A Choice of Fate

The great collision of light and darkness not only formed the vast Dark Void; born alongside it was the Twisting Nether, filled with chaotic energy. Just as life had arisen within the Dark Void, life also emerged from the chaotic environment of the Twisting Nether.

The creatures that emerged from this chaotic realm were called demons. They were the result of the forces of Light and Void contending against one another at the boundary of the Twisting Nether. These chaotic creatures seemed born without any understanding of self-control. They usually let their anger burn ever fiercer, allowing chaos to take command of their bodies and recklessly expanding their power regardless of the consequences.

Most of these malformed creatures immersed themselves in the unstable energies that permeated the Twisting Nether, and some even used them to master magic capable of devouring all things. In the end, dissatisfied with the "tiny" territory of the Twisting Nether and driven by their primal urges to destroy and conquer, the demons began seeking every possible way to invade the Dark Void—the material universe inhabited by the Titans. These natural destroyers and annihilators constantly threatened mortal civilizations, conquering and destroying world after world.

As creations of chaos, demons came in many forms. Some, such as Void Hounds—or Void Terrors, as they were also called—were driven by their primal beastly instincts to endlessly devour the creatures of one world after another, satisfying their insatiable greed and hunger.

Then there were demons like the enormous creature Vanidak had encountered before, one that led a group of underlings. These powerful Annihilans, better known as Pit Lords, pursued their goal of conquering worlds in a more direct manner. Though these terrifying butchers had been effortlessly turned into exotic ingredients before a certain Titan, to other creatures, their very purpose was to subject any mortals blocking their path to endless torment.

Pit Lords usually enslaved lesser demons lurking within the Void. These pitiful lesser demons submitted to the power of the mighty yet mindless Pit Lords, serving as cannon fodder at the forefront whenever the Pit Lords waged war against mortal civilizations. But from another perspective, did that not also satisfy the demons' desire for destruction?

Compared to the powerful but mindless Pit Lords, the name of an emerging demon race also echoed throughout the Twisting Nether: the Nathrezim, a race of exceptionally powerful demons also known as Dreadlords. This race seemed to have appeared in the Twisting Nether out of nowhere, and no one knew their exact origins. Yet what terrified the creatures of the Twisting Nether was that these formidable demons were also cunning and masters of manipulation. Their study of shadow magic was unrivaled throughout the Twisting Nether.

After entering the Dark Void, this race tirelessly infiltrated mortal civilizations and sowed chaos. They often caused wars to erupt between nations. Once those societies collapsed from within, the cunning Nathrezim would corrupt the tormented local inhabitants, transforming these innocents into terrifying demonic aberrations. They truly were chilling creatures.

Beyond these powerful, iconic demons, the chaotic Twisting Nether naturally held many other creations. There were Mo'arg demons, whose strength could rival that of Pit Lords while also mastering vile spells; Gan'arg demons, small in stature but born with extraordinary intelligence and a talent for science; Insect Speakers, the most cowardly, cunning, and greedy scavenger demons in the entire Twisting Nether; and Abyssals and Infernals. Though the latter two were mindless creatures created from matter fused with evil energy, they were the handiwork of more powerful intelligent demons.

Originally, these chaotic creatures could only sneak into the material universe in scattered groups and indulge in their Slaughter Feast. But an unknown number of years ago, the accidental opening of a spatial rift seemed to weaken the boundary between the Twisting Nether and the Dark Void. The demons were surprised to discover that spatial rifts, once a rare sight, appeared to be growing more numerous. Demons, chaotic by nature, had no intention of considering why this was happening. Having finally seized an opportunity, they eagerly led their followers or kin through the rifts, roaring to their hearts' content amid the wails of one weak mortal civilization after another.

But the demons' chaotic nature did not allow them to understand what it meant to quit while ahead or lie low and bide their time. After destroying world after world in their unrestrained pursuit of destruction, they finally drew the attention of an organization.

The Pantheon, founded by the Titan king Aman'Thul. The demons' trail of destruction caught Aman'Thul's eye. At last, the kind and orderly King of Gods could no longer endure their wanton devastation, so he dispatched the Pantheon's mightiest warrior—Sargeras. After volunteering and receiving the King of Gods' approval, this fearless Titan set out without hesitation. He swore that he would not rest until he had purged demonic power from the entire universe.

Sargeras stood before the Pantheon's starry veil, carefully checking his equipment. Just as he finished preparing to depart, a voice suddenly came from behind him.

"Hey, Boss Sargeras, heading out already?"

The voice belonged to Vanidak, widely acknowledged within the Pantheon as unreliable. Seeing his brother, Sargeras replied, "What is it, Vanidak? Do you need something? Or have you finally decided to join me in wiping out those disgusting demons? Others may not understand you, but I know exactly how much you are capable of. Though I still do not understand why you always act like you cannot be bothered with anything."

"Ah, Boss Sargeras, I never expected anyone to understand me so well. I'm honored," Vanidak replied. "But unfortunately, I'm not here to take part in your glorious expedition. I merely came to... offer you a small suggestion. Or perhaps a little help."

"Oh, that is a shame. Still, I am curious. Why did you come? Where is Aggramar?"

"Oh, him? It seems there is some trouble with a civilization on one world that he needs to deal with, so he cannot travel with you for now. But do you really not want to hear my suggestion?"

"I would be delighted, Vanidak. Speak. I am listening—at least for now."

"Mm, it is nothing too serious. Though I am reluctant to admit it, as the Pantheon's fighter, I have no doubt that you are more than a match for those chaotic creatures. But I want to remind you to pay closer attention to what is hidden behind those creatures, and to be wary of enemies lurking in the shadows."

"That is all? Though I still do not quite understand."

"Oh, yes, of course. Also, take this." Vanidak handed him a disc with a blue gemstone embedded in its center. "Bring it with you. I think it will come in handy."

"What is this, a weapon?" Sargeras took the disc, puzzled. "Can you explain?"

"Oh, it is certainly not a weapon. It is a simple spatial gate leading to a particular region of stars. Mm... I have a feeling you will definitely need it. And, by the way, I made it. You should know that Norgannon could never make a spatial gate capable of carrying a Titan's body through a jump."

"All right, Norgannon is not as weak as you make him out to be. But I will accept it. I do not know what use it will have, but thank you, my brother." Sargeras accepted the disc and thanked Vanidak.

"Since that is settled, I should prepare to leave. I have chosen my own path. Though it may hold much bloodshed and battle, how should I put it? I like it."

"I think so too. It suits you very well."

"And what about you, Vanidak? Your power is immense. What sort of path do you intend to choose? You possess such power, yet you do not use it to establish order. To me, that is a shameful waste!"

"All right, all right. I will try to find one. I will not waste my own strength either. You are really annoying, Sargeras."

"I am only reminding you, Vanidak. All right, I must depart. I hope we meet again soon."

"So do I. May you... have victory in battle." Vanidak waved farewell to the departing Sargeras. Watching the ripples stirred in the starry veil as the other Titan passed through it, Vanidak murmured softly,

"I only hope you do not go to extremes on the path you have chosen, Sargeras."

"That would truly... give me a headache."

After seeing off Sargeras as he set out on his journey, Vanidak returned to the Throne of the Pantheon. There, he saw Aman'Thul and the others apparently preparing to depart as well. Seeing Vanidak enter, Aman'Thul called out loudly,

"Vanidak, has Sargeras left already? Oh, may his journey go smoothly."

"Yes, he... has embarked upon the fate that belongs to him. That is right."

"Good. Then it is time for us to set out as well, to continue toward the fate that belongs to us."

"Our fate? What is that?"

"To search for our brethren who are still slumbering, and to bring order and peace to this universe."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful. Are we leaving now?"

"Of course. We... depart at once."

The Titans passed through the starry veil and embarked upon their own journey. Looking back at the glittering gateway of the Pantheon, Vanidak, who had fallen to the rear of the group, remained silent. When Golganneth called for him to hurry up in his signature booming voice, Vanidak seemed to make up his mind and regained his usual manner.

Watching the many figures ahead wave to him, Vanidak shrugged and chuckled, speaking to himself.

"Fate... how interesting. Are you truly so impossible to change? That really makes one curious."

"Then, shall we wait and see?"