Chapter 249: Frozen Wastes of Norsca Part 3: The Dark Master's Next Move
FLASHBACK...
(General POV)
Location the Chaos Wastes, the Boarder to the Dark One's Domain
Archeon the Everchosen, was staring down at the colossal eldritch hydra, that was looking down upon him like a worthless gnat on a rotting pile.
This titan asked him just a moment ago, why he came to Ixion's and in turn Laharl's lands, seeing that there is no other possibility that this supposed new Chaos God, that emerged from another world and bringing fort his greatest adversary and rival even surpassing Be'lakor himself.
Composed, Archeon answered the titanic hydra's questions, speaking with a powerful, masculine voice (just think of his voice actor from the TWW-Games), "Great Hydra!!! I am Archeon the Herald of the Apocalypse!!!! True chosen by the Gods of Chaos, this Ixion Daemonhart and his kin are unworthy of your master or your own favor!!!!! By my position and power as Everchosen, I swear I'm more than worthy for your master's favor and blessings!!!! To prove this and to the other Gods, I have come to claim the lands of Daemonharts as my own, by dark rite and bring the End Times upon these weak mortals and blasphemous Gods of the South!!!!"
The Hydra aka Laharl's Void Hydra, manifestation heard this and...laughed...
All its eyes closed as the Dark One, found the famous Everchosen, one of his main chosen characters in Total War and AOS, grubbling under his feet for more power, and jealousy that his position be at risk...and rightfully soo since Ixion is him, and his younger brothers from 40k operating that avatar...but regardless this fit partly Archaon's character in Old World, lore were he sought power, glory, and purpose that even Sigmar refused him.
Until the End Times...which honestly, he though the GW made too soon, and they basically kill off Tamurkhan novels just when they were getting good...but returning to his original though process in AOS, after Archeon learned of the Gods basic manipulations he quest for absolute power, were all empty promises as when he destroyed the Old World, and created the new Mortal Realms, Archeon became an afterthought...a pawn of the Gods he has faithfully served, so he started his plans to break free of the Gods and become one himself...basically a Be'lakor but with better background story...
Laharl got his thoughts back in order, as his serpent-heads reached out and lowered themselves to the Everchosen's level.
And he spoke again, "Soo? Is that all you have to say? Petty jealousy and flattery?" Laharl made all the nine serpents roar and hiss with clear signs of iratation and anger.
He spoke once more, "Archeon. While true you are greatly favored, and the last Everchosen...it does not mean, that it will be forever." Laharl looking at the surprise look that appeared on Archaon's face, he proceed to explain, knowing that the weaker counterparts of the Chaos Gods were also listening.
As he "twisted" the truth about the world that the Dark One and Ixion originated from about a vastly larger world with entire realms aka planets waging war and destruction in titanic scales.
Many individuals are capable of doing what Archeon is able in even greater scales, and more, with monsters, creatures, and all kinds of horrors that none could ever imagine, and the God that presides over all that Carnage, Horror, and Atrocities is the Dark One, Laharl Valboga...first born Chaos God...
Hearing this shocked not only Archeon and his followers but also the Four Chaos Gods.
Each of the Four reacted in their own way, from their respected domains within the Realm of Chaos, starting with the Blood God.
OW-Khorne was enraged and insulted that in another world another being is surpassing him, the Lord of Slaughter!!
OW-Nurgle was shocked and amazed another dimension filled with soo much carrion...then that amazement became iratation since the Fly Lord, could not begin to find a way to cross over and claim those new diseases for his own!!!
Tzeentch was excited and amused a whole new world filled with endless possibilities of change and sorcery this explains the reason he couldn't claim the magical powers of Ixion before, and why his Blue Scribes, weren't able to take those said spells and magic from Ixion!!?
Lastly, Slaanesh was having a tantrum along with a squill of excitement all because their was a whole another realm filled with endless desires, food, drink, arts and soo much more for her to experience and collect...but she is stuck in this world with the same things, the Dark Princess was acting so iratic that her concubines, dancers, and handmaidens all decided to wisely leave their mistress alone until she calms down...
Then Laharl twisted the truth in a way to explain that Ixion and his brothers were chosen for being the most "weakest" amongst the servents of the Dark God.
This revelations shocked them all, especially the Four Chaos Gods, none could believe the undefeated and favored champion of this "new" God was the weakest...as the Void Hydra aka the Dark One, explained further.
All their servents, and possible candidates to come to this world were too strong...which in some cases is the truth, all their higher daemons would devastate the Old World, Laharl's mortal followers had advance weaponry that will destroy everything, so Ixion was made to be the perfect avatar and vassal to intrust this campaign...and in some way the Dark One explain this saying that, Ixion was the only mortal capable of entering the Old World, and they were the only one that can corrupt the World in the name of Chaos!!!
Laharl then commanded his serpents to coil around his body all laying their heads on random spots, but like the serpents that they are watching ready to strike at his though.
The Dark One next said, "So you see Archeon. Ixion and his brothers, are at your level, yet you claim that the Dark One, and the Chaos Gods of the Otherworld chose wrong? Then...prove it." Laharl paused, watching the Everchosen's reaction.
Despite his three-eyed, horned helm hiding his expression it was quite plain for a Dark God to see and sense the thoughts surging, inside Archaon's head...
Confusion...rage...frustration...impatience...eagerness...hunger...and pride, truly a soul drenched in Chaos and Darkness, if it wasn't for the fact that the Dark One is more interested and knows the true potential of the Warmaster, Horus Lupercal he would have taken Archeon soul and body placed it in Horus' Legion to be enhanced in the Astarte Process and replace Abaddon as Lord of the Black Legion, since he plans to save Horus and still insure the Black Legion's creation so Chaos has greater power in the end of the Horus Heresy.
That's when the Everchosen asked him, "How should I prove myself to your master, great hydra?" the Dark One's manifestation didn't have lips so the Everchosen, couldn't see the grin that is plastered in the mind of the Dark Harbinger.
This pleased the Dark One as he could manipulate Archeon to move as he wants, while they head straight southwest towards Sylvania to face the Von Carsteins, he can send Archeon to strike the Empire directly weakening both enemies which will force the Warhost of the Apocalypse to flee to the north again to replenish to later face the Dark Legion, and if Karl Franz and his imperial forces are defeated all the better for him and his brothers in the long run, so he said to Archeon, "This land is under dark protection, from the Dark One himself. The champion, Ixion is in a important trial set fort by the Gods...but should any champion of Chaos, challenge them they must fight with the winner claiming everything from the vanquished. Soo prove your worth to the Dark One by facing the Daemonharts, in the Southlands of the Empire, let's see if you're worthy..."
With his challenge and manipulation done, the Dark One started to fade away into a great shadow, leaving Archeon and his armies bewildered, while the spies from the Chaos Legionnaires started to leave to report all they've learn from one of their master's greatest enemies.
As Archeon stood there he walked back to his daemonic steed Dorghar, mounting him again with a small tug of Dorghar's reins he turn to his army ordering them to return to his domain of the Inevitable City in the East of the Wastes.
That city which was built of dark madness and inspired by insane architects, the Inevitable City sits at the nexus of several lonely, forgotten roads that can be found crisscrossing through the Chaos Wastes.
The reason for this return to his main base on the Chaos Wastes, Archeon was going to follow the wishes of this new Chaos God.
He'll lead his armies the Warhosts of the Apocalypse, into the weak lands belonging to Empire seeking out his rival, Ixion Daemonhart, slaying the Chosen of the Dark One, and truly ascending into powers that not even his predecessor Asaval Kul could ever match, but this march will cause a great battle and losses against the Empire but it matter not to him.
For he is destined for eternal glory and power, as he'll ascend as the greatest favored by the Gods and achieve what none have accomplished before...but for that to happen he needs to eliminate all that pose a threat like Ixion.
PRESENT TIME...
Location the Sea of Chaos-Within Enzium, Central Level/The Great Hall of Banquets and War
As the Dark One reminisce of the manipulations he has done to the famed greatest villain in Warhammer Fantasy Old World...in the Chaos Faction...cause he could argue the biggest villain and idiot has to be Manfred Von Carstein, basically cause of him the Old World got completely destroyed all cause he wanted more power, now look at him he turned from Vampire Lord to a slave to Nagash, in Age of Sigmar.
Regardless that was one less thing to worry about as he and his brothers were heading into the frozen lands of Norsca, and then Kislev...but those were things for later right now they were enjoying a feast!
All their mortal followers of Chaos Undivided, Khorne, and Nurgle were eating and drinking from either normal food, raw and bloodsoaked meals, or rotten and spoiled.
As their daemons feast upon the various debaucheries, rot, and blood being caused/produced in the hall, Laharl really believe it reminds him of a viking feast as he watched through the eyes of the Avatar, Ixion.
Still Zxaie-xie, who has returned some moments ago was floating beside them, quietly observing and plotting against them. as at last their General has arrived...
The last ones to join the banquet, coming into the hall from the giant set of wooden and stone made doors came some dragon ogres escorting their lord, the first non-human daemon prince, Kholek Suneater.
All were shocked and silenced as they saw the legendary being much more powerful and massive than before, along with the great black draconian wings, as the daemon-shaggoth made his way into the hall accompanied by his warriors, all were shocked in seeing and sensing the mighty Kholek not only healed but...he was granted the ultimate reward...daemonhood!!!
The most shocked was the Speaker himself, Zxaie-xie yelled out, demanding an explanation of this event...
Kholek stared at the specter like being, with contemp and utter disinterest, he ignored him and he kneeled before Ixion/Warp Gods before them, showing respect and fealty to him.
The Warp Gods made Ixion stand and spread his arm as they spoke through him, "Kholek!!! Is great to see you well again. And it seems the Dark One has blesses you with enough power to finally and rightfully ascend to a Daemon Prince!!!" picking up a chalice with wine he proposed a cheer for the newly ascended Kholek and to greater favor, glory, spoils, and rewards that this southern invasion shall provide!!!
All cheered and rised their respected cups, drinking it down as the festivities resumed and Ixion/Warp Gods requested that Kholek joined in his side which the daemon-shaggoth abolished...
Location the Chaos Wastes/Secret Domain of the Dark Master-The Temple of Shadows
(For reference picture the Temple of Shadows, from Vermintide 2 DLC)
Be'lakor has returned to the physical realm, but still remain as a shadow, so the chaotic powers of his temple can mask him from the Gods and other possible enemies.
In the deepest chamber his followers, were all gathered his spies informed him of what has occurred and confirmed that the "Fifth God" is true and has made his claim of the western region of the Wastes.
This pleased the Dark Master, greatly his spies and Eternus were sneaking around the "Domain of the Dark One" scouting and investigating things for him, the reports of this titanic hydra intrigued Be'lakor a beast that even Archeon wouldn't dare to face if he gained this new Chaos God, Laharl Valboga's favor he would definitely return as the most powerful daemon in the Old World, greater than Yuri, greater than Archeon, and even this new rival...he shall be greater than Ixion!!!
The First Damned, laughed darkly as his power made all torches and light sources go deeper, it was clear his next path.
He needed to gain the Dark One's favor, become stronger that not even the Four Chaos Gods would dare to oppose him, his dreams of absolute power and Godhood can still...no will be obtained!!!
He summoned all his warriors and followers back/to the temple, he needed to reform his Chaos Legionnaires, and his loyal daemons for he needed them to march onto the Ixion lands so he can seek an audience with this Chaos God, and find a way to obtain his blessing.
Then one he has this new power, Be'lakor he shall track down this Ixion and demand he send him to this new world were he can gain more power and ascend to a God at last!!!
With that the forces of the Dark Master began their move for it was time, for their master to obtain what is rightfully his...eternal power of a God!!!!
Plus this also provide Be'lakor the long sought opportunity to not just end his long rivalry with Archeon but eliminate his greatest mistake, keeping Yuri alive if not for his meddling he would have the force to stand against the Tzarina's army and gained Ursun's power.
But seems that fate was still favoring him for now he has the chance to gain all that was rightfully his, and soo much more.
Weekly Power Status
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