Purple clouds filled the Shroud, and strange creatures gathered beneath its deep seas.
Two ancient beings conversed in the abyss of psionic power.
[The Time Moth has already warned us, Reincarnation. Why won't you accept reality?]
[Clay Molder, I cannot stand by and watch them succeed. Once the universe ascends to a higher dimension, you and I will cease to exist. I refuse to accept that!]
[Why would we cease to exist? After ascending, we will break free of our restraints. Every consciousness will start afresh and become a new life-form. This is a glorious evolution... Are you unwilling to accept the failure of your scheme, or are you afraid of losing your position in the Shroud?]
[Enough. Shut up. How is the task I gave you coming along?]
[Well, I withdrew the Contract's power. The Synthetic Queen's seal has failed. She will return to reality bearing your power. Remember, this is your last chance.]
[I know that, of course. What about Zarqlan?]
[I withdrew the Contract, so naturally I must return his consciousness to reality and have the Weaver of Strands recreate his body.]
[Fine. It makes no difference.]
[But Reincarnation, do you truly intend to keep fighting a hopeless battle?]
[...No. Let me try one last time. At the very least... I must utterly destroy the key to the Ascension Plan that they poured everything into nurturing!]
[It is meaningless, Reincarnation. Even if you ruin the Hunters' plan, what do you gain? They can afford to fail, but you will face a reckoning. Neither of us can bear the Poison Saint's wrath.]
[I... Would you really give up your power and position to become a nobody in a new dimension? Or even disappear altogether?]
[They mean nothing to me, Reincarnation. This universe is already boring enough. If I