Mysteries of life

Bertha's presence manifested in the unique realm of Limbo, which resembled the afterlife described in Catholic theology. This interpretation of Limbo echoed Dante's intricate vision of the afterlife, in which souls found themselves in a state of existence somewhere between Heaven and Hell. Bertha discovered herself in the first circle, a place filled with upright and unbaptised pagans that served as a sort of retirement home deep within the infernal landscape.

Bertha's gaze was drawn to the figures' statues, who inhabited this strange realm, as she entered it. Diogenes of Sinope, Hippocrates, and Aristotle were notable leaders of their respective armies of the damned. These historical figures were now leaders in a place that defied conventional understanding. Because of the realm's unique nature, communication was possible, though Bertha was well aware that even simple conversations here had the potential to lead to profound discussions.

She herself was a member of Diogenes of Sinope's legion, a group of wisps and genies. This particular legion, in charge of the hunters, exuded an enigmatic purpose. Bertha's role connected her to the complexities of the afterlife, bridging her existence in this realm with the events taking place in the world she had left behind.

She prepared herself for the tasks ahead with a sense of duty and a heightened awareness of her place in this intricate tapestry of souls. Bertha's ethereal form shifted into a different plane of existence, Purgatory, a space between the living and the realms beyond, in a moment that transcended the earthly realm. A location for those who had died without the stain of original sin. The unbaptized and virtuous pagan found a home in the first circle

Bertha's essence merged with this realm, giving her form an ethereal luminosity that matched the surreal landscape around her. While not Heaven, the first circle of Hell held a unique serenity within its depths. It could be viewed as the afterlife's retirement community, a realm where those who had not embraced wickedness could find solace.

For most, Valhalla, as long as you stayed true to your word and died by your word, Limbo was the place to go. If you wanted to end up being assigned to the real world, you had to say goodbye to your various earthly-like bodies and dawn on the ethereal bodies. A trick to those who had unfinished business on the other side.

Figures of profound wisdom and influence stood as leaders in this ethereal landscape. Among them was Diogenes of Sinope, a philosopher known for his radical views and contempt for convention. Bertha had joined his legion, a legion of wisps and genies charged with a singular mission. To maintain, punish, and assign tasks to the hunters, ever since Unity brought about peace in the 5 realms of the living, a deal was struck. Unity will give all living beings a chance to become hunters, but that would have to destroy they're reincarnation cycle, making the hunters existence absolutely dependent on themselves. But this also posed a newer question: what would they gain in return? Immortality. To ensure the balance wasn't destroyed, Unity formed an alliance with the first, the Leaders of Limbo. These leaders gave each hunter a wisp or genie to act as their guide and also procure goods and assets for them. Unity provided them with the task; Limbo acted as their enforcer, and the hunter was the free agent.

Bertha belonged to Diogenes of Sinope's legion, a group of ethereal beings whose powers were based on the light-dark attribute; she had taken on the role of guide and protector for many hunters from various worlds. Wisps and genies darted around, their luminous forms gliding through Limbo's shifting currents. They were the unseen forces that occasionally intervened in the mortal hunters' lives, guiding and influencing them from the shadows.

Bertha, now a member of this ethereal legion, moved with purpose among her fellow light beings. Each wispy form represented the wisdom and curiosity that defined them, and they communicated as a hive mind, sharing information and understanding.

Bertha praying to her matriarch, "Diogenes of Sinope, wise one, guide us through the labyrinth of choices." She hoped for the best for Kyn; he was by far the luckiest hunter she had ever met.

Bertha's connection to the living world remained intact as she aligned herself with her kin. Whispers of advice and direction were transmitted through her to those she had chosen to accompany—Kyn and his party, the hunters navigating the intricate tapestry of fate and power.

Bertha and her ethereal companions served as a link between worlds in the realm of Limbo, where echoes of human philosophy mixed with the essence of the afterlife. Their influence extended beyond the boundaries of the seen and the unseen, shaping destinies and providing insights that transcended mortal comprehension.

As Bertha purposefully navigated Limbo's shifting currents, her luminous form drew her to a grand temple in the centre of a vast meadow. The temple appeared to emanate an aura of ancient wisdom, its architecture bearing witness to the passage of time.

A deep, resonant voice, replete with echoes of philosophy and wisdom, filled the air amidst the ethereal glow of the meadow. Diogenes of Sinope, his presence transcended the boundaries of the mortal realm with its aura of authority and sagacity.

"Welcome back, my child," remarked Diogenes of Sinope with solemn wisdom. "What news have you brought from the living world?"

As Bertha approached the magnificent temple, her ethereal form shimmered with reverence. In her essence, the echoes of her interaction with the mortal hunters lingered, a tale waiting to be told to the philosopher who led their legion.

Bertha, exuding modesty, said, "Sire, I have observed the ebb and flow of the hunters' destinies. Choices, alliances, and destinies are woven into the fabric of their existence. But why does a chaos god require our assistance?"

Diogenes of Sinope's presence seemed to resonate beyond the words spoken. The implications of Bertha's news were absorbed by his essence, a reflection of profound wisdom.

"The complexities of human choices mirror the labyrinthine nature of existence itself," said Diogenes of Sinope."We, as guides and observers, must discern the paths that they traverse."

As Bertha and Diogenes of Sinope's conversation progressed, it became clear that their connection transcended the boundaries of time and the living world. They were silent witnesses to the tapestry of lives, guardians of guidance who bridged the gap between realms.

In the meadow of Limbo, amidst the echoes of ancient knowledge and ethereal light, a dialogue continued between beings of light and insight, a dialogue that shaped destinies and provided glimpses into the interconnected nature of all existence.