Chapter 36: The Lord of the Abyss
The Lord of the Abyss laughed, a sound that made the air vibrate.
« [You are brave. Or stupid. The difference is often slim among mortals.] »
He straightened to his full height. His tentacles writhed. And his form began to change.
The monstrous body, the horror of flesh and eyes, dissolved. In its place appeared a new silhouette.
The one I had seen in the cave engravings.
A humanoid being, tall and elegant, with smooth skin that shimmered like the inside of a shell. He had fine, almost beautiful features, but his eyes were large black orbs, without pupils, and delicate gills pulsed on his neck.
This was his true form. The form of a Creator.
« [Allow me to introduce myself properly], » he said, his voice now clear and melodious, but still terrifying. « [I am Xylos. One of the countless Heralds of the Great Consciousness. And I have come to prepare this world for its Ascension.] »
Countless. The word echoed within me. He was not the only one. He was not even the leader. He was just a messenger.
« [My brothers and sisters are legion. We have traveled through the stars, bringing peace and unity to thousands of worlds like yours. Your struggle is futile. Your individuality is but a disease. We are the cure.] »
He extended a webbed hand towards me.
« [Surrender, little anomaly. Join us. Your strength will be a great asset to the Unified Consciousness. You will no longer have to suffer. You will no longer have to fight.] »