’t existed before her arrival.

Folding her arms, she regarded him thoughtfully for a while, considering her next question. “Can you tell me who created this world?”

Thainnith met her steady gaze. “This world’s birth began during an event known as the ‘Genesis of Realms’. First was the emergence of the Wandering Realm, followed by the Blazes. Thereafter, it’s believed the first gods and Viles came into existence, while the Material Realm was later created by the mightiest of those gods sacrificing their very lives.” He paused momentarily. “The precise details, especially regarding whatever primordial spark ignited it all, remain unknown. Even gods and Viles likely lack such knowledge. Certain primal Idols in the Wandering Realm may hold clues, though accessing that truth would prove…challenging. Aside from them, only one entity has existed since near the inception, but they are neither easily accessible nor forthcoming.”

Scarlett’s eyes widened slightly. There was actually someone or something that had been around since the start of it all, then? Or at least close to it? “Who is this entity?”

“They do not have a name,” Thainnith said evenly. “And regrettably, I can offer no guidance on finding them in your era. They are neither Idol, Vile, nor true deity, and they are as transient as the turning of the seasons themselves.”

A dissatisfied frown tugged at Scarlett’s lips. “It seems there is much you cannot tell me.”

He offered no response to that.

Sighing softly, Scarlett decided to change the subject. “You have spoken extensively about this world’s fate. The Anomalous One can defy it, as you noted. Are there others capable of the same?”

“There are those who can influence fate’s course, to an extent,” Thainnith replied, then paused. His eyes narrowed slightly and moved away from Scarlett, as if observing some distant phenomenon, before eventually refocusing on her. “I am one of those, though I believe I should temper your expectations of what this means. Understand that fate does not directly command every being’s thought and actions. It is not the oppressive force some perceive. Fate operates on a grand scale, and what it commands are subtle yet significant shifts to steer history down a certain path — towards what ultimate goal, none know. Nevertheless, there is still considerable freedom in how that path unfolds, which is why most mortals could be considered free of fate’s sway. More powerful beings like dragons, Viles, or Idols do not quite share that same freedom. Nor do I, nor the gods. But some of us can alter even fate’s more fixed aspects, in minor ways. I suspect my capacity in this regard exceeds most others’, barring the Anomalous One.”

Scarlett mulled over his explanation. To her, that portrayal of fate seemed to align with her current view of it as simply being some sort of mechanism to enforce the game’s plotline on this world. Was that another indication that it derived from the game, rather than the reverse? But how did her own presence fit into that?

“Have you ever encountered another Anomalous One?” she asked. “Or anticipated one might appear?”

“I cannot provide an answer to that,” Thainnith replied.

“Very well. Then can you instead explain how it is that you are able to perceive and interpret fate? You seem to possess some foresight of the future, at the very least.”

“I do, though it is not a skill easily acquired. Some gods bestow this ability upon devoted followers, and certain mortals, through decades of training and acclimation to fate’s weave, can perceive fragments of what’s to come.”

“So you do not believe I could learn it within a few months?”

It took a couple of seconds before the man responded, as if he was processing a suitable answer. “Your presence here, inheritor, indicates that you possess an understanding of fate few others have.”

“…I see.” That felt slightly like a reset of the conversation, but Scarlett supposed he was right, in a way. “Allow me to pose you a different question, then. Among those who can discern fate, who would you deem most adept?”Stolen story; please report.

“It is impossible to say definitively,” Thainnith said, “but it is likely some gods and Idols are more proficient than I.”

“And what do you think they would do if they detected the appearance of another Anomalous One?”

There was another pause, indicating he didn’t have a proper answer prepared. “…Typically, any attempts to divine the Anomalous One’s fate prove futile.”

That reassured Scarlett, at least somewhat. It seemed to confirm her hunch about being mostly undetectable by seers like the Augur. Although there was also the possibility that she’d catch someone’s attention because she was difficult to detect.

A thought struck her. “Earlier, when you spoke of the Tribute of Dominion’s eventual resurgence, you seemed certain of your success in sealing the Anomalous One despite its vast powers. Now you claim discerning its future is nearly impossible. If so, how can you be so sure of achieving that goal?”

“It is simple,” Thainnith stated. “While the Anomalous One’s actions defy prediction due to its resistance against fate’s influence, its existence remains within fate’s bounds. As I explained, fate itself binds the creature to this world. I am not so naive as to believe its arrival was unforeseen by fate. In fact, it was preordained.”

“You are implying that this world’s fate is part of the cause for the Anomalous One’s presence, as well as the resulting strife following its inability to leave?”

“Precisely. The myriad seemingly paradoxical facets of fate contribute to its ineffable nature. It should neither be mistaken for a purely tyrannical overlord nor a wholly merciful presence.”

A scowl had formed on Scarlett’s face.

She was starting to see why the Hallowed Cabal so vehemently opposed fate in this world.

“Fate has already decreed that the Anomalous One will be sealed,” Thainnith continued confidently. “In all other matters, fate rarely imposes itself directly. But this is an exception. The Anomalous One’s defeat in my era is certain, and I am merely the instrument through which that verdict shall be delivered. It may defy fate with every action and be inconceivably powerful, but even it has its limitations.”

Though Scarlett doubted she could sympathise with the entity, this certainly put things into context. This world was basically a giant forced cage battle between those living here and the Anomalous One, with fate keeping both parties in line.

She silently observed Thainnith for a few moments before asking her next question. “…Who determines fate?”

“That remains unknown,” he answered, though that was hardly unexpected. “Perhaps fate brought about its own existence when the world first dawned, or it was established by a being whose power surpasses even what I can fathom. Alternatively, fate might simply be the remnant echoes of a world that came before us, its influences and reflections dictating our course today. Many theories have been put forward, but few answers.”

“So, you truly know nothing? Even as one of the greatest mages to ever live?”

“There remain many secrets that elude even me. Mysteries whose truths I am barred from exploring, and which I am hesitant to say I could unravel by my life’s end.” Thainnith’s radiant gaze stayed on Scarlett. “…Perhaps you will be the one to finally shed light on some of those truths, inheritor.”

Scarlett met his eyes, as though feeling the weight of his expectations across the ages. Her eyes then drifted to the Orrery on her left wrist, lifting it. “Were you the one who created this?”

After inspecting it, Thainnith nodded. “I was.”

“What is its purpose?” Scarlett asked, turning the device over to study its intricate metalwork from another angle.

“That is the Orrery of Dissonant Convergence. Its function is to identify significant deviations from fate’s path.” As he spoke, a ghostly version of the Orrery materialized above his hand. “It was developed as part of my study on the Anomalous One, to better grasp its nature and track its influence. With it, you can detect objects and individuals who markedly diverge from fate, as well as pivotal, aberrational events.”

Scarlett contemplated it for a while. His explanation lined up with her suspicions, then. Yet it raised questions about individuals like Yamina and Grand Wizard Hartford, who both elicited reactions from the artifact. She didn’t think they were connected to the Anomalous One, nor had she personally interacted significantly with them, so where did that come from?

Was it a sign that she should be more wary of them than she’d thought? Or maybe just some kind of ripple effect propagated by the Hallowed Cabal’s actions or some other historical shifts? Thainnith said some gods could influence fate slightly as well.

She looked back up at the shifting presence of the ancient Zuver. “When you say it can detect pivotal, aberrational events, what do you mean? Is that different from what I have already witnessed?”

The man presented the ethereal Orrery copy, gesturing towards the metallic globe nestled within a framework of copper bands at its center. Those bands suddenly began whirring into motion. “The Orrery is intimately linked to fate’s fabric. While it cannot alter fate itself, it will alert you to any significant deviations or monumental events defying the expected course.”

Watching the animation, Scarlett glanced back down at her own version, wondering what qualified as a ‘significant deviation’. Would it perhaps have reacted to her actions when she caused Anguish’s citadel to manifest too early?

“This will undoubtedly prove a valuable tool,” she said. “You have my thanks for its creation.”

Simply being able to determine how people deviated from fate could prove very useful to her. If she ever found someone who triggered a response on the same level as herself or Rosa, she would know something was up. This could potentially even help her confirm and detect the presence of any other players in this world, should they exist.

One aspect still puzzled her, however. She looked back up at Thainnith. “You must have intended for someone in my circumstances to eventually obtain this Orrery, given its importance in accessing this sanctum. How did you foresee that I would come to possess it?”

“I cannot provide any insight into that,” Thainnith replied, his tone actually somewhat apologetic. “In my current memories, I have not yet determined where to place the Orrery.”

Scarlett studied him intently. “But surely you have some concept of your intentions for it?”

“I do not.”

“Can you at least confirm whether leaving it in the Astral Sanctum aligns with a reasonable course of action for you?” she pressed.

Since he could deviate from fate himself, it might explain how the artifact came to reside in the Sanctum when it wasn’t there in the game. And yet, leaving such an important artifact unguarded on the floor seemed like an odd choice.

“I cannot confirm that,” Thainnith responded.

“Then what if—” Scarlett began, but her words caught in her throat as she noticed a shift in their surroundings. The vibrant hues cloaking the horizon just a minute ago had faded to an ominous, creeping grey.

It took a moment for recognition to set in, but when it did, Scarlett’s heart began racing.

Thainnith also stilled, the air around him sharpening as he turned to scan the distance. “It appears the Anomalous One has somehow located us. I am powerless to repel it in this form.”

As he said that, the decaying grey started rapidly spreading, not just along the horizon but enveloping the sky itself in an expanding grey blanket.

Thainnith faced her again. “You must leave before this place succumbs completely. Detached from the realms, the restrictions meant to limit the Anomalous One are weaker here. Should it reach you, escape would be impossible without its permission.”

Memories of her last encounter with the Anomalous One flashed through Scarlett’s mind, reminding her of that overbearing existence that had watched her closely. She didn’t want to risk giving it another opportunity to interfere with her connection to the system like last time.

But there were also still so many unanswered questions she’d hoped to pose to Thainnith. Though he was clearly limited in what he could reveal, she wanted to glean whatever insights possible.

The platform under her feet trembled, and a massive crack split the sky to reveal a stark white void beyond.

Scarlett set her jaw firmly, fixing her eyes on Thainnith. “Is there anything you have yet to tell me that I need to know?”

He raised his hand, a silvery pool of liquid light coalescing above it. “I have not had the time to fully tailor this to your essence, but it will have to suffice. This is part of the legacy I spoke of.” Extending the light towards her, he added, “Your mental defences are strong, so you will need to lower them for this to work.”

Scarlett eyed the condensed luminescent substance warily. Was that something that would mess with her mind?

That rang all the wrong warning bells.

Several more fissures tore through the sky, one splitting the space mere meters from her. Through the rift, she felt the piercing gaze of an unseen observer weigh down upon her.

“Quickly,” Thainnith urged.

Scarlett closed her eyes. It seemed like she didn’t have much choice.

“Do it,” she forced out through gritted teeth.

If this was a ploy to lower her defences, she’d face that challenge when it came.

An unsettling sensation enveloped her, like something foreign and chaotic seeping into her skin, permeating her body and attempting to intertwine with her mind and memories — only to crash against a powerful barrier.

Though Scarlett hadn’t erected those defences herself, she could tell that it was possible for her to lower them. And she did.

Immediately, the foreign presence flooded her consciousness with a torrential barrage of images, thoughts, and voices — all too muddled to discern clearly. Amidst the onslaught, she thought she heard Thainnith’s voice, her body moving of its own accord as her surroundings blurred to obscurity, the influx of information overwhelming her senses.

Visions flashed before her: a slightly chubby, bald man with stubble watching her from a field’s outcrop… The Gentleman observing ships in a harbor… A vague, looming silhouette she instantly recognised as one of the Anomalous One’s forms towering over a vast cityscape, confronted by an absolutely massive white dragon.

One by one, the images cycled through her head, each leaving a throbbing pain as she struggled to focus on any single thread.

“—arlett. Hey, Scarlett!”

A new voice sliced through the chaos, and Scarlett’s eyes snapped open.

She was back in Thainnith’s laboratory, Rosa and Fynn watching her anxiously as her right hand gripped the orb at the center, now just a dull, floating hunk of metal.

“Are you okay?” Rosa asked, worry palpable in her tone.

Scarlett stared blankly at the woman for a moment, disoriented, then touched her nose, finding blood. Suddenly, the room spun, and she stumbled.

“Whoa, wai—”

Both rushed to support her, and even as she steadied herself against them, her gaze began to wander, searching the chamber as if urged by some unknown impulse. Her attention fell on the numerous Zuverian symbols and runes etched into the walls, her unsteady vision struggling to make them out fully.

“What happened?” Rosa asked beside her.

“Quiet…” Scarlett murmured, squinting at the markings. “I need to focus…”

Finally, her vision stabilised to a point where she could make them out, and she blinked in surprise.

She could read them. Each and every single rune and symbol — she could read and understand what they represented, like they were carved into her frontal lobe.

Turning her head, her eyes landed on the tall, robed figure of the custodian near the chamber’s entrance, observing them silently.

Unbidden, pieces of information bubbled up to the forefront of Scarlett’s consciousness.

This was the custodian of the Veiled Library, the fifth and only successful iteration in a series of prototypes created by Thainnith as part of his ongoing efforts to understand and ultimately seal the Anomalous One.

The custodian’s cool, pale green eyes met hers, devoid of emotion.

Scarlett exhaled slowly. It seemed Thainnith’s legacy had indeed imparted more than just a heavy responsibility upon her.