Old Guard

In the end, there had not been a Second Gate Crisis. 

That was because people like Warden had anticipated that Category Three Gates would start appearing in the near future, and prepared accordingly. 

It cost them a lot.

For a few years after Immortal Flame had conquered the Second Nightmare, the higher echelons of humanity were overcome by great ambition, great determination… and great sorrow. 

There were countless celebrations, and countless funerals. 

Almost all the best and the brightest of humanity answered the Call of Nightmare, entering the blooming Seeds to face the trial of the Spell. Many returned victorious, but many had perished, as well. 

It was as if the old guard was being culled. Jest had lost count of how many of his old acquaintances — all seasoned veterans and survivors of the Spell's descent — had lost their lives in the pursuit of Ascension.