Part 14.3

Heracles VS Lernaean Hydra

Author Note: I was thinking about it and I really wish that GT9 used more draconic symbolism throughout the story when (or if) I revisit Team Crowley VS Rosencreutz I'll have symbolism of Aleister (TheBeast666), Aiwass (Codename: DRAGON) and Coronzon (The Dragon of the Abyss) all have symbology of them being Dragons preying on a God/Hero like CRC and the reversed conflict of Chaos VS Order you see in mythology, I also wanted to achieve something similar with Kakine Teitoku as he can represent the Fallen Angel and the Seraphim but for now I'll try adding draconian symbolism into Gunha VS CRC.
True Expert Christian Rosencreutz, with his golden rosy cross sword, clashed relentlessly against the indomitable force of the Strongest Gemstone, Sogiita Gunha. With each clash of their powers, the air crackled and compressed, and the pavement trembled beneath.
CRC, observed Sogiita with a mixture of intrigue and disdain. "You fight like the legendary Heracles," he remarked, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "But know this, I am the Lernaean Hydra, and no matter how many heads you sever, I shall always rise again!" Rosencreutz roared to slice the #7’s midsection.
Sogiita, his entire body wreathed in unknowable energy, met CRC's blade unyielding. "Bring it on, old man!" he retorted, his voice brimming with confidence. "I'll knock you down as many times as it takes! I won't stop till you come to your senses and remember your roots, like the roses you love so much, Rosencreutz!!"
Their clash intensified, that old man’s higher dimensional sword colliding with the raw power of that boy’s fists and kicks as they pushed each other to their limits with each sword swing, punch, kick and flash.
Sogiita unleashed a barrage of punches, each strike carrying the force of a meteor, while that silver young man countered: he wielded his sword in his right hand and released impacts followed by white light that was enough to previously take down all of The Bridge Builders Cabal.
As the battle raged on, the very fabric of reality seemed to warp and shift around them, bearing witness to the titanic struggle between two unparalleled forces.
The founder of Rosicrucianism who intimidated reality itself to obey his will and that Gemstone with an unstable personal reality that could change on a whim.
The atmosphere crackled with electrifying distortion.
Sogiita's fists tore through the air with the ferocity of meteors, their velocity enhanced by his ability to adapt and accelerate, surpassing even CRC's speed. As each blow was released, the friction with the surrounding air molecules ignited a scorching heat, intensifying the impact.
The rapid movement of molecules generated an escalating thermal energy, causing the air to seethe with increasing temperature. It was akin to a tempest of incandescent projectiles hurtling towards CRC, their speed surpassing the limits of human perception.
It was like a storm of brilliant fiery arrows was fired at Rosencreutz.
These blazing arrows of force were reminiscent of the elusive strikes employed by the Rose & Cross Leader, ignoring distance with deceptive agility.
With each thunderous punch, that bandana boy sought to overpower his adversary through sheer kinetic force, his unwavering resolve palpable in every motion.
But that wasn't enough for this superhuman.
CRC, wielding his cross sword with precision and skill, deflected each and every one Sogiita's flaming arrows with calculated strikes of his own. Each impact unleashed a burst of blinding white light, sending shockwaves rippling through the chaotic city.
"You think brute strength alone will defeat me?" the silver man taunted, his voice cutting through the chaos of battle. "You may be strong, but strength without strategy is nothing but raw power wasted."
Sogiita grinned, his confidence unshaken. "Strategies for cowards who can't handle a real fight," he retorted, his voice ringing with defiance. "I'll K.O. you with my fists and guts alone!!!!"
Rosencreutz's eyes narrowed as he parried another of Sogiita's punches. "Your arrogance will be your downfall," he warned, his tone tinged with certainty. "I may not match your overall speed, but I have something you lack: intellect and precision.”
Christian Rosencreutz then plunged his cross sword into the ground.
"This is what harmed Kamijou Touma," he declared, grinning and unleashing a torrent of lethal invisible attacks from his outstretched palms.
However, the #7 countered with a relentless barrage of flaming arrows from the thermal aftershock of his punches.
Each strike akin to a particle accelerator in its intensity and speed. That Gemstone was the particles being fired on the right and that True Expert was the particles fired on the left.
As the attacks clashed, the battlefield became a spectacle of raw power and precision.
“Roar!” CRC held his open palm to his mouth and blew gently on the tip of the middle finger.
That was all it took for a blaze easily outdoing a flamethrower to rush out. And this was not just any fire. It fed on the power of a ley line and stole vitality from space itself. This overwhelming mass of light and heat was wielded for no other purpose than to take lives. Anyone who tried to survive it using simple composite armor or special fibers would dry up and burn away in less than a second.
But that wouldn't kill another superhuman would it?
Of course not.
“Aaaaarghhhh!!!!” screamed the #7.
Some assaults bypassed the fray entirely, slipping through the chaos like elusive particles in a collider.
A smokescreen.
Those brilliant fireworks from hell weren't meant to take Sogiita’s life. They were meant to disrupt the Gemstone's senses and sight so he couldn't counter all of that old man’s deadly attacks.
Invisible strikes found their mark on that Gemstone, and the searing arrows of the arrows scorched Rosencreutz.
CRC was wounded but he rejected to make any whimpers. Instead with a sudden burst of velocity, the young silver man picked up his cross sword from the ground and launched a flurry of strikes, cutting at the #7’s body with pinpoint accuracy.
His arms, his head, his face, his stomach, his legs, his midsection, his back.
Each blow landed with devastating force, causing Sogiita to stagger back under the onslaught.
If that bandana boy hadn't had his defenses and general stats raised by the #5 he’d be cut to pieces.
The #7 fell on his back.
"There's a fire," Sogiita declared, his voice ringing out amidst the chaos of battle.
With each attempt to break his spirit, Sogiita's resolve only grew stronger, fueling the flames of his determination. "Every time someone tries to make me give up, it's like wind feeding my flames, making them burn even brighter just like my punches," he explained, his words carrying the weight of his unwavering determination.
He refused to stay down.
With a roar of defiance, Sogiita surged forward once more, his movements blurring with speed as he disappeared from view. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind Christian Rosencreutz, catching the magician off guard.
"Hey, old man," Sogiita taunted, his voice filled with confidence as he seized Rosencreutz from behind.
Christian Rosencreutz's eyes widened in surprise as he realized he had been outmaneuvered.
As Sogiita Gunha faced off against Christian Rosencreutz in their airborne duel, he felt the flames of determination burning within him, driving him forward with unstoppable force.
Before he could react, the boy lifted him effortlessly and slammed him onto the pavement below with a resounding thud.
"I'm not just a kick-boxer!!" Sogiita sang.
As the impact reverberated through the air, the young silver man let out a pained cry. The force of the collision compressed the surrounding air, heating it up until it crackled with energy. Christian Rosencreutz's head struck the ground with a velocity equivalent to mach 20, igniting his body in flames upon impact.
This move is called a suplex.
Struggling to regain his bearings, Rosencreutz muttered in a daze, "The House of the Holy Spirit...the seven walls..."
"You said it yourself, didn't you?" the gutsy boy retorted, cocky. "My power and my guts can break through your impenetrable walls. And I can spread those same guts to the world around me."
With a grimace, Christian Rosencreutz acknowledged the truth of the boy's words. "Your uncontrolled AIM field grants you the ability to imbue non-organic objects with the properties of your virus," he observed, his voice tinged with begrudging admiration. "Allowing them to bypass even the defenses of the seven-walled tomb.”
"A virus? Don't be so gutless, CRC," the #7 retorted, his voice filled with defiance. "This battleground ruled by wills is a two-way road between you and me."
Christian Rosencreutz raised an eyebrow at the boy's words. "Hey Gemstone, you could've killed me if I weren't a superhuman with an idealized body that accomplished The Great Work and crossed the Ungrund, what then short-stack?" he questioned while fitting an insult against his height.
Even without the seven-walled tomb or sheets of diamonds Rosencreutz was cartoonishly durable.
"Sorry, old man," Sogiita replied, his tone tinged with annoyance. "I might've gotten carried away, but I know it'll take more than that to kill you. No matter how many heads you regrow, like Hydra, I will not give up until I've completed all my labors."
"Mhm, so you do know your mythology," CRC remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "The Lernaean Hydra, or simply Hydra, is a serpentine lake monster in Greek and Roman mythology. Its lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid, known as an entrance to the Underworld. In the canonical myth, the monster is slain by Heracles as part of his Twelve Labors."
"Yeah, I know," Sogiita replied confidently. "I studied the tales of great gutsy heroes in school.”
"So, short-stack," Christian Rosencreutz began, his voice carrying a hint of scholarly interest. “Have you ever considered the parallels between our battle and ancient Near Eastern religions?”
Sogiita listened intently. "Are you saying you see yourself as a god of war or a hunter?" he inquired.
CRC chuckled softly. "In a sense, indeed. We are both assuming roles in this grand theater, are we not? I, the Hydra, and you, Heracles."
He continued, "Consider the Second Labor of Heracles. Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns, sent Heracles to slay the Hydra, which Hera had raised specifically to defeat him. Heracles approached the swamp near Lake Lerna, where the Hydra dwelled. To protect himself from the poisonous fumes, he covered his mouth and nose with a cloth and shot flaming arrows into the Hydra's lair, causing it to emerge and terrorize the surrounding villages."
CRC paused, drawing a comparison. “In our own clash, the flaming arrows that Heracles hurled at the Hydra find their echo in your lightning-fast fists, generating shockwaves that ignite the air with their speed and force. It's as though each strike of yours is akin to shooting a flaming arrow, much like Heracles did.”
“Huh? Are you suggesting we're caught in a time loop? That some enigmatic group, like the Bridge Builders Cabal, manipulated events to resurrect you, pitting us against each other in a timeless struggle? I've never met them, and I'm certainly no child of Zeus. Are you implying that our battle will be distorted into a Greek legend by a meddling time traveler?!” frantically asked the boy.
“No, no, you simpleton. This world contains synchronicities. In Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian mythology, the war and hunting god Ninurta was celebrated for his deeds. The Angim credited him with slaying eleven monsters during an expedition to the mountains, including a seven-headed serpent, possibly identical to the Mushmahhu, and Bashmu, whose constellation was later associated with the Hydra by the Greeks. In Babylonian contexts, the Hydra's constellation is also linked to Marduk's dragon, the Mushhushshu.”
“Uhhh….” That shounen boy was dumbfounded.
"Hhm, I suppose calling it a time loop isn't technically wrong," Christian Rosencreutz began, his tone measured. "I'll break it down from history class and reconstruct it through the lens of the occult. Historic recurrence, young Gemstone, is the phenomenon of events echoing throughout time. Whether it's the rise and fall of empires or the repetitive cycles within a single society, it's all part of this grand plan that was decided when Adam ate the forbidden fruit."
The #7 with his guard up but curious listened: "So, history just keeps repeating itself? Just a series of coincidences?"
Christian Rosencreutz shook his head sagely. "There is no such thing as coincidences. Take, for instance, the Doctrine of Eternal Recurrence, pondered upon by thinkers like Heinrich Heine and Friedrich Nietzsche. While it's said that 'history repeats itself,' it's not quite that simple. Rather, these recurrences stem from identifiable circumstances and chains of causality."
He continued, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of philosophical debate. "Consider the phenomenon of multiple independent discoveries in science or the reproducible findings in natural and social sciences. These recurrences, whether in the form of rigorous experimentation or comparative research, are vital to our understanding of the world."
Christian Rosencreutz paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "G.W. Trompf, in his seminal work, The Idea of Historical Recurrence in Western Thought, illustrates the recurring patterns of political thought and behavior since ancient times. Through these patterns, history offers us invaluable lessons, often leading to a sense of resonance or déjà vu."
Their words reverberated like a challenge to destiny itself, a testament to their unyielding determination in the face of adversity.
That Gemstone didn't surrender his characteristic fervor. "History echoing through time, huh? It's like the universe itself is stuck on repeat, and we're just caught in the cycle. But you know what? If history's gonna keep looping, then let's break the pattern! Let's smash through those chains of causality and forge our own path. Who cares about déjà vu? We'll create something entirely new, something that'll shake the very foundations of this world and we’ll do it with guts!!!" He defied that silver monster.
But Rosencreutz wasn't finished. He pulled out his Crystal World Map.
The supposedly old man listened intently to that boy's impassioned response, his expression inscrutable behind his clairvoyant card. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke.
“Gemstone, you speak of breaking free from the chains of repetition, of forging a new destiny against the backdrop of eternal return. It is a noble aspiration, indeed. However, consider this: eternal return is not merely a philosophical concept or a whimsical notion of fate. It is the very fabric of existence, woven into the nature of time itself.” He pressed his finger on the Miniature Garden and a 3D holographic projection flew out—
“In ancient times, the Stoics grappled with the idea, seeing in it both a sense of cosmic order and a challenge to individual agency. Augustine and others recoiled from its implications, fearing it as a negation of free will and salvation. And yet, Nietzsche, in his brilliance, dared to confront the concept anew, exploring its depths in the crucible of human consciousness.”
Didn't Aleister Crowley say that he had to shatter every single phase in order to eliminate the concept of fate?
“I will shatter every last phase and put an end to all mysticism. It can be helped and we need not restrain our tears and bite our lip when faced with tragedy. I will bring back the pure world in which everyone can feel anger like normal and question it all like normal!!”
And didn't Coronzon appear to break down all the phases including the Pure World?
Partial destruction would be meaningless. If anything remains and an eternal distortion is born from that, then it will all happen again. I will eliminate the ten spheres, the twenty-two pathways, and the hidden eleventh symbol. Collisions between phases? Sparks and spray? You cannot save anyone if you only treat those symptoms. All of the fundamental clogs must be removed. All so we can pass the baton to whoever comes next.”
“Sparks and Sprays…” Rosencreutz muttered.
“Eh?” The #7 didn't quite hear him.
"Beside time stands fate, cruelty's steadfast herald. In the silent chambers of the soul, whispers the most profound wisdom. Humanity, in its folly, neglected to exalt life's splendor, its radiance, its grandeur. Truly, it is a rare gift to comprehend the forces that shape our existence.” That magician spoke in despair.
“From the moment man ate the fruit of knowledge, he guaranteed your species’ failure... Entrusting his future to the whims of fate, man clutches to a flickering hope. Yet, within the Miniature Garden lies the key to all revelation. Beyond the well-trodden path lies the ultimate terminus. It matters not who you are; Death is the sole certainty awaiting all.” he finished with scorn.
Shokuhou Misaki was currently linked to Sogiita Gunha so she was overhearing the entire conversation.
“Are you okay, Leader?” asked Kamijou back at the hospital.
“Yeah…” she responded.
*“Really?” Mikoto breathed a white sigh. “It wasn’t the shock of seeing their school destroyed. Nor was it the fear of having those rioters attack. …They’re afraid of their own power. And after learning how exactly to use that power to survive, they’re not sure they can just switch it off and return to their normal lives. So their gears have ground to a halt.”
Tokiwadai Middle School was a prestigious esper development school.*
The young ladies registered there were Level 3 at the lowest and Level 5 at the highest.
Almost all of the students had a power that surpassed that of a blade or handgun if used properly, but something had become twisted.
Yes.
“A lot of them weren’t really sure why they were training their powers.”
Shokuhou breathed a white breath, wrapped her own arms around herself, and rubbed her thighs together.
Why are you studying?
How many people could give a proper answer to that question? Because my parents told me to, because my teachers taught me to, because that’s how the world works. Those would be most people’s answers. Even the students with a clear vision of their future would only have something vague like “for the entrance exams” or “for my future”.
Only a small handful would have specific puzzle pieces in mind, such as “I need to learn how to use this equation so I can build a rocket”.
The young ladies of Tokiwadai Middle School were the same.
What if the very gears that humans have…their actions, reactions, inactions were all the result of some transcendental entity hovering above.
Like God or The Devil watching over humanity’s reality sphere and ordering around his system like everyone was a pre-programmed NPC that had specific events occur to them to get them to develop in the way that they did and determined their genetic bloodline that composed their psyche?
Is there truly a free will?
It was said that in order for you to break out of the system of society that the working class was stuck in you had to climb to the top where the corrupt elites resided.
Imagine Breaker negated sparks, Aleister Crowley could see through the veil thanks to Holy Guardian Angel Aiwass, Great Demon Coronzon could always see the cogs.
Christian Rosencreutz could view the entire world through his Miniature Garden.
The rest of humanity was at the mercy of their own destinies.
A Guardian Angel wouldn't arrive to save a parent’s child from fate every single time.
"Okay, nice poetry, can we get back to fighting already?" asked the #7 impatiently.
"Seems I got carried away," the old man conceded with a nod. "The synchronicities of this world, akin to the astral configurations in astrology, serve as an example of synchronicity, according to Jung. It describes circumstances that appear meaningfully related yet lack a causal connection, much like the parallel relationship between celestial and terrestrial phenomena. Synchronicity experiences entail subjective encounters where coincidences between events in one's mind and the external world may lack a clear causal link but still harbor an unknown connection.”
"Ah," Sogiita chimed in, recalling his philosophy class discussions. "We talked about synchronicity back then. Jung thought it was a good thing for the mind, but said it could get dicey in psychosis. He cooked up this theory as a kind of mental link between those meaningful coincidences, calling it a noncausal principle. This term came about in the late 1920s, and then he teamed up with physicist Wolfgang Pauli to dive deeper. Their work, The Interpretation of Nature and the Psyche, dropped in 1952. They were big on this idea that these connections, even the ones that don't seem to have a cause, could still teach us a lot about how our minds and the world work."
“Mhm, you know more than you lead on, Gemstone.” pondered CRC.
“Oh this? My teachers say I'm not good at remembering speeches hahaha…” The #7 looked slightly nervous. “You know, analytical psychologists really push for folks to get what these experiences mean to boost their awareness instead of just feeding into superstitions. But funny thing is, when clients spill about their synchronicity experiences, they often feel like no one's really hearing them out, or getting where they're coming from. And hey, having a bunch of these meaningful coincidences flying around can sometimes ring the schizo bell. Delusions aren't healthy.”
Where was this conversation going?
"Delusion! Hah! That's a good one coming from you," CRC fired back.
"The real delusion is thinking humanity isn't worth a darn," Sogiita shot back, pulling out some info from Johansen and Osman. "Some scientists think coincidences are just random flukes, but counselors and psychoanalysts reckon there's more to it, like some deep-down stuff needing to come out. Unconscious material to be expressed."
Rosencreutz interjected, his expression reflecting a mix of confusion and concern. "Aleister Crowley's actions have left a lasting scar on this world and this city," he began, his voice weighted with solemnity. “The vacuum-like dichotomy between magic and science created by the use of that colossal psychotronic weapon, has damaged this world's memory almost irreparably.”
Psychotronic weapon?
The Archetype Controller?
He paused, his gaze piercing as he continued, "Jung's exploration of synchronicity as evidence of the paranormal paved the way for further inquiry, notably by Koestler and the subsequent embrace of these ideas by the New Age movement.”
Sogiita shrugged, "Some folks say synchronicity is impossible to test or prove, so it gets labeled as pseudoscience. Jung even acknowledged that these synchronicity events are basically just coincidences, statistically speaking. But hey, who's to say what's really going on without some solid scientific studies, right?"
"Dubious as his experiments may have been," CRC interrupted, "Jung believed in a connection between synchronicity and the paranormal, drawing parallels to the uncertainty principle and works by parapsychologist Joseph B. Rhine.” CRC posed a thought-provoking question, "How are we to recognize acausal combinations of events, since it is obviously impossible to examine all chance happenings for their causality? The answer lies in the fact that acausal events are most readily expected where a causal connection appears inconceivable upon closer reflection. It's impossible, with our current resources, to explain ESP or meaningful coincidences as mere phenomena of energy. This challenges the very notion of cause and effect, as these events occur simultaneously rather than in a linear cause-and-effect manner. Hence, I have coined the term 'synchronicity' to describe this phenomenon, placing it on equal footing with causality as a principle of explanation."
Getting closer to that Gemstone, CRC emphasized, "Esper abilities cannot be fully understood with science alone. They defy traditional cause-and-effect explanations, instead representing a convergence of factors that create a quantum phenomenon affecting both the micro and macro. Why were there the naturally gifted and the naturally ungifted?”
Why did some students get praised for their abilities while others needed to work harder?
Others among them would have worked every hour of their free time and not progressed anywhere in this city’s leveling curriculum.
Why did this city present such an unfair and unpredictable status quo of potential?
Why did hard work barely matter in a city of empirical evidence to record any possible progress?
Sogiita Gunha wasn't a normal Level 5 but he wasn't always this powerful. He went through the curriculum same as everyone but if the outside conditions for his Gemstone ability to manifest didn't form in the exact way that it did, in such an acausal form then would he even be here to challenge Christian Rosencreutz right now?
Everything just happened to fall right into place.
All those puzzle pieces that would lead to this moment here and now.
Was it all just talent? God picking a fool as his champion?
The #7 leaned back, absorbing CRC's words with a thoughtful expression. "So, what you're saying is, there's this whole other layer to reality that we can't quite wrap our heads around," he summarized, nodding slowly. "I mean, it's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands—slippery and elusive."
He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Historic recurrence, synchronicities, all these things—they're like pieces of a puzzle scattered across this substantial reality. And sometimes, they just... click into place, right? It's like the universe has its own plan, and we're just along for the ride."
That bandana wearing boy's gaze drifted, lost in thought. "You know, CRC, it's funny," he remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Here we are, with all our powers and potential, but at the end of the day, we're still grappling with the same questions as everyone else. Talent, destiny, divine intervention—maybe they're all just different sides of the same coin."
He shrugged, the weight of the philosophical musings settling over the broken city. "Who knows? Maybe God does have a sense of humor, after all.” that boy chuckled.
There was a deep silence between them.
Rosencreutz’ response was swift and resolute, his tone filled with certainty. "All this ‘universe has a plan’ banter is just a distraction from the inevitable," he declared, his eyes narrowing. "We can debate the nature of us being all-powerful yet struggling with mortal issues until the sun burns out, but it won't change the fact that our fate was sealed upon the knowledge Adam learned."
“To think so many trivialities have developed while this old man wasn’t watching. Heh heh. Then I should assume the thread of fate has again begun to weave its strange connections between myself and some unknown human.”
He rose forward, his movements purposeful. "It's time to put an end to this dance of platitudes," CRC continued, his voice cold and unwavering. "We'll settle this the only way that somewhat matters—through objective action in this grand play."
“Silence, preserved doll. Illusionists are meant to remain silent. That is all we magicians are: wielders of substanceless illusions. Opening your mouth serves only to break the illusion.”
With a flicker of resolve in his eyes, he locked gazes with the #7. "I am Hydra, Gemstone," he said, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "Our battle ends now.” CRC opened both his palms and began shooting at their surroundings, the buildings, the pavement, the apartments, the rubble.
It probably wasn't random as it seemed to create a pattern.
“Huh are you getting senile old man?” asked the young Gemstone.
“What fun. I never imagined someone would bother diligently polishing their skills this far while knowing it is all essentially an illusion. Didn’t you ever feel silly going to the effort?”
Rosencreutz dropped to all fours, his rosy cross sword gripped tightly in his right hand.
He moved—
“Arrgh!” Sogiita yelled amidst the relentless and precise and precise strikes from that golden cross. “Old man?” he asked.
That magician didn't say anything.
That silver man’s movements became more beastly.
Faster.
Stronger.
Fiercer.
Something new was beginning to manifest.
With each strike of his higher dimensional blade that old man’s blows seemed infused with an otherworldly energy.
The wounds inflicted by his weapon burned with a venomous intensity, sending searing pain coursing through Sogiita's body.
That boy grimaced as the poison from that silver man’s strikes surged through his being, each wound feeling like it was ablaze with venomous fire.
"Damn... That burns…like a killer hornet’s sting," he muttered through clenched teeth, his voice strained with effort. Gritting, he fought to maintain his focus, despite the agony threatening to overwhelm him.
Was this another application of The Four Stages? Citrinitas? No, there was nothing yellow here, it was more like a dirty purple.
But it wasn't just the physical damage that posed a threat.
As the Rosy Cross leader leaped on all fours his movements took on an almost erratic quality, he was bouncing from one building to another with an animalistic agility.
With each jump, a shockwave rippled through the air, carrying with it a palpable sense of dread.
Something was spreading.
The air around them seemed to thicken with a toxic miasma. The #7 struggled to breathe, the noxious fumes clouding his senses.
Like a chaotic monster’s venomous poison breath.
The once-clear air now felt thick and suffocating.
Gasping for breath, the bandana boy struggled to maintain his focus amidst the swirling chaos.
His vision blurred, his movements sluggish as he fought against the oppressive atmosphere.
Blinded that heroic boy could only fire a flame arrow without his sight.
His fists striking out with all the strength he could muster. Igniting in that poisonous compressed air.
It seemed to be flammable like a dragon’s breath.
???
At the hospital, Shokuhou's voice carried a mix of surprise and relief. “He caused real damage.” she exclaimed.
Kamijou turned his attention to her, intrigued. “What happened?”
“It's hard to see clearly, but it looks like the #7 managed to blast off CRC's left arm,” she explained. “Though, I'd say it was more of a lucky shot. I can read he acted on pure instinct.”
Kamijou nodded, a hint of melancholy in his tone. “Yeah... the psychic link and all.”
Had the #7 Level 5 given up on the old man?
Back on the battlefield, Sogiita cursed under his breath. “Dammit... Sorry, old man,” he muttered. “I was aiming to hit your whole body to maximize the surface area, maybe break a few bones as a casualty. We can probably get your arm reattached at the hospital. Heaven Canceller has enough guts to even fix me.”
It was clear—he hadn't given up.
It was an accidental strike of his arm.
“As each ghastly head was severed from its serpentine form, dreadfully, two more writhed forth from the abyss.” a cryptic voice amidst the chaos spoke.
Wasn't it said that the Hydra’s lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid.
Lerna was reputed to be an entrance to the Underworld.
The abyss.
The Ungrund.
There is no limit to the depth of the Alcyonian Lake, and I know of nobody who by any contrivance has been able to reach the bottom of it since not even Nero, who had ropes made several stades long and fastened them together, tying lead to them, and omitting nothing that might help his experiment, was able to discover any limit to its depth. This, too, I heard. The water of the lake is, to all appearance, calm and quiet but, although it is such to look at, every swimmer who ventures to cross it is dragged down, sucked into the depths, and swept away.
The keeper of the gate to the Underworld that lay in the waters of Lerna was the Hydra.
The serpentine Lake Monster.
“Rosencreutz……?” The #7 muttered.
That magician chuckled ominously. "Indeed, young Heracles," he intoned, his voice echoing with a bizarre resonance. “The Lernaean Hydra's curse is upon you now.” as he said that he ripped off a bit of his arm that was cuterarised and it began bleeding.
Anna Sprengel’s blood was said to create unknown miracles when spilled.
Christian Rosencreutz’ blood was so virulent that even its scent was deadly.
As Sogiita Gunha glanced at his severed arm lying on the ground, a creeping sense of horror enveloped him. "All of fate is a curse and that curse," he murmured, his words barely audible over the din of battle, "extends even to my severed limb.”
Christian Rosencreutz’ left arm grew back.
No.
Two new arms grew in its place.
The fate of chaoskampf? The hero battling the dragon?
The arm was fully functioning with no defects.
Although one of the arms appeared somewhat scaly and lanky like a serpent.
It had human anatomy but something was abnormal here.
He almost looked like a spider as he emerged from the poisonous fog as he remained on all fours.
“So short-stack. Are you ready to complete your final labor: Crossing the abyss!!!” He challenged that boy with his cross sword facing him.
"Boss, what's up? You look kinda stuck," Kamijou asked, his tone concerned.
Two students were sitting together in the waiting room at a hospital.
"—abyss, Hydra, curse, synchronicities, Historic recurrence." she replied, her words carrying a weight of unease.
"Huh? What? Can you give me the lowdown?" Kamijou prodded, his urgency evident.
"Can't quite wrap my head around it. But what I can tell you is that after CRC started talking about these esoteric concepts, he leveled up his power ability, managed to seriously hurt the #7 despite me cranking up all his stats for the win condition," the honey-blonde girl explained, frustration creeping into her voice.
"Can you beam all that stuff into my head, like a memory download? You're a psychological esper, right? My right hand won't mess with it, and we've done the telepathy thing before," Kamijou suggested.
"Memory download's not quite it, but I can send you a recording," she clarified.
"Got it," Kamijou muttered as he absorbed the info.
"You got any ideas to help the #7’s situation ability, Kamijou-san? We're kinda desperate here," she asked.
"I wish Index was still here, dammit.” he lamented, “But you know about magic, right?" he queried.
"Yeah, people converting their delusions into reality right?," she admitted.
"Well, magic's not just about delusions; it can be tied up to the whole world. Not sure if it's relevant, but based on Idol Theory, Rosencreutz might be pulling in 'energy’ from the Greek 'phase’ of Heracles for an edge," Kamijou theorized.
"Like a chessboard flip?" Shokuhou Misaki inquired, her brow furrowed with concern.
"No, more like... imagine you're playing checkers with a buddy, and you're totally crushing it because you're a checkers pro. Then suddenly, your buddy switches it up and challenges you to an arm wrestling match, and you lose because, well, arm wrestling isn't your forte," Kamijou Touma explained, trying to paint a vivid picture.
"So, by taking on the role of the Hydra from Greek myth, he's essentially forcing the #7 into the role of Heracles? But didn't Heracles defeat the Hydra?" Shokuhou sought clarification.
"Yeah, but..." Kamijou recalled the tale from the movies he'd seen. "Lichas gave Heracles a shirt soaked in the Hydra's poisonous blood from his arrows, which ends up killing him by tearing his flesh down to the bone," he elaborated.
"It was actually Nessus seeking vengeance and tricking Deianira into giving it to Heracles as a gift, delivered by Lichas without disclosing the tunic's lethal bloodstained secret from the Lernaean Hydra, but you're right," Shokuhou corrected gently. "So, Rosencreutz is harnessing the power of that legend to slowly poison the #7?"
"Not literal. I mean the poison is real but his slashes do significant harm now so it's more like shifting the paradigm in his favor…shifting his position.” The spiky-haired boy wasn't in the mood to explain Phases, “Earlier, he mentioned Sogiita spreading his 'virus' throughout the world. A virus isn't a poison in the traditional sense, but the Rosicrucians originally sought to create a universal cure for all illnesses. Now, CRC is spreading a literal poison, positioning himself as the ultimate predator and his opponents as prey rather than his savior role, the paradigm has been shifted." Kamijou concluded, his voice tinged with gravity.
“So he’s changed the environment to get the win condition? The #7’s durability doesn't matter in the face of the world being forced to go about a certain way because of Rosencreutz stage play?” The girl asked.
“Yeah…if things keep going this way…Sogiita will….goddamnit….” The spiky haired boy swore. “I can't let someone else die after all that's happened but I feel like if I go out there I really will kill him…” he muttered that last bit while clenching his right fist that began shaking uncontrollably.
The girl’s eyes seemed confused.
“What did you say?” The honey blonde middle schooler asked.
“Nothing, just mumbling to myself.” he spat out.
That boy and girl could never come to the right conclusion on their own without the aid of former Magic God Othinus by their side.
“Did you think I had challenged you with no hope of succeeding, you cesspool? The magic born on earth is bound by the directions based on the earth’s magnetic field and by the density and composition of the air which is determined by air pressure which is in turn influenced by gravity. That is inevitable when you are focused on the cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west or on the basic elements of fire, water, wind, and earth. But what you will find upon leaving the atmosphere is an unknown. Coronzon, are you sure there will be no malfunction in the magic giving you control of Avatar Lola? And before, my power was bound by the puny speck named earth which failed to become a black hole or even a sun, but once we enter outer space, just how far do you think that power will be released? I do not mind at all that I will lose the support of Academy City.”
Well the boy was half right.
“Let us test it out, you cuspidor. On one side, we have you using the planet and bound to an avatar. On the other, we have me exposed and freed from the planet. Now, who will be the star of this show?”
Christian Rosencreutz did not shoot at his surroundings for no reason.
The battlefield transformed into Rosencreutz's canvas, resembling the legendary battleground of Lerna where Heracles once clashed with the Hydra.
Yes.
He didn't unleash his powers randomly; every action was deliberate.
In the magical side of Idol Theory, mimicking an object, event, or person allowed one to tap into a fraction of its power.
And that even applied to locations that essentially worked as stage plays.
Idol Theory was so absolute that even the basic cross held a portion of the son of God’s power.
As Above, So Below.
As Below, So Above.
Macro to micro.
Micro to macro.
And the macrocosm and the microcosm are always linked.

In the whimsical world of slime enthusiasts, there exists a fate worse than an over-activated batch: the self-imposed slime ban. Whether it's driven by budget constraints, the desperate need to declutter, or simply the desire to prevent total slime overload, going on a low- to no-slime diet can feel like the end of days. Picture it: your once vibrant world of stretchy, squishy goodness reduced to a barren wasteland. But fear not, for I am here to guide you through this dramatic ordeal. Brace yourself, though; the journey ahead is not for the faint of heart, but it is one we must all walk one day.
1. Playing with the Slime You Already Have
Ah, the initial stage of the ban. You stand before your glorious collection, a dragon surveying its hoard. "No need to worry," you tell yourself. "I have plenty of slime." You start with the classics, the old favorites that never let you down. You stretch, squish, and poke, reveling in the familiar textures and scents. But soon, the euphoria fades. You realize you're rationing your slimes, treating each session like it's your last meal before the guillotine. Every stretch feels bittersweet, every poke a reminder of the dwindling days ahead.
2. Making Your Own Slime
Desperation sets in. "DIY," you think, clutching at straws. You scour your house for ingredients: shampoo, baking soda, glue—anything that might come together into that beloved goo. The kitchen becomes a mad scientist's lab, complete with frantic mixing and questionable experiments. Some attempts fail spectacularly, leaving you with sticky hands and a ruined mixing bowl. Others succeed, but it's not the same. You stare at your homemade slime, proud yet hollow. It's like eating a cake made of sawdust—it fills the void, but it's not the real thing. (I have a great guide here.)
3. Designing Virtual Slimes
The digital age offers a glimmer of hope. You download slime apps, creating virtual masterpieces with the swipe of a finger. It's oddly satisfying, watching your screen fill with glittery, gooey creations. But there's no tactile joy, no sensory delight. It's like looking at a photo of food when you're starving—beautiful, but ultimately unfulfilling. Still, you persist, crafting digital slimes at all hours, your eyes glazing over as you chase the phantom sensations.
4. Starting a Slime Bartering System
Your social circle becomes your lifeline. You propose trades, offering up prized possessions in exchange for slime. A rare book here, a cherished trinket there—nothing is off-limits. Friends and acquaintances look at you with a mix of pity and amusement, but some take the bait. You find yourself with new slimes, each one a brief oasis in your desert of deprivation. But the trades come with their own costs, and soon your shelves are empty, save for the slimes.
5. Begging for Slime
Pride be damned, you resort to begging. You compose heartfelt pleas, sending them to friends, family, even strangers on the internet. "Please," you write, "I just need a little slime to get through the day." The responses vary—some sympathetic, some mocking. A few kind souls send you small amounts, their generosity a beacon of hope. But it’s never enough. The hunger gnaws at you, relentless and unyielding.
6. Playing with Pretend Slime
Madness looms on the horizon. You find yourself pretending—imagining slimes that aren’t there. You close your eyes and describe them in excruciating detail, picturing every color, texture, and scent. You stretch invisible slimes, poke at thin air, your mind clinging to the ghostly sensations. It's a temporary balm, a fleeting escape. But reality always crashes back in, leaving you more desperate than before.
7. Begging for Slime Again
If at first you don’t succeed, beg, beg again. Persistence is key, my friends. Ask nicely, and maybe someone will take pity on you and share their precious slime. Try different approaches: poetic pleas, heartfelt letters, or even over-the-top dramatic monologues about your dire situation. The more creative, the better. Sometimes, the third time’s the charm. Don’t be afraid to ask for slime from every possible source. Your persistence might just pay off.
8. Keeping a Slime-Less Journal
You turn to writing, chronicling your ordeal in a slime-less journal. Each day, you document the cravings, the dreams, the near-misses. The pages fill with angst and longing, your words dripping with melodrama. You draw pictures, tape in scraps of failed DIY slimes, create a tangible testament to your suffering. It’s therapeutic, in a way, a way to process the madness. But it also solidifies your obsession, turning your journey into a saga of epic proportions.
9. Joining a Slime Support Group
Misery loves company. You find fellow sufferers, forming a support group of the slime-deprived. Together, you share stories, vent frustrations, and offer solace. Virtual meetings become your lifeline, each session a cathartic release. You bond over your shared struggle, finding strength in numbers. But the group also feeds your obsession, each member a mirror reflecting your own desperation.
10. Complaining About It on slime
Reddit is the perfect place to vent your frustrations. Head over to slime and share your woes with the community. Post dramatic rants, share memes about your slime-less existence, and seek advice from fellow slime lovers. Sometimes, a good rant is all you need to feel a bit better. Plus, you might find some empathetic souls who are willing to share their own tips and tricks for surviving the slime ban.
11. Casting a Magic Spell
In your darkest hour, you turn to the arcane. You gather candles, draw circles, and chant incantations, hoping to summon slime from the ether. It’s a mix of desperation and whimsy, a last-ditch effort to conjure relief. The rituals become elaborate, theatrical performances that blur the line between sanity and insanity. You laugh at the absurdity, but part of you truly believes in the magic.
12. Planning a Slime Heist
Delusion takes hold. You scheme, plot, and plan an elaborate slime heist. Blueprints cover your walls, your mind consumed with the minutiae of the perfect crime. You envision breaking into stores, raiding friends' stashes, even sneaking into slime conventions. It’s a fantasy, a thrilling diversion from your torment. The line between reality and fiction blurs, your heist becoming an epic tale of rebellion.
13. Begging for Slime Again
You circle back to begging, now with a fervor that borders on mania. You leave no stone unturned, no contact unasked. You compose dramatic letters, stage impassioned speeches, and flood social media with your pleas. The world watches, amused and bewildered by your relentless pursuit. But amidst the laughter, slivers of hope appear—small packages, anonymous gifts, glimmers of slime in the darkness.
14. Forgetting the Ban
Alright, it's been long enough. Buy some slime.

I just returned to fall guys this morning after not playing it since it released back in august 2020. I played fall guys when it had just gone on sale on steam. To be clear, I literally played it for just 1 week with friends, only for me to not play it again for the next 4 years (just to be clear I know a little about this game). Reason is that we constantly download games, play them for a little, and then outright start playing a different game. Just for reference, Among us took the spotlight that year for my friend group. Fast forward to 2024 and a bunch of coworkers play stumble guys together when they aren’t busy. I couldn’t help but noticed that it looked like an exact copycat of fall guys (except that it didn’t look as fun). Well I decided to play it since they insisted, and to no surprise I wasn’t very impressed with it. Specially since fall guys from 2020 was so much fun.
Playing stumble guys sparked my memories of playing fall guys, so I decided download it once more, and after playing it yesterday morning…
Welp, it sucks. Big time! I couldn’t help but notice that the game has drastically changed to be an exact copy of stumble guys. Which is really bizarre because stumble guys is literally the copycat, and don’t get me started on how it’s catered to towards Ipad kids. It’s apparent that the game is on its last breath. There’s too many bugs and crashes, the new rounds are now created by what seems the players???, tons of micro transactions in your face, the physics have changed, so all the chaotic-fun gameplay has been outright removed, and now it’s 32 players compared to 60 (maybe it was 100, but I can’t recall to be honest). I’m not sure why they thought that mimicking stumble guys was the right move, but to me it feels like this game simply wants to cater a different audience. Granted the game is no longer as popular as it once was, so most of the funding for the game must be just invested in licensing for the micro-transactions. Having creative in the main game mode also allows for less work from the devs (which means less money spent on maintaining the game). It’s pretty much a TF2 situation but worse. This is where the players now have the burden of taking care of the game and pretty much any funding it receives is solely for the licensing of cosmetics, as well as funding the small team of devs that update whatever the community creates. I’m not sure what the past years have been like for the game, but since the fate of the game has been handed-down to the players, it’s clear that the support is minimal. Specially because I noticed there’s no quality control on the levels ( I constantly encountered bad gameplay given that this is a triple-a game). I also noticed there’s no way for players to mod the game and fix the issues themselves. So it seems like maybe the devs are pretty much done catering the game to adults.
Onto my prediction (coming from someone with 1 week of playtime from 2020 so take it lightly) is that this game is going to be catered now towards kids. Simply because it’s just easier to trick kids into literally emptying their parents wallet at the first sight of a micro-transaction. They also have a harder time complaining about the bad quality unlike the adults, and some outright don’t really care if the game has bad quality. Kids will always care as long as the game has an addicting concept and it entertains their short attention span. It’s saddening to see the state of the game, but you guys as a community have unintentionally voted for this. This community forgot that players vote with their wallets, and unfortunately the micro-transactions got the best of this community.
in full honesty, if you feel at a loss for all the money you’ve spent, it’s best to outright stop giving any more money. Sunk-cost fallacy sucks. Since it’s the late stage to save this game, the best thing to do is to completely stop all funding. Not even a single cent. This is because If this game makes it to mobile gaming (if it doesn’t already exist), be prepared to play the worst state that the game has ever reached. Kids will out number any opinion you have, and they will become the new community. You will play the worst player created levels known to man. Granted this is just from the observation I made when playing, that you can vote on which levels are good or bad, or vote for the levels you want to continue playing. Unfortunately some kids don’t know any better about quality, so they will just vote sometimes for the worst levels ever made. This is coming also from another observation I made, since it seems like the new creative levels aren’t actually tested. It might just be that the game engine is picking out the top voted, and present them as new levels for the main game-mode.
I’m sure if the game goes mobile like I’m predicting, the new streamers will be on full support for this to happen. Streamers only care about their audience, and it’s a huge win since this will bring mainly kids. This is the best outcome for them as kids are easy to entertain, and they bring in money much easier.
Ngl I feel bad for the community, but now is the time to stop funding the game. You can continue playing but stop funding it. Funding it more will bring more unwanted changes. I’m honestly glad I didn’t invest my time or money on this game.
If you want to save this game, the only realistic thing to do to save it is to-

1. Band together and beg the devs to fully implement a polished level creator. This is the tool that will allow players to keep the game fresh.
   
2. Make the devs allow players to have full access to modding the game. This will help with fixing any issues that often take forever to be fixed. Also if the community cares enough, players will literally return it to its former glory. They will pretty much do all the work that the devs don’t want to do.
   
3. Ask the devs for a workshop. It lets players create content that others can see and vote on. If the community likes it, all the devs have to do is implement it. Players will fix the bugs through patch notes and everything. All the work the devs need to do is implement the updates. This will make epic games happy because they no longer fund a full team. At most, they will have smaller team working on implementing patch notes and updates, as well licensed content. Epic will just need to fund the licensing for exclusive content.
   

I'm trying to learn a couple songs and they're causing me pain in my right hand when playing certain parts.
The first one is Duel of the Fates when playing the main ostinato
The second one is Blackheart when playing the melody in the very beginning
It doesn't seem to be a speed issue as the pain still tends to occur even when I play slowly. It's more that it's difficult to play all the 16th notes. Especially with Blackheart where I have a play some of the notes more pronounced (being the melody) and a lot of the time it isn't always the top note, making it even more challenging
Are there any exercises, easier pieces with similar patterns, or anything else you can suggest to strengthen my hand and get rid of this pain?
Thanks!

I was in game when 3.23 went live and consequently got booted out of my desperate attempt to earn the last few aUECs to get myself a MOLE miner. So after calming down and accepting the fate of what was inevitable, I started downloading the patch and suddenly, I was left countin minutes and after two hours of loading... I got irritated and started looking for what went wrong. Fired up the console and saw a bunch of lines with "busy" responses from the server... and consequently quitted.
Downloaded the game again (in full) and met the same fate after four hours.
Started looking for forum posts regarding the issue and found EPTU symptoms, but this can't be the case cause this is live. Later found out that the symptom was persistent in the live server and I'm not the only one having this problem. Even new players whose first time in the SC verse got met with this kind of rejection.
Started to think that my US$297 investment just got flushed down with no official communication from CIG. Not even action being done.
I got desperate and had to invoke the dreaded "Character reset" with another full download and install of the game to no avail.
WTF is going on?

Emperor Zodiac Services is back on reddit to provide you my servicesI have been selling since TI10 and stopped due to complication with reddit postings.
But now I have returned to provide service to those who are interested as there is coin to be made.
For proof of legitimacy as a businessman please look at my steam profile
Mode of payment Gcash/Coins.ph/Paypal/Paymaya
Down payment of half or full payment is a must for transaction to proceed to avoid joy riders
If interested feel free to message me in reddit or in steam ( Prefer steam as I am more active there) ^^

1 Time Item CC for sale	Quantity	Price
Eyriebound Imperator (Skywrath Mage)	(Available = 1)	$50
Stranger of the Wandering Isle (Drow Ranger)	(Available = 1)	$60
Vision of the Seraph Scion (Vengeful Spirit)	(Available = 0) (Sold = 1)	$60
Indomitable Legacy (Sven)	(Available = 1)	$100
Footfalls of the Spore Fathers (Witch Doctor)	(Available = 1)	$120

TI8 Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Dread Ascendance (Doom Bringer)	(Available = 1)	$60

TI9 Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Prized Acquisition (Batrider)	(Available = 1)	$15

Nemestice Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Caerulian Stars (Enchantress)	(Available = 2)	$6
Litany of the Damned (Doombringer)	(Available = 1)	$15
Twilight Hex (Dark Willow)	(Available = 2)	$10

Aghanims Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Forgotten Fate (Mars)	(Available = 1)	$10
Perils of the Red Banks (Chen)	(Available = 2)	$10
Rare: Pyrexae Polymorph Perfected (Ogre Magi)	(Available = 1)	$35

Diretide Collectors Cache I	Quantity	Price
Crimson Dawn (Phoenix)	(Available = 4)	$6
Deathstick Shaman (Witch Doctor)	(Available = 1)	$8
Dirge Amplifier (Undying)	(Available = 3)	$6
Seadog's Stash (Clockwork)	(Available = 2)	$6

Diretide Collectors Cache II	Quantity	Price
Cursed Cryptbreaker (Pudge)	(Available = 2)	$6
Darkbrew's Transgression (Alchemist)	(Available = 2)	$6
Dawn of Darkness Foretold (Doombringer)	(Available = 1)	$8
Grand Suppresor (Silencer)	(Available = 1)	$8
War Rig Eradicators (Techies)	(Available = 1)	$8
Withering Pain (Boneclinkz)	(Available = 1)	$8
Rare: Grudges of the Gallows Tree (Treant Protector)	(Available = 3)	$15
Rare: Brands of the Reaper (Anti-Mage)	(Available = 1)	$30

Summer 2023 Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Ancestral Heritage (Jakiro)	(Available = 3)	$4
Astral Herald (Dawnbreaker)	(Available = 3)	$4
Beast of Thunder (Storm Spirit)	(Available = 3)	$4
Crescent Huntress (Spectre)	(Available = 4)	$4
Darkwood Eulogy (Death Prophet)	(Available = 4)	$4
Dezun Viper (Dazzle)	(Available = 3)	$4
Primeval Abomination (Primal Beast)	(Available = 2)	$6
Sea Spirit (Kunka)	(Available = 3)	$4
Spectral Shadow (Abaddon)	(Available = 1)	$8
Taur Rider (Alchemist)	(Available = 4)	$4
Tomo'Kan Footsoldier (Hoodwink)	(Available = 1)	$6
Triumph of the Imperatrix (Legion Commander)	(Available = 2)	$6
Tyrant of the Veil (Wraith King)	(Available = 3)	$4

I have a Pearl White regular 3DS I bought back in 2013. Recently, I've spotted a beautiful, blue XL 3DS at a second-hand shop that allows me to trade in my old one for a discount on the new. However, I have DLC content on my 3DS which could only be downloaded from the online store (namely for Fire Emblem Fates).
I'd really like to trade in my old one to get the XL 3DS, but am afraid of losing access to this content forever. Is there a way to transfer them from my 3DS to a memory card, or save the files in some other way? Thanks in advance!

It is my second Demon run as I decided to refresh my good memories of my favourite mythic path. Knowing myself, I expected this one will end as Legend as well.
By the Abyss, it is not how it happened. This time I had some small changes in the backstory (gladiator, former slave and not a mugger), the race remained tiefling (because it fits so well) but made him an abyssal eldritch scion magus. He was played more bloodthirsty, more power hungry (having been used to know what lack of power means). One who has little choice in his mythic path, his heritage or bloodline but one who has embraced them nevertheless out of opporunism. He managed to redeem Woljif (who almost feels like a little brother) but corrupted Arueshelae (there was no escape, dear; what was a momentary loss of hope in his conversation with her turned out to be prophetic later on). He had romances with Wenduag, Camellia, Sosiel and Daeran. He stuck with Daeran (Wenduag and Sosiel left him so his choice was limited to Camellia and Daeran).
And here it comes, the pivotal Act 5 decision I have been dreading. Unlike my previous run, this one had fully embraced his powers. I had serious doubts what to do but eventually, I decided he should try to free himself from his abyssal past (Ember's and Woljif's words rang into his ears, eventually). The first and only time he had rebelled against his mythic powers and his bloodline. And... while he had 60% chance to succeed... he failed... I loved the moment.
Firstly, it showed him there was enough humanity in him to realize how far he has fallen.
Second, it was not enough.
Third, I am going down a path I've never had the courage to explore. He is now locked in as a demonic being, his humanity fading but still there.
I expected an exodus of characters... but all of them stuck to him. For now at least. I do suspect Regill might turn on him (his previous test went abysmally bad but the ring was worth it) but we will see. And yes, the whole place looks like a little Alushynirra now.
For the fallen (a list of major NPCs and companions who did not make it to that point):
*Lann, died heroically trying to stop the plans of Wenduag and the commander; the commander allowed Wenduag to decide Lann's fate * Hulrun, a former Queen's Prelate : attacked the future commander and found his death in the ruins of Kenabres * Ramien, a former Queen's Prelate, killed mysteriously in Drezen
* Arueshelae, alive but left the party in Act 4 (for now)
I definitely expect to be heartbroken by the end of it all.

11 minutes ago — While several avenues exist to view the highly praised film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes online streaming offers a versatile means to access its cinematic wonder From heartfelt songs to buoyant humor this genre-bending work explores the power of friendship to uplift communities during troubling times Directed with nuanced color and vivacious animation lighter moments are blended seamlessly with touching introspection Cinephiles and casual fans alike will find their spirits lifted by this inspirational story of diverse characters joining in solidarity Why not spend an evening immersed in the vibrant world of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ? Don't miss out!
* EXCLUSIVE UPDATED : May 10, 2024.*
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I.S.S. cinematic universe was expanded on November 20th with the release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in theaters However not everyone wants to experience the intense emotions that come with high-stakes drama and romance in a public setting If you prefer the comfort of streaming and the possibility of shedding a tear in the privacy of your living room you may have to wait a bit longer
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name which was published in 2020 The story focuses on Coriolanus Snow who eventually becomes President Snow and has a tumultuous relationship with Katniss Everdeen In this new adaptation Tom Blyth portrays a young Coriolanus while Rachel Zegler plays Lucy Gray Baird the erased District 12 victor of the 10th annual Hunger Games
Coriolanus is tasked with mentoring Lucy a responsibility for which he feels a sense of pride However Lucy's charm captivates the audience of Panem as she fights for her life and the well-being of her district They form an unconventional alliance that may even develop into an unlikely romance But is their fate already sealed? Fans of the original Hunger Games trilogy know the answer but the journey towards that outcome is a thrilling adventure
The prequel film is distributed by Lionsgate and collides with Peacock a streaming service through a multiyear agreement as reported by Collider Consequently it is highly likely that the movie will be available for streaming on that platform upon its release The agreement is set to take effect in 2024 so keep an eye out for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes then
To prepare for this highly anticipated moment viewers can subscribe to Peacock starting at $599 per month or take advantage of a discounted annual rate of $5999 Peacock not only offers major releases but also provides access to live sports events and popular shows on NBC Bravo and numerous other popular channels
WHEN AND WHERE WILL Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes BE STREAMING?
The new Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes prequel Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be available for streaming first on Starz for subscribers Later on the movie will also be released on Peacock thanks to the agreement between distributor Lionsgate and the NBC Universal streaming platform Determining the exact arrival date of the movie is a slightly more complex matter Typically Lionsgate movies like John Wick 4 take approximately six months to become available on Starz where they tend to remain for a considerable period As for when Songbirds Snakes will be accessible on Peacock it could take nearly a year after its release although we will only receive confirmation once Lionsgate makes an official announcement However if you Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to watch the movie even earlier you can rent it on Video on Demand (VOD) which will likely be available before the streaming date on Starz
WHERE CAN I STREAM THE ORIGINAL Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes MOVIES IN THE MEANTIME?
In the meantime you can currently stream all four original Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movies on Peacock until the end of November The availability of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movies on Peacock varies depending on the month so make sure to take advantage of the current availability
HOW TO WATCH Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes 2024 ONLINE:
As of now, the only way to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is to head out to a movie theater when it releases on Friday, September 8. You can find a local showing on Fandango. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until it becomes available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Vudu, Apple, YouTube, and Amazon or available to stream on Max. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is still currently in theaters if you want to experience all the film's twists and turns in a traditional cinema. But there's also now an option to watch the film at home. As of November 25, 2024, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is available on HBO Max. Only those with a subscription to the service can watch the movie. Because the film is distributed by 20th Century Studios, it's one of the last films of the year to head to HBO Max due to a streaming deal in lieu of Disney acquiring 20th Century Studios, as Variety reports. At the end of 2024, 20th Century Studios' films will head to Hulu or Disney+ once they leave theaters.
IS Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes MOVIE ON NETFLIX, CRUNCHYROLL, HULU, OR AMAZON PRIME?
Netflix: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is currently not available on Netflix. However, fans of dark fantasy films can explore other thrilling options such as Doctor Strange to keep themselves entertained.
Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll and Funimation have acquired the rights to distribute Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in North America. Stay tuned for its release on the platform in the coming months. In the meantime, indulge in dark fantasy shows like Spider-man to fulfill your entertainment needs.
Hulu: Unfortunately, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not available for streaming on Hulu. However, Hulu offers a variety of other exciting options like Afro Samurai Resurrection or Ninja Scroll to keep you entertained.
Disney+: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not currently available for streaming on Disney+. Fans will have to wait until late December, when it is expected to be released on the platform. Disney typically releases its films on Disney+ around 45-60 days after their theatrical release, ensuring an immersive cinematic experience for viewers.
IS Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO?Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movie could eventually be available to watch on Prime Video, though it will likely be a paid digital release rather than being included with an Amazon Prime subscription. This means that rather than watching the movie as part of an existing subscription fee, you may have to pay money to rent the movie digitally on Amazon. However, Warner Bros. and Amazon have yet to discuss whether or not this will be the case.
WHEN WILL 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ', BE AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY AND DVD?
As of right now, we don't know. While the film will eventually land on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD, Warner Bros has yet to reveal a specific date as to when that would be. The first Nun film also premiered in theaters in early September and was released on Blu-ray and DVD in December. Our best guess is that the sequel will follow a similar path and will be available around the holiday season.
HERE'S HOW TO WATCH 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ' ONLINE STREAMING IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
To watch 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ' (2024) for free online streaming in Australia and New Zealand, you can explore options like gomovies.one and gomovies.today, as mentioned in the search results. However, please note that the legality and safety of using such websites may vary, so exercise caution when accessing them. Additionally, you can check if the movie is available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, as they often offer a wide selection of movies and TV.
Mark your calendars for July 8th, as that's when Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be available on Disney+. This highly anticipated installment in the franchise is packed with thrilling action and adventure, promising to captivate audiences and leave them craving for more. Captivate audiences and leave them craving for more.
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Now is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes available for streaming? Can you watch it on Disney Plus HBO Max Netflix or Amazon Prime? Yes we have discovered an authentic streaming option or service A 1950s housewife living in a utopian experimental community alongside her husband becomes concerned that his glamorous company may be concealing disturbing secrets At Showcase Cinema Warwick you will want to ensure that you are among the first to witness it So mark your calendars and prepare for a movie experience like never before with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes We also have a variety of Marvel movies available to watch online We are confident that you will find something to suit your taste Thank you for reading and we look forward to seeing you soon! Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is available for free streaming on our website Further details on how you can watch it for free throughout the year are outlined If you are a fan of the comics you wont want to miss this one! The storyline follows Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes as he navigates his way home after being stranded on an alien planet This movie is undoubtedly a must-watch given its stunning visuals and action-packed plot! Plus you can stream Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes online for free through our website It offers various streaming options such as 123movies Reddit or TV shows from HBO Max or Netflix The release date in the US for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is September 27 2024 You can purchase tickets to watch the film at your local movie theater online It will be widely released allowing you to view it in person If you want to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes for free consider looking for a platform that offers a free trial We always advise our readers to pay for the content they Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to consume online and refrain from using illegal means Currently there are no platforms that have the rights to stream Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes online MAPPA has decided to exclusively screen the movie in theaters due to its tremendous success The studio does not Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes to compromise the revenue as streaming the movie would only diminish the profits not enhance them Nonetheless services like Funimation Netflix and Crunchyroll are very likely to acquire the film In terms of worldwide distribution it is worth considering which of these outlets will most likely obtain the rights Unfortunately Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not available on Netflix While the streaming giant offers an extensive catalog of TV shows and movies this particular film is not included We recommend our readers explore other dark fantasy films such as Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes On the other hand Crunchyroll along with Funimation has secured the rights to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and will oversee its distribution in North America We advise our readers to keep an eye out for the movie on this streaming platform in the upcoming months Additionally Crunchyroll subscribers can enjoy dark fantasy shows like Jujutsu Kaisen Unfortunately Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not available on Hulu However subscribers can indulge in titles like Afro Samurai Resurrection or Ninja Scroll As for Amazon Prime the current selection does not feature Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Nevertheless the film may eventually become available on the platform as a video-on-demand option in the coming months Fans of fantasy movies can explore Amazon Primes official website for similar content including the original show Dororo Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes the latest addition to the franchise will be coming to Disney+ on February 8th! This exciting new movie promises to deliver the same level of thrill and adventure as its predecessors keeping viewers captivated
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https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uYSBkSdqDABQvpN_qeEoSpL2jEriTnil?usp=drive_link
For iPhone screensavers/screenshots;

• I recommend opening this and saving it on your PC/laptop, and then downloading the Google Drive app on your phone. From there, you can save any of the photos that you like and make them your wallpapelock screen/photo shuffle.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spoilers regarding Faith's segment in Far Cry 5:
_________
Faith's Post-Introductory Act
Faith and her story trope were easily my favorite characters of all time. While I am a victim of the "I can fix her" sentiment, Faith was a breathtaking artistic representation of what true freedom looked like;

• A pretty lady, in a pretty dress, in a transcendental garden -- dancing to her heart's content, independent of the forces that have kept humankind from ascending to the stars.
• A single path, highlighted by flowers -- safeguarded by deer and elk, anointed by the butterflies who fit frame-perfect between the horns of the latter.
• A scene blessed in the sun's vermillion twilight -- The setting's permanence juxtaposing the otherwise fleeting moment, allowing for a feeling of resurrection.

Faith's Final Act
By her final act, we've already been given enough time since the Post-Introductory encounter to simulate and pre-plan our final interactions with Faith. In case you couldn't tell, I was completely spellbound by Faith and her shenanigans.

• Consequently, when I saw the Marshal walking towards the gate, I had to let him go, since I would've done the exact same thing (Sorry Whitehorse >_<) ^{never mind the fact that I had to restart the mission big sadge face.}

Faith's Encore
The final scene with Faith. When she reaches out to you, and your character recoils at her movement, solidifying her fate -- it hurt.

• As my hope of saving Faith grew dimmer, my emotional rollercoaster of freedom came grinding to a halt. I still feel like the story was interrupted ... like it just wasn't finished yet. Like, this story was too perfect to not have a happy ending ... but at the same time, the abrupt end of the story almost gives it its meaning:
  • Beauty fades -- that is why it is beautiful. ^\)^LoL\)
• Even despite this, I can't help myself from making "what ifs" in my head. I keep trying to rewrite the ending of this story, trying to find a happy ending. If there exists the meaning of life, wouldn't it be finding your way "back" to this place?

PSA: Through careful consideration of the hotness-craziness theorem, we are omitting the murder drug-hobo tendencies in today's character evaluation.

Daniel Larson is a man with lots of time on his hands, now and for the foreseeable future. As he sits in his jail cell what goes through his mind? Does he look back with regret on that fateful day when he first heard of something called Tik Tok and downloaded the app? Does he replay in his mind over and over the twisted, torturous journey into darkness that this Pied Piper called social media had led him down?
Does he wish that he could turn back the clock to those now “innocent” times and be back in the safety and comfort of his disability housing that he ran away from to be a homeless bum chasing an illusory dream of stardom? Did he ever ponder how the goofy kid who wanted popularity and fame instead become the domestic terrorist possibly facing several decades in prison?
Does he consider the resulting turmoil of his life, the homelessness, the relentless trolling and manipulation, the richly deserved vilification, the scrapes with the law and the grim prospect of prison to have been well worth it?

Emperor Zodiac Services is back on reddit to provide you my servicesI have been selling since TI10 and stopped due to complication with reddit postings.
But now I have returned to provide service to those who are interested as there is coin to be made.
For proof of legitimacy as a businessman please look at my steam profile
Mode of payment Gcash/Coins.ph/Paypal/Paymaya
Down payment of half or full payment is a must for transaction to proceed to avoid joy riders
If interested feel free to message me in reddit or in steam ( Prefer steam as I am more active there) ^^

1 Time Item CC for sale	Quantity	Price
Vision of the Seraph Scion (Vengeful Spirit)	1	$60
Indomitable Legacy (Sven)	1	$100
Stranger of the Wandering Isle (Drow Ranger)	1	$60

TI8 Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Dread Ascendance (Doom Bringer)	(Available = 1)	$60

TI9 Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Prized Acquisition (Batrider)	(Available = 1)	$15

Nemestice Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Caerulian Stars (Enchantress)	(Available = 2)	$6
Litany of the Damned (Doombringer)	(Available = 1)	$15
Twilight Hex (Dark Willow)	(Available = 2)	$10

Aghanims Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Forgotten Fate (Mars)	(Available = 1)	$10
Perils of the Red Banks (Chen)	(Available = 2)	$10
Rare: Pyrexae Polymorph Perfected (Ogre Magi)	(Available = 1)	$35

Diretide Collectors Cache I	Quantity	Price
Crimson Dawn (Phoenix)	(Available = 4)	$6
Deathstick Shaman (Witch Doctor)	(Available = 1)	$8
Dirge Amplifier (Undying)	(Available = 3)	$6
Seadog's Stash (Clockwork)	(Available = 2)	$6

Diretide Collectors Cache II	Quantity	Price
Cursed Cryptbreaker (Pudge)	(Available = 2)	$6
Darkbrew's Transgression (Alchemist)	(Available = 2)	$6
Dawn of Darkness Foretold (Doombringer)	(Available = 1)	$8
Grand Suppresor (Silencer)	(Available = 1)	$8
War Rig Eradicators (Techies)	(Available = 1)	$8
Withering Pain (Boneclinkz)	(Available = 1)	$8
Rare: Grudges of the Gallows Tree (Treant Protector)	(Available = 3)	$15
Rare: Brands of the Reaper (Anti-Mage)	(Available = 1)	$30

Summer 2023 Collectors Cache	Quantity	Price
Ancestral Heritage (Jakiro)	(Available = 3)	$4
Astral Herald (Dawnbreaker)	(Available = 3)	$4
Beast of Thunder (Storm Spirit)	(Available = 3)	$4
Crescent Huntress (Spectre)	(Available = 4)	$4
Darkwood Eulogy (Death Prophet)	(Available = 4)	$4
Dezun Viper (Dazzle)	(Available = 3)	$4
Primeval Abomination (Primal Beast)	(Available = 2)	$6
Sea Spirit (Kunka)	(Available = 3)	$4
Spectral Shadow (Abaddon)	(Available = 1)	$8
Taur Rider (Alchemist)	(Available = 4)	$4
Tomo'Kan Footsoldier (Hoodwink)	(Available = 1)	$6
Triumph of the Imperatrix (Legion Commander)	(Available = 2)	$6
Tyrant of the Veil (Wraith King)	(Available = 3)	$4

Hello, fellow Exalted friends. My friend is getting married soon, and for his bachelor party he asked me "his best man" to run an Exalted oneshot for him and the other groomsman. I of course accepted because I love Exalted and have been wanting to try out Essence. I am looking for feedback on this outline. It is the first time I have ever run a one-shot before, I am very used to longer campaigns so I worry about time and my story being fullfilling at the end. I also worry because only he and I have played Exalted before, so I am trying to make it as simple as possible while introducing the how amazing the setting can be. (All players are experienced larpers and rpers, they have just never played exalted.)
NOTE: The characters were made based of the requests of the players in what they "would like" to try.

"The Alliance of Blood and Sorcery" Outline: "The Alliance of Blood and Sorcery" One-Shot Adventure

Session Overview:

In this one-shot adventure, the bride-to-be, Sorcerer-Princess Seraphi Ysri, is kidnapped just days before her marriage to a scion of Clan Burano. The Sworn Kinship must uncover hidden agendas and face deadly enemies to save her before the alliance crumbles. But as they unravel the plot, they uncover a shocking twist that threatens to reshape Prasad’s political landscape.
Cast of Characters:

1. Vin - Skilled sorcerer and scion of Clan Burano who is betrothed to Seraphi Ysri. He is determined to secure the alliance and expand Burano's influence. Vin is intelligent, resourceful, and devoted to his kin but may struggle to reconcile his loyalty with the secrets he uncovers.
   • Aspect: Water
   • Skills: Sorcery, Politics, Occult Knowledge, Diplomacy
2. Tyr - An honored war hero and commander in Clan Burano's legion. He wields a massive two-handed sword and has an unwavering sense of duty. Tyr's reputation and loyalty make him a respected leader, but his straightforward approach often leaves him blind to subtle schemes.
   • Aspect: Earth
   • Skills: Leadership, Military Strategy, Close Combat, War
3. Danal - A lecherous warrior known as a weapons master. He can summon any weapon or armor at will and is known for his suave and gallant demeanor. Despite his playful nature, Danal is fiercely loyal to his kin and will go to any lengths to protect them.
   • Aspect: Fire
   • Skills: Weapon Summoning (Charm set), Close Combat, Charm, Gallantry
4. Rono- A master assassin and martial artist skilled in gathering information and using illusion to manipulate his targets. He secretly harbors feelings for Seraphi Ysri, which could compromise his loyalty to his kin.
   
   • Aspect: Air
   • Skills: Stealth, Martial Arts, Information Gathering, Illusions (Artifact)
5. Prologue: The Betrothal Ceremony
   

• Setting: The palatial compounds of Clan Burano in Kamthahar, Empire of Prasad​.
• Events:
  • Scene 1: Introduce the Sworn Kinship and Vin, the groom-to-be, a prominent member of Clan Burano.
  • Scene 2: Conduct the betrothal ceremony, where Seraphi Ysri impresses the gathered nobles with her sorcerous abilities and charm.
  • Scene 3: The ceremony is interrupted by a mysterious attack. Assassins, clad in veils and bearing jade weapons, attempt to kidnap Seraphi. Despite the Sworn Kinship’s efforts, she is taken away.

1. Act I: Uncovering the Culprit

• Goal: Identify the faction or individual responsible for the kidnapping.
• Setting: Kamthahar's labyrinthine streets, dominated by Clan compounds.
• Events:
  • Scene 1: Gather information from the Pure Way monks at the Most Pristine Sanctuary​.
    • The monks reveal tensions between the Pure Way and the Immaculate Order. (A bit of information to muddle the true ending.)
  • Scene 2: Infiltrate the compound of a rival clan suspected of being involved, discovering notes about a plot orchestrated by a secret faction within Clan Ophris.
  • Scene 3: Interrogate an Ophris informant captured during the infiltration, learning that the kidnappers are heading to the ruined temple of Anarash in the Dreaming Sea region​​.

1. Act II: The Journey to Anarash

• Goal: Travel to the ruined temple of Anarash and prepare for the rescue.
• Setting: The treacherous wilderness along the Shining Coast and the Dreaming Sea​​.
• Events:
  • Scene 1: Face challenges along the Jade Road, including bandits seeking to ambush travelers and a venomous fog that blankets the coastline.
  • Scene 2: Discover an abandoned village corrupted by wyld mutants and Fair Folk creatures.
    • Save survivors who reveal that Seraphi was taken further south.
  • Scene 3: Reach the ancient ruins of Anarash, navigating traps and cultists guarding the temple.

1. Act III: The Rescue at Anarash

• Goal: Rescue Seraphi Ysri and uncover the true mastermind behind her kidnapping.
• Setting: The crumbling temple ruins and jungles of Anarash​​.
• Events:
  • Scene 1: Infiltrate the temple while avoiding or neutralizing wyld mutants and cultists.
  • Scene 2: Discover that the supposed mastermind is not a rogue sorcerer-prince of Ysyr, but Seraphi Ysri herself.
    • Twist: Seraphi orchestrated her own kidnapping to expose the political machinations within Prasad and eliminate her rivals. She intends to consolidate power by marrying Vin and leveraging the Sworn Kinship’s loyalty.
  • Scene 3: Confront Seraphi and her loyal followers. After intense negotiations (or combat), the Sworn Kinship learns that she plans to marry Vin but with the intention of eventually seizing control of Prasad for herself.
    • The players must decide whether to support her or oppose her plot.

1. Act IV: Return to Kamthahar

• Goal: Conclude the alliance by securing Seraphi Ysri's marriage to Vin, or stop her from seizing power.
• Setting: Kamthahar, Empire of Prasad​.
• Events:
  • Scene 1: Return triumphantly to Kamthahar, with Seraphi and Vin reaffirming their betrothal or exposed as enemies.
  • Scene 2: If the Sworn Kinship supports Seraphi:
    • Manipulate political rivals in Clan Ophris to affirm Seraphi's control over both clans.
    • Conduct a dramatic wedding ceremony and feast to unite Prasad and Ysyr under her leadership.
  • Scene 3: If the Sworn Kinship opposes Seraphi:
    • Battle Seraphi's loyalists in the streets of Kamthahar, exposing her plot to the Pure Way monks.
    • Restore peace to Prasad by forging a new alliance or seeking another bride for Vin.

Themes and Outcomes:

• Political Intrigue: The twist adds layers of complexity to the mission, forcing players to navigate Prasad’s convoluted politics carefully.
• Epic Romance: Seraphi Ysri’s motivations—whether love or ambition—affect the alliance’s fate.
• Power and Betrayal: The Sworn Kinship must decide whether to support Seraphi’s vision for Prasad or remain loyal to their kin.

In the vast and enchanting world of Eorzea, where magic and adventure abound, the Main Scenario Quests (MSQ) of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) stand as pillars of storytelling excellence, weaving a tapestry of epic tales, unforgettable characters, and heart-stopping drama. As players journey through the realms of Hydaelyn and beyond, the MSQ serves as their guiding light, leading them on a grand adventure filled with danger, discovery, and destiny.

A Rich Tapestry of Lore:

At the heart of the FFXIV MSQ lies a rich and immersive lore, meticulously crafted by the game's developers to immerse players in a world brimming with history, mythology, and intrigue. From the ancient conflicts between primals and civilizations to the machinations of shadowy organizations and enigmatic figures, the MSQ invites players to unravel the mysteries of Eorzea and uncover the truth behind its many secrets.

Memorable Characters and Compelling Stories:

Central to the FFXIV MSQ are its memorable characters, each with their own dreams, fears, and motivations that drive the narrative forward. From the stalwart heroes of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to the cunning villains of the Garlean Empire, every character plays a pivotal role in shaping the fate of Eorzea and its inhabitants. As players forge bonds with these characters and witness their triumphs and tragedies, they become deeply invested in the unfolding story, eagerly anticipating each new chapter of their journey.

Epic Battles and Heroic Feats:

No FFXIV MSQ would be complete without its share of epic battles and heroic feats, where players must rise to the challenge and confront powerful foes to save the realm from destruction. Whether facing off against towering primals, battling legions of Garlean soldiers, or delving into the depths of ancient ruins, the MSQ offers players thrilling encounters and pulse-pounding action that test their skills, strategy, and courage to the limit.

Emotional Depth and Impactful Moments:

Beyond its epic scope and grandeur, the FFXIV MSQ also explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption, imbuing the story with emotional depth and resonance. From moments of heartbreak and loss to triumphs of courage and resilience, the MSQ takes players on an emotional rollercoaster, eliciting laughter, tears, and everything in between as they experience the highs and lows of their characters' journey.

A Continuously Evolving Saga:

As Final Fantasy XIV continues to evolve and expand with each new expansion and update, so too does its Main Scenario Quests, offering players a never-ending saga of adventure and discovery. With each new patch, players eagerly await the next chapter of the MSQ, eager to see where the story will take them next and what new challenges and revelations await on the horizon.
In conclusion, the Main Scenario Quests of Final Fantasy XIV stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming, offering players an epic adventure filled with unforgettable characters, thrilling battles, and emotional depth. As players continue to embark on their journey through the realms of Eorzea, they will no doubt be captivated by the rich lore, compelling stories, and epic moments that await them in the FFXIV MSQ.
In the vast and enchanting world of Eorzea, where magic and adventure abound, the Main Scenario Quests (MSQ) of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) stand as pillars of storytelling excellence, weaving a tapestry of epic tales, unforgettable characters, and heart-stopping drama. As players journey through the realms of Hydaelyn and beyond, the MSQ serves as their guiding light, leading them on a grand adventure filled with danger, discovery, and destiny.

A Rich Tapestry of Lore:

At the heart of the FFXIV MSQ lies a rich and immersive lore, meticulously crafted by the game's developers to immerse players in a world brimming with history, mythology, and intrigue. From the ancient conflicts between primals and civilizations to the machinations of shadowy organizations and enigmatic figures, the MSQ invites players to unravel the mysteries of Eorzea and uncover the truth behind its many secrets.

Memorable Characters and Compelling Stories:

Central to the FFXIV MSQ are its memorable characters, each with their own dreams, fears, and motivations that drive the narrative forward. From the stalwart heroes of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to the cunning villains of the Garlean Empire, every character plays a pivotal role in shaping the fate of Eorzea and its inhabitants. As players forge bonds with these characters and witness their triumphs and tragedies, they become deeply invested in the unfolding story, eagerly anticipating each new chapter of their journey.

Epic Battles and Heroic Feats:

No FFXIV MSQ would be complete without its share of epic battles and heroic feats, where players must rise to the challenge and confront powerful foes to save the realm from destruction. Whether facing off against towering primals, battling legions of Garlean soldiers, or delving into the depths of ancient ruins, the MSQ offers players thrilling encounters and pulse-pounding action that test their skills, strategy, and courage to the limit.

Emotional Depth and Impactful Moments:

Beyond its epic scope and grandeur, the FFXIV MSQ also explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption, imbuing the story with emotional depth and resonance. From moments of heartbreak and loss to triumphs of courage and resilience, the MSQ takes players on an emotional rollercoaster, eliciting laughter, tears, and everything in between as they experience the highs and lows of their characters' journey.

A Continuously Evolving Saga:

As Final Fantasy XIV continues to evolve and expand with each new expansion and update, so too does its Main Scenario Quests, offering players a never-ending saga of adventure and discovery. With each new patch, players eagerly await the next chapter of the MSQ, eager to see where the story will take them next and what new challenges and revelations await on the horizon.
In conclusion, the Main Scenario Quests of Final Fantasy XIV stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming, offering players an epic adventure filled with unforgettable characters, thrilling battles, and emotional depth. As players continue to embark on their journey through the realms of Eorzea, they will no doubt be captivated by the rich lore, compelling stories, and epic moments that await them in the FFXIV MSQ.

A few days ago, I received a file from a journalist friend who teaches at a private university in Montevideo. I known this person for years now and the exchange with her on our countless bar nights basically made me want to try to study journalism. After I started my career we became even closer and we shared concerns about the evolution of information, social media and the infamous cerebral callosity we acquired to endure the tragedy.
My friend, let's call her Valeria, was part of a public competition to accompany a minor scientific expedition to the Uruguayan Antarctic base. Her thesis was about investigating how information reception behaves in remote and isolated areas.
I barely read it , but basically tries to show that information circulates and is received in a particular way in these circumstances by a group of unfamiliar people living under extreme climatic and isolation conditions, having as an example, life in submarines and in military bases in Siberia. The Antarctic base gave her the chance to observe some of her postulates up close.
Finally, she was chosen and traveled with this scientific group in a commercial flight Montevideo - Santiago de Chile to later arrive at Punta Arenas and fly to the Antarctic base.
The last communication I had with her before she sent me the almost 90 photographic captures of the Journal, was on March 15, 2024.
We talked over the phone about how the weather was in Montevideo, that it does not stop raining and the cars are practically floating on the streets. She told me that the transport that was going to take them back was having mechanical problems and they would probably have to order spare parts for the plane from Punta Arenas. Then She told me that it is freaking cold down there and his colleagues are all very boring. Nobody has whisky for the evenings. We laughed about that part because I told her to bring at least one bottle of Grappa in her purse.
Before saying goodbye, she told me they had spotted some old metal structures south of the base. The soldiers told her that it was safe to go near that part so she was going to explore them. It wasn't there when they first arrived and that the recent and atypical heat wave probably must have exposed it. I told her to be careful and we said goodbyes.
Three days later I received an email. “Valeria shared a file with you.” As I start to see what it was about she calls me.
“Mauro? MAURO!, can you hear me?” She said in a nervous and excited voice.
“I can barely hear you, what happened?”I asked half asleep, while still lying on my bed.
“Listen to me carefully, don't talk, just listen” I could tell by her agitation that she was walking fast or maybe running. The creaking footsteps in the snow could be heard in the background. in the distance, a catastrophe-type siren was blaring.
“Are you alright? What happened? What's that noise?” I said, now sitting on the edge of my bed.
“I sent you a file. Transfer it to a flash drive, delete history and reset your cell phone, the computer and your email address. I'll explain everything later, it'll be worth it.”
“What? What are you talking about Vale?, what for? Tell me what's going on - I started to yell at her, in slide panic.
“Listen, I found something that is not supposed to exist. In the diary he explains everything. I'm going back to the base, I think someone is following me, I set off an alarm or something. Save that file for me until I get there and remember that... “
There were two loud booms and the sound of water invading the transmission. A choked bubbling and cracking sound reminded me of ice collapsing. My friend had fallen into the water, in Antarctica.
“HEY, are you OK?! What happened?!” - I kept screaming hysterically until the call was cut off.
I looked at my cell phone for a second. My hands were shaking, I tried calling several times but the phone went dead. I looked at the compressed file. I jumped up and ran to the dining room furniture, frantically looking for a white flash drive that had to be in a drawer somewhere. I couldn't find it, so I went back to my desk. I pulled the drawer so hard that it came off the rail and fell to the floor. I started to dig through my belongings on the floor, coins, papers, cards, nothing.
I thought, I struggled to remember where I had fucking put it. Finally I saw my backpack peeking out from behind the desk chair, I jumped on it and in the second small pocket from the inside, there was a cheap white 16G flash drive. I put it in the pc, downloaded the file directly there, took it out and fabric restored the entire system on the computer. I do the same with my cell phone as Valeria said.
At the time I didn't even question if those measures really prevented me from being tracked, and the idea that that was the reason made panic run through my body like lightning. Sitting on the floor of my room next to the mess, my body was numb with tension. After a few seconds, I rebooted my cell phone to try to call Lucia, her sister.
“Hello?”
“Lucia, it's that you? I think something bad happened to Vale, I hear her over the phone as if she fell into the water, and some rumbling. I don't know what I heard, I think she got into some trouble or some place she shouldn't have been - I realized that I was mumble and not saying anything clear. For some reason, I didn't mention the file.
“It can't be Mauro, I just spoke to her on the phone. She was at the airport in Santiago de Chile at the boarding lounge, we talked for about half an hour, she told me she was bringing a fancy bourbon to share and…”
I stopped listening, it didn't make sense, how could it be? what the fuck is going on!
“Mauro, are you ok? Is something wrong? it's too early, are you sure you didn't dream it?”
“Did you talk to her? half an hour ago? But...,” I exclaimed without being able to hide my confusion.
“Are you... sure it was her?”
“Yes, of course you moron, it's my sister! Did you smoke pot again on an empty stomach?”
“No, you're right, nevermind, thanks Lucia, talk to you soon.” I ended the call without letting her say goodbye.
Had I dreamt about it? I erased everything now, how will I know if I dreamt it? I hesitated absurdly.
This is surreal, I thought to myself as I looked at the flash drive in my hand. I refocused my attention and went to the attic looking for my brother's old laptop he left me before going to live in Spain. It was practically useless, but it was enough to see the file. I turned it on, waited for the decrepit Windows XP to load, and put the flashdisk in, opened the compressed folder and found two files.
“LabNotes.pdf”
“PersonalDiary.pdf”
I decided to open the journal first. From what I interpreted from the loading order of the screenshots, after reading it, I opened the image of the last page.
I transcribe as is.
Day 243 of the 2nd mission 10: 40 am. March 12, 2019.
I am the head researcher of the Psychological Area at the UN Antarctic base; I'm currently assigned to Project Sisyphus categorized as the highest classified rank.
This is going to sound crazy, but the person living with my family is my clone.
It still surprises me when I say it out loud, but after being able to replicate the brain-muscular history (a perfect copy of our memory) of any person and having mastered replicating every cell of our bodies at any age, it was only a matter of time before the development of social biotechnology would emerge. Now and by worldwide agreement, as a complete secret.
There is absolutely no shame or a shred of ethics in what we do, there is no longer any constraint on what we can do to the subjects for the sake of research. That haunts me every day.
It all went to shit so fast, I doubt anyone will come to our rescue. The protocol says so, the base in the face of an imminent security risk will erase itself. The structure was designed to collapse methodically following a protocol of incineration and sinking. The immediate perimeter has underwater mines that make the ice collapse almost imperceptibly, but deadly to anyone who tries to leave.
No one can escape from the base, neither the research staff nor the subjects. Our place in the world is already taken.
I only hope that this journal along with my lab notes will be found at some point. I managed to construct a small insulating gasket for it so I trust it will survive in case this part of the building collapses as well.
Please use this data to let the world know what happened here and don't let perversity define us once again.
To my family: I love you and miss you every minute.
B.
At the exact moment I ended the reading I received a video call that made me jump with fright, it is...
Valeria.
With my pulse shaking, I answered the call.
“Hi you! The flight was delayed, can you believe it? This one is absolutely in my top three, worst trips of my life. I'm really hungry and everything is so expensive here. What are you up to? Tell me something, please, I'm soooo bored!”
I looked at her with confusion and I couldn't manage to pronounce words. When I was about to modulate an answer she interrupted me.
“What's the matter Mauro?, are you on pause? Is the signal OK? HELLO! Can you hear me? Can you see me?” She started to walk through the boarding lounge looking for better signal
“Yes yes, Valeria I can hear you.”
She laughed and looked at me with a face between sensual and serious, and continued.
“Do you miss me?” while raising the phone jokingly as she typically does in her selfie pose.
“Valeria, don't you remember calling me earlier today?”
“I? called you? Nop. Why? Ah! By the way, did you know there are penguins in Tierra del Fuego? I would have liked to go and see them.” She continued his verbose conversation in a carefree tone, with her typical hand gestures and playing with his hair.
“Well, at last!” She interrupted herself and shouted, jumping up from her chair.
“We are being called to board, see you in a couple hours!” She said goodbye with a smiling sonority, and began to walk towards the boarding gate.
But at the last second, before ending the call, her gesture changed. She looked directly at the camera with a hardened and emotionless face and almost mechanically, she whispered.
“(I'm going to retrieve that diary).”
My stomach dropped to the floor and I could feel as if my blood was running cold with fear. I could not shake the awful and eerie feeling that this person, who was returning, whom I had never in my life called by her full name, was not my friend.
So, the next couple of hours I put everything in to transcribe the rest of important passages of the diary. Something was compelling me to do it, i can't explain it, Some mix between moral duty, and morbid curiosity. Here is my selection of it.
Lab notes. day 96 of 1st mission 08:00 am December 22, 2016.
Subject JON X012:
First physical assessments: Normal, alert and inquisitive, exhibits some alteration to screens.
We place 100 cc of sedative in room air. The subject attentively follows the narrative of scenario B5 “The last mission”.
The subject responds positively to the premises of the story, where he is asked to address an audience threatened by a natural disaster, convincing them to choose a certain path out of the city.
He offers to collaborate but fails to articulate the message with the power to overcome the simulation.
We resort to pouring 125cc of concentrated Psilocybin into the air as stipulated in the protocol sheet.
The vocal frequency and body language reading receptors in the observation room are activated. The subject manages to formulate a series of premises articulately and with discursive power, circulating around the observation room.
Successful reaction.
We move on to the next stage.
Case is filed under the label “Jobs Project.”
Diary entry: Day 96 of the 1st mission 21:30 pm. December 22, 2016.
Today they transferred subject JON X0012 for psychological evaluation, several in the lab were very anxious about this arrival. I was never the religious type, but I can understand why. Truth be told,
I always imagined Jesus would be taller.
*********
Day 106 of the 1st mission 08:00 am January 02, 2017
Today we received a new lab assistant for the night shift. Much needed as I was covering these shifts myself and am really burned out. The underground operates at full power at those hours, the hum of the machinery becomes unbearable. This must be why the rooms have an insulating structure.
********
Day 112 of the 1st mission 19:00 pm January 08, 2017.
The new integration is not very bright. He labeled the transcripts wrong again yesterday and doesn't seem to fully understand the importance of these. I'm going to have to go through the whole method with him again. I don't have much patience lately, it's not his fault, he seems like a nice guy and it's real that I need a second of confidence. Better train him from now on. Maybe start a sketch of a short explanatory document.
*******
Small introductory guide.
When the subjects conclude the incubation and breeding process (pages 19 to 52 of the manual), that is to say, that they have at least remembered speech and with it, depending on the time in which they lived, reading and writing, they generally begin to perceive themselves. Just before situational curiosity is when the psychology department comes into action. Either to run the “stand by” simulation or the main tests.
In each subject's file is the target of their cloning, the era in which they lived, and the recommended scenarios to trigger the desired response. If the file has X amount on the cover, this corresponds to the generation of the subject, whether it is the first or 10th time it is incubated.
Generally, it takes between 2 and 5 attempts to generate the correct simulation, and administer the appropriate drugs.
It took 5 attempts to come up with the correct amount of methamphetamine that subject AH X005 (Hitler) needed to function in the scenario, as the correct amount bordered on overdose.
Simulations are much easier since the implementation of multisensor AI. We managed to generate almost any scenario including temperature, smells, lights and sounds. We tried not to use familiar ones, as human smells are impossible to replicate. We found this out in a complicated way. We tried to recreate a conversation between RR subject X003 (Reagan) and his mother, but he recognized the fakery by the absence of body odor. His mind collapsed and we had to move him to the Underground. The people in Area C (Private Clients) almost lost a very large Chinese account.
After calibrating the subject, we ran both psychological and behavioral tests, scanned retinas, analyzed blood, as well as vocal and body language. But what has really yielded surprising results are the free interviews. It is amazing what some minds are capable of with the right environmental and chemical stimulation. That's why transcription is vital (!!)
Our area develops BC (Behavioral Algorithms) which are then bought by the private sector, and some government agencies.
To give you some examples: Twitter was an idea of subject JO X008 (Orwell).
Bots in social media and the use of big data was an idea of JG X002 (Goebbels) and KM X014`s worst nightmare (Marx) was bought by Amazon.
It is an arduous process and the success rate is low, but when we achieve the goal per subject, well, these results are a mein part of the latest revolutions of mankind.
So follow the lab rules, never refer to subjects by their actual historical name, and always remember, they are assets, not people.
***********
Day 117 of the 1st mission 16:30 am January 12, 2017.
Today is a rest day all over area D. I miss many things from the old world that I thought I would never miss, taking a bus, standing in line with strangers, and today I miss Sundays. We only have one on the month. So as usual we gather in the rest area to listen to a liberated jukebox that tries to lighten the mood. I know, right? Why I wrote about this “Saturday” photocopy, well besides the same nostalgic drunks, I was approached by a person I didn't recognize.
From what I understood he was a rehabilitated alcoholic, maybe that's why I didn't see him on “Saturdays”. He must be in his 50's, he was portly and wore thick black-rimmed glasses, he seemed to have a slight limp, I noticed it when he went to refill my beer.
I am a very reserved person and find it hard to talk to people. Truth be told, I've lost the desire to talk to people here. What can you actualy fucking talk about here, if it's not about the same thing. Everything revolves around work and some inter-area gossip, which never escalates much.
But yesterday was Clara's birthday and to hide the remorse and sadness of only having shared with her the first 3 years of her life, I had a few too many beers.
We chatted about banal aspects of life in isolation, and the things we miss. For him it was going to the stadium to watch soccer with his grandchildren. I think it was loneliness and nostalgia that brought us together that night.
His name was Sigfried, I don't know if I spelled it right, but it was clearly Nordic, i notice because of some of the words he mixed up with English. He works as the underground level security manager. We all know that it is one of the most restricted areas and what we have learned in these almost 10 years in the project, is that the more restricted, the less questions you should ask.
But that day, I think I felt the urge to hurt myself, to go off the rails, so I asked what we all suspected but no one knew for sure. I asked about the blenders. I wish I hadn't.
************
Day 126 of the 1st mission 08:00 am January 21, 2017.
I almost can't express how furious I am today, but I'm going to try because if I don't, I'm going to punch the new assistant in the face. He has nothing to do with this, he's just mildly irritating.
Anyway, in Genetic Mapping or area A, they approved the incubation of another Anomaly. It seems to be an express request from a major shareholder and there is not much to say. Anomalies are very risky to reproduce, nature is wise, and for some reason it placed them in history moments where they had their limitations.
It seems that after the crisis of 2010 with “The Russian Devil” it is no longer scary enough. New school morons... If they had been there they wouldn't even dare to think about it. I AM FURIOUS.
The arguments are that this case lived longer, that the clone would be in his 70s, and that he possessed noticeably more “civilized” traits. As if the court of the last Zar had not been somewhat civilized.
Personally I think this is a big mistake. Since the discovery that some people possess unknown DNA components and with the 2010 background, they should draw the line. There are certain things, still beyond our ability to understand. But it is delusional of me to think that there are limits, someday the absence of them will consume us all.
************
Lab notes day 142 of 1st mission 08:00 am February 06, 2017.
Final free interview with JON subject X012
Scenario B-24 or “The Dinner Party” Result: Normal.
Notes: Subject is grateful, positive, docile and hopeful for the future. Offers to cook next time by asking for spices and ingredients of typical Hindu dishes.
The subject is directed to the Underground area.
Attached audio for transcription.
Case is filed under the label “Jobs Project”.
**********
Day 142 of the 1st mission 21:00 pm February 06, 2017.
Today was the last session with subject JON X012, I managed to extract the last retinal and body language readings, as usual before sending them to Underground level. We ran the dinner scenario, the truth is that is one of the best simulations we have achieved. The subjects are relaxed resulting in the best free interview environment. This one was no exception, I must say I understand the charm of the “messiah” turned out to be quite an entertaining subject. I hope his next generation will be similar.
**********
Day 152 of the 1st mission 19:00 pm February 16, 2017.
I was tasked with the continuous monitoring of subject NT X004. I am not at all happy with this transfer. First of all, I know nothing about area B of engineering and technology. Secondly, I still think this is a really bad idea.
One of the laboratories has been set up with the essential simulation equipment and personnel. Tomorrow we start with the calibration.
**********
Lab notes day 153 of the 1st mission 08:00 am February 17, 2017.
First interview with subject NT X004, we run simulation scenario 54-A, “Signal from another planet.”
Subject is observed to be receptive at first but quickly changes to paranoid. We administer 300cc of MDMA via air, according to protocol.
We introduce the reconstructed figure of a colleague in a cry for help speech.
The Subject laughs and doesn't believe a word, we move to a physical approach plane,
I volunteer myself with a room operator from the engineering area, we show him unfinished plans of an experimental vacuum propulsion engine.
He laughs again and tells us that we are not who we say we are.
We administer 50cc of DMT and move on to the next scenario.
From the screen an astronaut with non-human features sends a distress signal and intergalactic coordinates.
The subject looks thoughtful, reassesses, picks up the blueprints and begins to shout out values and what appears to be mathematical and physical formulas.
Air is charged with percentages of absolute sedation.
Audio recording is attached.
It is filed under the name “Project SpaceX.”
**********
Day 153 of the 1st mission 21:00 pm February 17, 2017.
I'm not sure what happened today, this is the first time in 10 years that a subject overcame the deception of 3 simulations. We had to place absolute sedation in the air, as risky as we know it is. I recommended that we restart the process from scratch, but it was a resounding no, the client is in a hurry.
I need to get more involved in this case to recalibrate the subject. I don't know if I want to. The words before full sedation still resonate with me. “are you still using DC current? interesting...”
**********
Day 154 of the 1st mission 21:00 pm February 18, 2017.
Something happened, I don't quite know what. The rooms have an emergency lockdown active. Outside hear security personnel mobilizing. I tried the intercom but it didn't work. The insulation prevents my screams from being heard from the outside. If this goes on another day I'm going to break the lock. I'm going to set my backpack to the bare minimum.
**********
Day 157 of the 1st mission 21:00 pm February 21, 2017.
Yesterday I heard explosions in the B area. I couldn't take it anymore and broke the lock. Whatever it was I had to go out and see. The corridors were dark, and the underground buzzer went on, at least that worked.
I went right to the north staircase, down the 4 floors in near darkness, the power was failing. The entrance to the underground area was barricaded but I managed to see a figure peeking out from inside as they felt me making noises.
It was Sigfried, he pointed me in the doors direction and I entered through a heavily armored side door. I was surprised by the immensity of this section, it encompassed a large hall below almost all the sectors of the base. In front of us there were 4 large industrial pipes with switches and multiple smaller pipes coming out of their bases. These were repeated like mosaics throughout the area until they disappeared into the distance in the darkness.
Leaning against one of them were 3 officers in formerly white coats and a nearly dead guard bloodied on the floor. Poor guy, his legs were crushed with his flesh in the open. He was lying in a pool of his own blood.
He had a blank stare and was panting, it seemed from the pale of his skin, that his fate was imminent. My asthma began to pound in my chest sharply, so I reached into my bag looking for my inhaler. I told them between visible gasps of bad breath to please tell me what's happened.
One of the doctors had a badge from area B and another from area E which corresponds to bio-armamentistics. The latter burst into tears and said “We deserve it, every one of us, we deserve it”.
I knew the other guy, he is an engineer in area B. I could hear him babbling almost nonsensically about, as why they never thought about it, an issue with electrical power.
He looked at me carefully as if recognizing me and grabbed me tightly by my jacket pulling me close to his face transformed for the panic.
“He let them out, all of them!” but not only that, no no no no... he told them the truth. Nikola fucking Tesla hacked us and told them the truth.”
He began to laugh frantically with a face of absurdity until he burst into a choked cry. At that moment everything went dark. The emergency lights activated, and from far away and getting closer, along with the emergency sirens that began to sound, we heard a large mass of people screaming and running through the corridors outside.
Sigfried looked at me as they started to pound on the shielded door and said.
“We're fucked.”
**************
Day xx of the second mission, month xx of 2017
“()The industrial sounds of spinning blades, the cries for mercy followed by the thunderous, liquid crack, down that big pipe, into the green barrels, with the Monsanto logo, dripped down one side an elongated drop of pink paste ending in the letter E on the chemical label. FERTILIZER.”
**********
After finishing the transcription, my whole body began to want to flee, the walls of my house were tinged with a faint blue light as the cloudy dusk came through the window, the lights turned off by my abstraction at the computer gave way to the dark corridors that began to feel alien. As I gently closed the pc my ears began to ring as if under pressure, my breathing became more present and the vibration of my cell phone interrupted my trance.
A call from the office. It was to tell me that I had a vacation week pending, that by schedule, I had to take it starting today.
Sons of bitches, now they even choose your time off - I thought at first, but at the same time I found the voice on the phone very strange, and to tell the truth, the procedure itself.
The anger turned into confusion that only added to the paranoia. The sounds in the street began to seem erratic, a chaotic and strangely familiar feeling came over me. My senses seemed increasingly acute, and they screamed:
Go away.
I grabbed the old laptop, the flash drive and headed for the bus station. The short trip from my house seemed like a long journey. People on the street looked at me with strange faces, the cell phone kept ringing with unknown numbers on the screen and a strange idea began to formulate in my head that whispered “Them, Valeria is one of Them”.
Already on the platforms I rummaged through my backpack where I confirmed that I had the key to the family beach house in San Luis, 60 km to the east of Montevideo. I turned off my cell phone, got on a bus heading to another and much far away town called Treinta y Tres. Sat near the last seat and slipped my cell phone in my front pocket of the seat in front of me, got off and commented to the driver with a clueless face, “I got confused, I'm going to the coast”.
I almost jumped onto the steps of the correct bus to where I was heading, unable to avoid the gazes of the passengers questioning me for the last minute drop in. I sat in my numbered seat and defragmented in dissociation, trying to understand what I was doing, I was running away, but from what?
The images of the last transcriptions were engraved in my mind, the last paragraph was repeated over and over again making me shake my head from time to time trying to get them away from my thoughts. The road was dark and I lost track of time, the digital clock within sight of the passengers jingling since we left, reading 10:40.
“San Luis Station!” - I heard the guard's shout in low volume.
I staggered to my feet, hurried to get off and with the same impulse I entered the dirt roads.
I zig-zagged through the dark, cold and silent beach town. The moonless night and the smell of the sea calmed me.
When I turned the corner to the gabled beach house of my family, on the steps of the front door lit by a white light, was her. Sitting, waiting for me. I stopped dead in my tracks and a chilling vertigo ran down my torso to my throat. We looked at each other for a short two seconds, until she stopped and started walking in sliding steps towards me, smiling and playing with her hands, crossing and uncrossing her arms. The growing sound of the wind through the trees covered us.
“Darling, how are you? How nice is the summer house, I don't think we ever came here, did we? Is it the one your grandmother left you?”
I felt the adrenaline rushing through my bloodstream, how could such a familiar attitude from such a familiar person transmit such panic to me? I had to answer something.
“Yes, this is it. I came to clear my head for a while, they gave me a few days at work and I wanted to take advantage of it.” I tried to excuse myself with failed dissimulation, since I stuttered in the middle of the words.
“Yes, I know! We arranged it with them, so you can be more relaxed and as a gesture for taking care of the file. Ah! and another thing. I think someone stole your cell phone at the bus station.” She looked at me with a smart-ass smile.
“Anyway, don't worry, they already found it on a bus on the way to “Treinta y tres”. You can get it back later.”
At this point I opened my mouth to ask for explanations, but as terrified as I was I only mumbled a “thank you”.
All this dialogue let us half a body length away, Valeria looked at me now a little more serious and stood at my side. She took my arm petrified and I could feel how a strong smell of neutral soap invaded me, as if she had rubbed herself in it too much.
“Shall we go inside? it's getting cold,” She said, finishing the sentence with a sweet gesture of pleading.
“Emm, shure.” I said.
My trembling hands managed to hit the lock on the 3rd attempt, we entered, turned on the lights and from his backpack she took out a red wine. Our favorite.
“Bring me some glasses, Mauro”. - She said to me as she sat down on the armchair against the window overlooking the gentle hills outside.
She poured wine until he almost filled the ex-cottage cheese glass, looked at me and in a toast gesture said.
“To... Dr. B?”
I slid a little smile and raised my eyebrows. Then I took half a glass in one sip.
“Well!” - She exclaimed, leaning over and resting the glass on the coffee table, and continued.
"You must be very confused, I understand, I saw it many times, the mind trying to adapt to a new, unsuspected reality and in your case all at once. It is not easy. First, make sure that no one is going to hurt you or anyone you know, second, what you read in that file, as you may have noticed, is not intended for public knowledge. Also to tell you”. I couldn't take the stress anymore, I exploded.
“You're not Vale. Who are you?! You're almost identical, but....”
“Ah yes, that one it's a tricky one to explain. Let's try, let's see:
“I'm a version of Valeria that she accidentally gendered when entered the lab. In one of the incubation rooms she touched a scan button that photographs her mind for 48 hours. It contains a micro needle that took her blood and thus generated me.”
“The thing is that we were in a situation of self-destruction of the systems, and that part of the programming code of the protocol was also copied in Valeria's mind.”
“And Valeria? She 's... dead?”
“Well, yes and no. If she tried to leave the base she's probably dead. if she's still there, she's probably frozen to death or killed by the cleanup command, but basically, if I'm here, she's not anymore.”
the coldness with which she answered me made me lose the little calm I had, I got up from the armchair and started to back away with my hands on my head, I couldn't stop repeating,
“this can't be happening, this can't be happening”.
“Hey! Mauro, calm down, it's going to be alright. I'm Valeria too. In every way, I'm still your friend, I know who you are and everything we went through, really, it's me, and when I finish managing the leak, the code, it won't work anymore, it will be erased from my mind and I'll be me. So don't worry. You only have to give me the flash disc and this issue ends here. We go back to normal life and nobody will know about anything.
“I'm not going to pretend that my friend didn't die! Alone, fucking freezing to death, I'm not going to let you take her place, I'm not going to let you!” - She interrupted me.
“Mauro, listen to me” - She came closer to me and grabbed my hands, her big, lined eyes looking at me with sweetness, like so many times before.
“I AM Valeria, I have the same fingerprints, the same blood, the same DNA, the same memories, the same scars, absolutely everything. Are you going to tell my mother that I died? to my sister? Are you going to report me? Nobody is going to believe you at all. If anyone even wants to believe you, how would you prove it? I am an exact copy”. - she told me, smiling with real sweetness and empathy.
I could only cry, for my friend, for the helplessness of the conclusion that she was right. I collapsed on the couch, and watched as the hills swayed in the night.
“Let's have the last glass and I'm leaving.”- she said to me.
“After I give you this, and that part of you disappears, will you remember that you are not... really Valeria?
“No, there is already a simulation on pause about Valeria's last week, she won't remember anything about this situation when she wakes up, because the memory is simply overwritten.”
“So I'm going to be the only one to know about this?”
“Take it as a gift Mauro, a glimpse behind the veil. And if you keep it that way, everything will be fine” - The threatening tone was soft but evident.
“Okay, hand me your PC and the flash drive.”
I looked at her evaluating all possible actions and if this decision was the right one, she stretched out her hand and smiled sympathetically. I gave her the old computer and the black 16G flash drive with the file. She inserted it, typed mechanically fast until the screen went black.
“Perfect, That would be all - She took out the flash drive, threw it on the floor and stepped on it violently with the heel of her shoe, put on his backpack and headed for the door.
“Stop,” I said.
“The things that Dr. B wrote... about the underground…
“Yes, they are true, it was the only way to be self-sustainable and to be able to isolate the complex from the rest of the world. Even the most morally flexible scientists would question the work if they knew where the subjects ended up, and what we were doing with their bodies... Anyway, I'm going home, Lucia called me 5 times already. Talk to you tomorrow.
“Love you,.” - She smiled at me and closed the door behind her. I felt a car slowly drive away from the house.
From my pocket I took out the white flash drive and looked at it. Now I had a decision to make.

I played the game on Xbox One since launch but quit a few years back after reaching end game. The show has me hyped again so I downloaded it on my ps5 and got discouraged when I realized I had to start over from scratch.
Well I've accepted that fate now that I see how much has been released since I quit and I'm looking forward to a fresh start but I don't want to choose the wrong platform.
That being said, my question is which has a larger player base out of PS5 and PC?

You are a freshman in high school who has come back from school after having a long day of boring ass school. You got the absolute shit beat out of you by some dude name zentavion Jones, and you are tired of school, so you go to the app store like usual and find more gwmes to play. All the game options look boring till you see one in particular called "Rampage and destruction." You decide to download the game out of curiosity, add once it's finished downloading, you go into the game. The loading screen is orange and black, and after 5 seconds, white words pop up that say "total destruction." Then, afterwords, it says, "Before you play the game, here are some words of caution." These are the rules that flash after that last sentence:
1.There are npcs already in the game for you to kill, and you can spawn npcs too, but if you see any of these npcs, don't spawn them:
1B.Void:Void is an all black npc with no facial features or anything. If you accidently spawn.tjis npc, you have 15 seconds to kill it, or else your screen will go black, and you will be pulled into your device forever to live in a void.
1C:NPC105:This npc takes the form of a yellow npc with a smiley face on it. If you spawn this npc, usually like a void, you gotta kill it, except instead of 15 seconds, you have 10 seconds. If you don't kill this npc in 10 seconds, you will have a nightmare of a smiley face following you around. If it touches you, then you will die in the dream, and if you die in the dream, you die in real life.
1D.William:This npc is based on a real-life person (refer to rule 15 for a description of William). It takes the appearance of a man with brown hair, a blue shirt that says "It still hurts", black shorts and black shoes. If you spawn this npc, there's no helping you. No matter what you do, you will be found with 4 gunshot wounds to the head and 1 to the chest with a tattoo on your forehead that says, "I hate myself."

1. Do not use the gun called the "m1 garand." We didn't add that gun do the game, and players who used it supposedly would be found with a bayonet stuck in their heart.
   
2. If you see an npc and one of them resembles you, then close the game and don't play it for the rest of the day.
   
3. If a slowed version of "every breath you take" by the police starts plating, get off whatever device you're on, and go under the covers for 15 minutes. We never added music, especially not that song.
   
4. If the npc's start talking, then apologize to your device 10 times, and then the bug should be fixed. If it's not, then smash your device.
   
5. The game has pics of dead bodies on things like structures, which is normal, but if you see dead bodies of celebrities, mass killers, etc. Delete the game and never download it back unless you wanna be one of the people in the pictures. The pictures people recall seeing most are pictures of xxxtentacion, king von, stephen paddock, and David katz
   
6. When it comes to melee weapons, do not use the katana. Using this weapon on any npc will decapitate you instead of the npc.
   

8.You can make maps in this game and have people play them but if you make maps based on real life events (9/11, columbine massacre, boston marathon bombing, sandy hook, waco seige, norway attacks, etc) we will personally come to you house and make sure the police find you with your body parts missing.

1. If you see an all white npc, don't do anything to it. Anything you do to it will be done to you.
   
2. This game has a multi-player mode, but do not turn on your mic if you do play it. Most of the multi-player people are not human, about 95%.
   
3. If you see anything on a building/wall that says "look behind you," don't look behind you. You will be met with a man in all black with sharp claws who will use them to rip your heart out.
   
4. If after playing the game, you see black figures in the corner of your eyes, just ignore them. They're only real if you perceive them to be.
   
5. If the sky in the game turns red, do not look outside your window for 7 minutes and 43 seconds unless you wanna be met with a scary smile that devours your soul.
   
6. If you see a man with a knife with a "total destruction shirt" in front of you, act like you don't see him. If he knows you see him, that knife will be the last thing you see.
   
7. William is a teenage boy around 14 years old who loved things like video games and anime. He got beat up at school because of his interests. He also got no girls because of these factors too. One day on the faithful night of December 12th 2014 4 dudes came and beat him to near death with multiple objects. This lead to william running home finding a gun and shooting himself. His spirit now haunts the game and its players.
   

These are the rules for the game turn the fuck back while you still can. The moment you click the orange button that days "ok" you have already sealed your own fate for how you wanna go out.

The House of the Undying has been puzzling readers since 1998. The "slayer of lies" portion has fermented countless theorizing:

Glowing like sunset, a red sword was raised in the hand of a blue-eyed king who cast no shadow. A cloth dragon swayed on poles amidst a cheering crowd. From a smoking tower, a great stone beast took wing, breathing shadow fire. . . . mother of dragons, slayer of lies. (Daenerys IV, ACOK)

Today, I propose a new interpretation for this storied section. These three portions of the "slayer of lies" vision do not refer to three separate, individual lies, but rather three incarnations of one central falsehood, repeated on three different people: each man in the vision seeks to be a dragon, both the reincarnation of Aegon the Conqueror and his heir and successor. However, all three men are false dragons. Daenerys is the true dragon; her destiny is to be Aegon the Dragon, come again, to bring Fire and Blood to Westeros. These three men's false claims of dragonhood stand in her way in pursuit of her fate.

Here Be False Dragons

Let us set aside any consideration of the identities of who is specifically is being referenced the Undying visions for a moment, and focus on the text and context of the visions themselves and their imagery.
Dragons are at the core of the events at the House of the Undying. Daenerys is in Qarth because Pyat Pree, Xaro, and Quaithe seek dragons, and she goes to the Undying to seek their counsel, inevitably involving her dragons. Drogon accompanies her, helps her find the way to the Undying, dragons appear in the visions several times (and Daenerys is often called “mother of dragons” in them), then Drogon fries the Undying. But not all dragons are the same:

"Dragons. Dragons old and young, true and false, bright and dark.” (Tyrion VIII, ADWD)

Much has been written about the dragons Moqorro sees in fires. Dragons “true and false” is of most interest for us. What actually constitutes a "false dragon" and a "true dragon" is broadly ambiguous, but the text does have some suggestions. In AGOT, there is a juxtaposition between Dany’s unborn son Rhaego and her brother Viserys, the former literally called a true dragon…

She was lying there, holding the egg, when she felt the child move within her … as if he were reaching out, brother to brother, blood to blood. "You are the dragon," Dany whispered to him, "the true dragon. I know it. I know it." (Daenerys IV, AGOT)

…and the latter naming himself a dragon often, only for his death to prove the falsehood of those claims:

He was no dragon, Dany thought, curiously calm. Fire cannot kill a dragon. (Daenerys V, AGOT)

The idea that there are “true dragons” and “false dragons” is interesting in-and-of-itself, and the fact that Moqorro sees them in his fires means that they do, in fact, exist. Where do these true and false dragons be found?
Disregarding — for now — the intricacies of what makes someone a figurative “dragon,” no character in the main series comes close as to being “true dragon” as Daenerys. She is the last Targaryen, the mother of dragons, the rider of Drogon. This is known. She is a true dragon. But what about the false dragons?
In the House of the Undying, the Undying call Daenerys the “slayer of lies” after showing the three visions to her. In a vacuum that may mean that Daenerys a) will slay whatever or whomever the three lies represent and/or b) she will prove the lies false by her actions. That suggests that Dany represents the truth opposing the falsehood of the three lies.
So have the fact that Dany is a true dragon and that the Undying vision suggests Dany is true and the three lies are, well, lies. Let’s merge those ideas together — Dany, a true dragon, is the slayer of three false dragons — and see whether the visions themselves support this marriage. In the chapter after the visit, Dany describes the “cloth dragon” as a “mummer’s dragon”:

"A dead man in the prow of a ship, a blue rose, a banquet of blood . . . what does any of it mean, Khaleesi? A mummer's dragon, you said. What is a mummer's dragon, pray?"
"A cloth dragon on poles," Dany explained. "Mummers use them in their follies, to give the heroes something to fight." (Daenerys V, ACOK)

Dany’s description of the mummer’s dragon suggests that the vision represents one that uses trickery and mummery to appear as a dragon. The mummer’s dragon is no real dragon, but it serves for the purposes of the performance. In other words, a mummer’s dragon is the metaphorical representation of a false dragon.
Now consider the "great stone beast”, a flying stone creature that lurks near smoke and breathes shadow fire. As described, the beast sounds awfully like a dragon — but moreso like an imitation of a dragon, a gargoyle, mayhaps — and an imitation is inherently false. Shadow fire is extra fake because "[s]hadows only live when given birth by light" (Davos III, ASOS). The stone beast is another representation of a false dragon.
If the two parts of the vision are false dragons, it would suggest the blue-eyed king is too. On passing glance, it does not seem like it is. However, consider this quotation from Maester Aemon:

"The sword is wrong, she has to know that . . . light without heat . . . an empty glamor . . . the sword is wrong, and the false light can only lead us deeper into darkness, Sam. Daenerys is our hope." (Samwell IV, AFFC)

False light leads to darkness. The blue-eyed king’s sword is “[g]lowing like sunset”; sunset heralds the arrival of darkness. Moreover, the king casts no shadow. As we noted for the stone beast, shadows cannot exist without light, meaning that the king creates no light. Dragons, on the other hand, create light and shadow by their mere existence. The blue-eyed king is figuratively a false dragon.
Therefore, Dany being the slayer of lies means that the true dragon Dany is the "slayer of false dragons" makes sense. While most popular interpretations of slayer of lies put each lie as separate from each other (i.e. the blue-eyed king being a false Azor Ahai, the cloth dragon being a false Targaryen, etc.), it makes just as much sense — arguably more sense — that the three lies are all incarnations of one central falsehood.

The Dragon: Aegon the Conqueror, Come Again

But what exactly is a dragon? Dragons are flying fire-breathing reptiles, sure, but the word “dragon” is used figuratively extensively. One of its most popular uses is to mean a Targaryen or Valyrian, those with “the blood of the dragon.” What that phrase means is under dispute — some think it means that Valyrians are literally descended from dragons. The word "dragon" is also often incorporated in nicknames, like Daemon Blackfyre’s "the Black Dragon". However, there are only two characters referred to as The Dragon: Aegon I Targaryen and Daeron I Targaryen.
The Dragon is a fitting epithet for Aegon I, the man known as the Conqueror and Aegon Dragonlord, he who (mostly) conquered Westeros atop Balerion the Black Dread through fire and blood. Aegon I chose the three-headed dragon as his banner, married his sisters in Valyrian fashion, and with an ancestry full of incest to keep the blood of the dragon pure. He seemingly even had dragon dreams. He wore a crown and bore a blade of Valyrian steel. Dangerous to his enemies but fair to vassals, Aegon embodied everything House Targaryen aspired to be — a true dragon — and many, some bearing his name, attempted to be Aegon the Conqueror, Come Again, a true dragon too.
Daeron the Dragon was amongst the most ambitious of the Targaryens who sought to be Aegon the Conqueror, Come Again. He worn the Conqueror's crown and bore his sword. He was determined to finish what Aegon I started in Dorne. Daeron named himself a dragon:

Few foresaw that Daeron, the First of His Name, would cover himself in glory as did his ancestor Aegon the Conqueror, whose crown he wore. (His father had preferred a simple circlet.) Yet that glory turned to ashes almost as swiftly. A youth of rare brilliance and forcefulness, Daeron at first met resistance from his uncle, his councillors, and many great lords when he first proposed to "complete the Conquest" by bringing Dorne into the realm at last. His lords reminded him that, unlike the Conqueror and his sisters, he had no more dragons fit for war. To this Daeron famously responded: "You have a dragon. He stands before you." (TWOIAF, The Targaryen Kings: Daeron I)

And yet, Daeron failed, just as Aegon did, and at much greater cost — while Aegon lost a wife and a dragon, Daeron lost his own life, and 50,000 others. His conquest accomplished nothing; his successors’ diplomacy bore fruit and it was, very pointedly Daeron II, who shared a name and little else with Daeron I, who welcomed Dorne under the Iron Throne. Was Daeron I a false dragon? In-so-far as that he attempted to and failed at capturing Aegon the Conqueror’s legacy, yes, he was.
Daeron is not the only character compared to Aegon the Conqueror or hyped up as his successor who failed to reach his heights. Numerous historical figures — mostly Targaryens — were compared to Aegon I including Baelor Breakspear, Daemon Blackfyre, and Rhaegar Targaryen. None lived up to his legacy. Several main series characters are compared to Aegon or described as his heir — Drogo, Joffrey, Robb, Renly, and Rennifer Longwaters — but their claims to be Aegon the Dragon false. Just sitting the Iron Throne, having Targaryen ancestry, or being a warrior-king doesn’t make Aegon the Dragon:

"King Joffrey sits where Aegon the Dragon once sat, in the castle built by his son," Ser Arys said. "He is the dragon's heir—and crimson is the color of House Lannister, another sign. This comet is sent to herald Joffrey's ascent to the throne, I have no doubt. It means that he will triumph over his enemies." (Sansa I, ACOK)
"She gave their son the bastard name of 'Waters' in honor of his father, and he grew to be a great knight, as did his own son, who put the 'Long' before the 'Waters' so men might know that he was not basely born himself. So I have a little dragon in me."
"Yes, I almost mistook you for Aegon the Conqueror," Jaime had answered. (Jaime I, AFFC)

Stannis, Aegon, and Euron as False Dragons

Returning to the House of the Undying, I believe the three false dragons referenced in the House of the Undying are Stannis I Baratheon, Aegon VI Targaryen/Young Griff, and Euron III Greyjoy. The reader consensus is that the blue-eyed king is Stannis and that the mummer’s dragon is Aegon. The stone beast is speculated on far more contentiously. Euron Greyjoy is probably the most popular option for this, but Jon Snow and Jon Connington are also often raised. I believe it is Euron because of what kind of character is he and because the dragon has three heads.
Recall earlier that the slayer of lies vision was not three separate lies, but three incarnations of false dragons. If that interpretation is correct, then all three of the lies should have things in common, and Stannis, Aegon, and Euron share quite a few similarities, too many to highlight here. But there is one key one: All three seek the Iron Throne through fire — dragons — and blood — Targaryen heritage — and in doing so draw inspiration and comparisons to emulate Aegon the Conqueror. All three want to become king and dragons. This is known. But realizing that “fire and blood” is basically the foundation of their claim is subtler.
How do they seek the throne through blood? Well, the blood of inheritance is intrinsic to their claims. Stannis does so as Robert’s heir, and House Baratheon's claim to the throne is based on its Targaryen heritage. Aegon does so as House Targaryen’s heir, reinforced by marriage to his (alleged) aunt Daenerys. Euron, as far as we know, has no Targaryen blood, but like Aegon, via marriage to Daenerys, Targaryen blood is the means to the throne. In effect, all three men are seeking to use blood to justify their claims as the heir to House Targaryen, the blood of the dragon.
How do they seek the throne through fire? All three are dragon-seekers. Stannis covets a stone dragon to win his kingdom, his temptation to commit a horrible evil to wake one only tempered by Davos for now. Aegon and Euron seek Daenerys for her dragons, for her dragons will allow them to complete their dreamed conquests. Through dragons, these three men will bring fire to Westeros and claim their throne.
*But these men also *plan to use blood to get fire, and then fire for blood, following the cyclical mantra of Blood for fire, fire for blood. * Those words are written on Euron’s Valyrian hellhorn, Dragonbinder:

Moqorro pointed to the band of steel. "Here. 'Blood for fire, fire for blood.' Who blows the hellhorn matters not. The dragons will come to the horn's master. You must claim the horn. With blood." (Victarion I, ADWD)

Stannis’s (near) use of blood to get fire is obvious: Melisandre and her followers push for him to sacrifice those with kingsblood — Edric Storm, Mance Rayder and his son — to wake a stone dragon. Aegon’s is subtler: his case to marry Daenerys and thus claim her dragons is because of his blood, as her nephew. In order to claim Dragonbinder, Euron must have claimed the horn with blood in the past to fit its instructions of “blood for fire”. Whatever sacrifice seems to involve blood he has planned at Oldtown as well. That blood will unlock fire, and with the dragons they will conqueror Westeros and bring blood to it.
Now, let us briefly look at how each man parallels or is compared to Aegon:
Stannis Baratheon is a direct descendant of both the Conqueror and his bastard half-brother Orys Baratheon. Both Stannis and Aegon are described as tall and broad-shouldered. Both were Lord of Dragonstone and shared the same original bannermen. Stannis sits at the same Painted Table that Aegon used to plan his conquest of Westeros. Aegon was the middle child, as is Stannis. Like Aegon, Stannis has “two queens”, one whom he sleeps with far more often than the other. While Visenya was rumored to practice dark arts, Melisandre does, in fact. Aegon was a solitary man, just as Stannis is: both of their only true friends are men of uncertain birth who were their Hands of the King and who each had their hands permanently damaged. Aegon and Stannis both invaded Westeros from Dragonstone. Aegon’s first defeat during his conquest (though he was not present) was a naval battle that destroyed his fleet, as was Stannis’s first defeat during his conquest. Aegon followed the Faith of the Seven for political reasons as Stannis does for R’hllor. Aegon had a dragon dream that inspired his conquest — to protect Westeros from the Others — while Stannis saw in Melisandre’s fire the Others’ attack at the fist of the First Men, inspiring his sail north. Lastly, both have famous swords, dark Blackfyre and bright Lightbringer.
There are a number of times where characters directly compare Stannis to the Conqueror, and specifically how he needs dragons to finish the comparison and become Aegon the Conqueror 2.0:

"Look out your windows, my lord. There is the sign you have waited for, blazoned on the sky. Red, it is, the red of flame, red for the fiery heart of the true god. It is his banner—and yours! See how it unfurls across the heavens like a dragon's hot breath, and you the Lord of Dragonstone. It means your time has come, Your Grace. Nothing is more certain. You are meant to sail from this desolate rock as Aegon the Conqueror once sailed, to sweep all before you as he did. Only say the word, and embrace the power of the Lord of Light." (Prologue, ACOK)
Ser Axell went to one knee. "On bended knee I beg you, sire. Wake the stone dragon and let the traitors tremble. Like Aegon you begin as Lord of Dragonstone. Like Aegon you shall conquer. Let the false and the fickle feel your flames." (Davos V, ASOS)
"Lord husband," said Queen Selyse, "you have more men than Aegon did three hundred years ago. All you lack are dragons." (Davos V, ASOS)
"It glimmers prettily, I'll grant you, but on the Blackwater this magic sword served me no better than any common steel. A dragon would have turned that battle. Aegon once stood here as I do, looking down on this table. Do you think we would name him Aegon the Conqueror today if he had not had dragons?" (Davos V, ASOS)

Aegon “Young Griff” Targaryen, no matter if he is truly Rhaegar and Elia’s son, a Blackfyre, or a Brightflame (just not a random kid) is also a direct descendant of the Conqueror, who is his namesake. Like the Conqueror, Young Griff had a sister named Rhaenys — both associated with Dorne — and a bastard brother. Aegon claims the Iron Throne as a Targaryen, heir to the dynasty that Aegon created, and displays the Conqueror’s banner. He seeks to practice the Valyrian tradition of incest as Aegon did, becoming a dragon-rider together with his bride. Like the Conqueror, Young Griff’s Hand of the King is a great lord and warrior of the stormlands, one who had to seize their seat. Jon Connington and Orys Baratheon both have hand infirmities that call into question their suitability for the office of Hand. Young Griff invades Westeros by sea, as Aegon did, and the Conqueror’s forces (but not the conqueror himself) fought a battle north of Storm’s End, which Aegon seems poised to do in TWOW.
A number of characters compare Young Griff to the Conqueror, even calling him (or him calling himself) a dragon. But, like Stannis, Young Griff still seeks dragons to become Aegon the Conqueror 2.0:

"Do you want to wager your throne upon a woman's whim? Go to Westeros, though … ah, then you are a rebel, not a beggar. Bold, reckless, a true scion of House Targaryen, walking in the footsteps of Aegon the Conqueror. A dragon." (Tyrion VI, ADWD)
And then Prince Aegon spoke. "Then put your hopes on me," he said. "Daenerys is Prince Rhaegar's sister, but I am Rhaegar's son. I am the only dragon that you need." (The Lost Lord, ADWD)
"The first Aegon took Westeros without eunuchs," said Lysono Maar. "Why shouldn't the sixth Aegon do the same?" (The Lost Lord, ADWD)
"Storm's End." Lord Mace Tyrell grunted the words. "He cannot take Storm's End. Not if he were Aegon the Conqueror." (Epilogue, ADWD)

Also, it is worth noting that Aegon is directly called a “false dragon” at one point:

"Then let me prove the truth of them with my sword." The light of the torches made a fiery blaze of Ronnet Connington's long red hair and beard. "Send me against my uncle, and I will bring you back his head, and the head of this false dragon too." (Epilogue, ADWD)

Euron is (apparently) not a direct descendant of the Conqueror, but he does seek to marry and breed with one, putting himself into Aegon’s line and ruling with Daenerys’ dragons. Aegon and Euron are both the second child of their mothers. Aegon the Conqueror was the sovereign ruler of Dragonstone and a number of other islands. Euron Greyjoy is the sovereign ruler of the Iron Islands. None of that is especially compelling, but what is significant is that the Conqueror (and his sister-wives) were the last dragonlords, and Euron all but states that he intends to be the next dragonlord, having gone to Valyria, armored himself in Valyrian steel, wielding a Valyrian hellhorn, and soon riding a dragon. While Euron seeks dragons, he does already have a “mount” even without them: his ship, the Silence, which has a red hull and black sails, the Targaryen colors. Aegon’s mount, Balerion was a black dragon with fearsome black wings; the sails of the Silence make men pray in the same way Balerion’s black wings made men dread. His personal coat-of-arms of the Crow’s Eye is of a black flying animal, just as Balerion. Aegon had two sister-wives. Euron (falsely) tells Falia Flowers that she will be his salt wife and that Daenerys will his rock wife, with Falia believing the “two of us will be as close as sisters” (The Forsaken, TWOW). Aegon was generous to those who joined him and vengeful to those who defied him; Euron is much the same, giving wealth and honors to those who follow him but brutal punishments for those who oppose.
Euron has only physically appeared in four chapters (if including TWOW’s The Forsaken), so there is less to say about him. Still, the kingsmoot speech conveys Euron’s ambition to be the Conqueror 2.0.:

"Crow's Eye," Asha called, "did you leave your wits at Asshai? If we cannot hold the north—and we cannot—how can we win the whole of the Seven Kingdoms?"
"Why, it has been done before. Did Balon teach his girl so little of the ways of war? Victarion, our brother's daughter has never heard of Aegon the Conqueror, it would seem."
"Aegon?" Victarion crossed his arms against his armored chest. "What has the Conqueror to do with us?"
"I know as much of war as you do, Crow's Eye," Asha said. "Aegon Targaryen conquered Westeros with dragons."
"And so shall we," Euron Greyjoy promised. "That horn you heard I found amongst the smoking ruins that were Valyria, where no man has dared to walk but me. You heard its call, and felt its power. It is a dragon horn, bound with bands of red gold and Valyrian steel graven with enchantments. The dragonlords of old sounded such horns, before the Doom devoured them. With this horn, ironmen, I can bind dragons to my will." (The Drowned Man, AFFC)

Stannis, Aegon, and Euron may seek to be Aegon the Conqueror, Come Again, but they are false. The House of the Undying vision tells us as much, and our interactions with them suggest their fraudulence. Stannis particular is just as much a blue-eyed king as he is a mummer’s dragon and a beast that breathes shadow fire because of Melisandre, the de facto mummer and shadow-binder, false in many ways. Aegon may be false because he is not even Aegon, he claims to be a dragon that he is not. Euron’s falsehoods are harder to discern at this point in the story, but there is simply no way he is a true dragon. There is only true dragon, whose claim and destiny conflicts with all three of these men; she must prove them false to complete it:

Daenerys: Aegon the Conqueror with Teats

Daenerys is the true dragon, the rightful heir and successor of Aegon the Conqueror through fire and blood. Dany is a direct descendant of the Conqueror, born on Dragonstone, as he was, and is the rightful heir of House Targaryen and thus the throne that Aegon forged. She was the only daughter of Aerys and Rhaella as Aegon was the only son of Aerion and Valaena, and each had two opposite-sex (full-blooded) siblings. She is the mother of dragons, three dragons as the three-headed dragon on the banner that Aegon designed. Her mount. black-scaled Drogon, is “Balerion, come again." (Daenerys I, ACOK). Her destiny is to invade Westeros and complete Aegon’s dream of defending it from the Others.
Daenerys is often compared to the Conqueror, both as his heir and blood and as the Conqueror 2.0. There are too many to list all, but here are some choice ones:

I am blood of the dragon, she told herself. I am Daenerys Stormborn, Princess of Dragonstone, of the blood and seed of Aegon the Conqueror. (Daenerys II, AGOT)
No one was calling her Daenerys the Conqueror yet, but perhaps they would. Aegon the Conqueror had won Westeros with three dragons, but she had taken Meereen with sewer rats and a wooden cock, in less than a day (Daenerys VI, ASOS)
The dragon has three heads. There are two men in the world who I can trust, if I can find them. I will not be alone then. We will be three against the world, like Aegon and his sisters. (Daenerys VI, ASOS)
"Must?" Tyrion made a tsking sound. "That is not a word queens like to hear. You are her perfect prince, agreed, bright and bold and comely as any maid could wish. Daenerys Targaryen is no maid, however. She is the widow of a Dothraki khal, a mother of dragons and sacker of cities, Aegon the Conqueror with teats. She may not prove as willing as you wish." (Tyrion VI, ADWD)
Part of her would have liked nothing more than to lead her people back to Vaes Tolorro, and make the dead city bloom. No, that is defeat. I have something Viserys never had. I have the dragons. The dragons are all the difference. (Daenerys III, ACOK)

Dragons are all the difference, and that is fundamentally why she is true and everyone else is false. That and one other thing: everyone else is a man, Daenerys is a woman. In their sexism, people in Westeros see the next Aegon as a man, but fail to realize the truth:

"No one ever looked for a girl," he said. "It was a prince that was promised, not a princess. Rhaegar, I thought . . . the smoke was from the fire that devoured Summerhall on the day of his birth, the salt from the tears shed for those who died. He shared my belief when he was young, but later he became persuaded that it was his own son who fulfilled the prophecy, for a comet had been seen above King's Landing on the night Aegon was conceived, and Rhaegar was certain the bleeding star had to be a comet. What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise! The error crept in from the translation. Dragons are neither male nor female, Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame. The language misled us all for a thousand years. Daenerys is the one, born amidst salt and smoke. The dragons prove it." (Samwell IV, AFFC)

TL;DR The slayer of lies in the House of the Undying is about three false dragons whose claims to the Iron Throne as Aegon the Conqueror’s heir conflicts with her own. Dany, through her true fire and true blood, is the true dragon, a worthy successor to Aegon destined to repeat what he did.

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A: STOP! CrackWatch members are not psychic. Games get cracked by completely ANONYMOUS SCENE GROUPS who don't disclose their progress or plans to the general public so NO ONE knows WHEN and IF a certain game will be cracked.
Q: What are all these NFO thingies? Where do I download?
A: NFOs are text files included with game releases which contain information about the releases. CrackWatch only informs which games have been cracked. To download look for the releases on CS.RIN.RU's forum or torrent websites. Useful websites can be found in The Beginners Guide or PiratedGames's Mega Thread.
Q: WTF is Denuvo?
A: Denuvo is a Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology used to protect games from being cracked. Games that have Denuvo are harder to crack and usually take much longer. See Pinned Post for a list of Denuvo games.
Q: An update is out, but it includes the base game as well! Can I only download the update without redownloading the entire game?
A: Yes. CS.RIN.RU is your friend.