Equipment Printing School Mage

If we say that AO acts arbitrarily and does not care about mortals... he has never appeared in countless years and has no right to blame the gods.

As for the Tablet of Fate? Bane, one of the thieves, returned to his role as the God of Tyranny. The other two, Melkor and Baal, perished in battle during the Time of Troubles.

If AO really wanted to punish the thief of the Slate of Destiny, he could have just done it directly - it would even make the theft impossible.

The punishment is unknown, and the power is unfathomable - the gods are still afraid of him. But the funny thing is that because AO acted erratically, the gods didn't know what to do after that.

Therefore, there has been no qualitative change in their behavior.

There are rumors that after the Time of Troubles, gods without mortal faith will disappear... This is complete nonsense, because Amaunator, which has an unclear relationship with Lathander, died out of worship thousands of years before the Time of Troubles.

According to Selune, who experienced it firsthand, it was a chaotic conflict. No one knew how it started, and no one knew how it would end.

The only thing that has changed is that the name AO has made many gods sweat. Some gods who originally only operated in Toril have begun to expand outward and no longer want to put all their eggs in Toril.

Now that AO has reappeared... the only certainty is that Faerun is about to be thrown into chaos again.

-----------------

East of Elturgard, across several mountain ranges, lies the prosperous nation of Cormyr, situated adjacent to the Dragon Coast. Also known as the Land of the Purple Dragon, it is home to the renowned Purple Dragon Knights.

Unlike the Sword Coast countries further west, feudalism is practiced here: king, nobles, knights - this is the main theme here.

Therefore, there is a national policy that the people of Sword Coast probably cannot accept: no adventure.

Therefore, Cormyr is a place where few adventurers can be found on the continent of Faerun.

However, this kingdom has always been plagued by disasters and constantly embroiled in war. During the Spellbane, it wasn't reduced to ruins almost instantly like Tethyr and Calimshan, but it still lost a significant portion of its territory. Even after decades, it has still far from recovered.

And now, the Gods Not Gods have purchased the right to pass through the ruins, offering a price that the current queen of Cormyr cannot refuse.

However, the power of the Gods and Non-Gods Association was obviously far beyond the queen's expectations: a large number of people blossomed and spread almost at the same time as they passed through this place, and churches were established on the land like mushrooms after rain, bypassing the king.

The Society for Gods Not Gods, however, has righteously cut ties with these churches, claiming that they do not belong to the Society for Gods Not Gods and are merely free-spirited pastors.

As for why all these priests are from the Wrath Pantheon or the Church of Tyranny, members of which people used to shudder at the mere mention of them, that is not the business of the Gods and Non-Gods.

Now, the relationship between the two sides is becoming tense with each passing day, and envoys are shuttling between the countries like flowing water.

But now Elminster knew clearly: this was exactly what the devil wanted.

Where there is friction there is conflict, and where there is conflict there is contact.

Where there is contact—there is opportunity.

As someone who had once unfortunately fallen into the Nine Hells, Elminster understood this very clearly.

Demons are very formidable enemies—they are very skilled in deception. This deception is not simply lying.

Use offense to cover up defense, and use truth to cover up lies.

But he still came here - because as a thousand-year-old man, he still has weaknesses after all.

"Even today, I still can't believe that you actually stood on their side." said the Sage of Shadow Valley.

At this moment, on the east bank of Feilong Lake, in a magnificent palace, Elminster was silently facing another old man.

"For the same reason," Azuth replied.

For Mystra.

She is both the boss of these two elderly people and their lover.

She fell at the beginning of the Troubled Years. They both gave up hope for a time—but when a tempting bait was thrown before them, they took it.

Now, both of them are unable to extricate themselves.

Many people have seen Elminster hanging out with the Gods and Not Gods, and some Harpers have joined the Gods and Not Gods for this reason.

"At this point, resisting the demonic invasion won't be very meaningful." Azuth said, "Stop the demons either at the beginning or when there is no other choice."

Elminster said nothing.

The Gods and Non-Gods have already taken over half of Faerûn and swallowed up all of Cyre.

For those who live in peace and contentment, this may not be clear enough.

But in fact, the once invincible elven civilization occupies an area far less than today's gods and non-gods.

Perhaps the situation was dire and out of control—but Azuth was the direct cause of it all.

It can even be said to be the culprit.

Elminster has confirmed that the All-Knowing One is indeed Mystra.

At least part of her.

Gods are inherently unique beings. Their identities and right and wrong aren't as clear-cut as those of mortals. By the gods' standards, the all-knowing and one is Mystra... or rather, the two are aspects of each other.

And Azus has now become the all-knowing and unique aspect.

Physiognomy is a very special connection between gods and spirits.

Making others become one's own face can often be considered a typical form of swallowing and devouring. However, there are also examples of faces swallowing each other, leading to a reversal of priorities...

Now, Elminster could be sure that Azuth, Asmodeus, and Mystra—these three gods could be said to be all-knowing and unique, or none of them.

Asmodeus should have occupied an absolute dominant position, but he seemed to have made considerable concessions in order to achieve his ultimate goal.

Because of this, the three gods are now almost inseparable.

They may still have independent thoughts and consciousness, but their existence is firmly connected together.

It is also because of this that Elminster was firmly grasped by the Demon King.

The All-Knowing One is truly Mystra. If the Gods and Non-Gods were to be defeated, Mystra's last chance at resurrection would be wasted.

So, Elminster sat here—he did not continue to stand at the forefront and become the banner of the good side, nor did he look for young people with potential as usual.

No, this generation of young people has grown up - they just don't need Elminster's guidance to make their mark.

Elminster almost laughed.

He is old after all.

Now he has actually sat on the side of the Gods and Non-Gods, but he is unwilling to put in more effort. He even secretly hopes in his heart that the team that has created so many miracles can continue.

At this moment, Azuth sighed and suddenly said, "Elminster, those young people are much more scheming than you imagine."

"——" Elminster was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, coughing uncontrollably. "Their captain never shows his emotions. Baatezu suffered a great loss in Elturgard. Their entire team is composed of spellcasters... The only paladin is from Candlekeep in the Great Library!"

Isn't it natural for a team like this to have deep thoughts?

Azuth looked at Elminster's trembling beard and said, "That's why, although they accepted your help, they also hid many crucial matters from you."

Elminster coughed and said, "...such as?"

"For example," Azuth said, "Metatron was a servant of Mystrel, the first goddess of magic."

"Tell me something I don't know." Elminster was still laughing.

"Mystrel is within the group."

Elminster couldn't laugh anymore.

A smile shifted to Azus's face.

No matter who Misriel's teammates are, they will never announce this matter publicly and will definitely do their best to cover it up.

What is hidden in a person's heart is an absolute secret. What you and I know is a normal secret.

What is known by a third person is not a secret.

Elminster's circle with Emiya's group was no longer that close. It was neither moral nor logical for Emiya's group to tell Elminster - he wasn't close enough.

But because of this, when this fact is revealed at the right time, it becomes a significant weight that is enough to tip the scales.

Elminster pointed in the air, unfolding the shadow of Feren before him. "At this point, I'm curious—besides me, who else have you convinced?"

"Persuade? That's too difficult." At this moment, Azus changed unconsciously.

The one in front of Elminster turned into a fire-skinned devil dressed in luxurious attire.

Asmodeus said calmly, “Adding fuel to the fire is always about going with the flow.

"The Lords' Alliance of the North is an extremely loose alliance. True, Baldur's Gate and Elturgard are both members of the Lords' Alliance. But this only gives them the qualification to participate in the meeting, while the Lords' Alliance only has a fragile consensus on mutual defense."

Elminster had unearthed his pipe and blew out a smoke ring. "In truth, unless faced with a crisis that truly affects everyone, the Lords' Alliance is more of a forum than an alliance. The extent of its mobilization depends entirely on the efforts of all parties involved."

At this point, Elminster sighed deeply. "—I guess Waterdeep and the Silvermoon Alliance have decided to remain neutral."

These two cities are among the most powerful forces in the North, and their leaders are all one of the Seven Sisters.

They are all...Mystra's biological daughters.

"Rhetoric is an art," Asmodeus said. "The implication of remaining neutral is too harsh. In fact, it is still under discussion—of course, Baldur's Gate and Elturgard have long anticipated this."

It would be better to say that Waterdeep's attitude must have played a decisive role in this.

The All-Knowing One descended precisely in Waterdeep.

The Goddess of Magic holds a special significance for Waterdeep—it's a premier magical kingdom. Midnight ascended to the divine realm in Waterdeep. Waterdeep is also the headquarters of the Harpers, and the Goddess of Magic is one of their leaders.

The All-Knowing One chose to be the first to descend upon Waterdeep in a perfect manner, winning the recognition of this city within a city.

Then, this place became the fulcrum for the devil to pry open the North, and even the entire Faerun.

Meanwhile, the demons came to Faerûn—but they did not actually plunder or burn. On the contrary, the first to fall under their power was the infamous Thay.

"The situation has changed," Asmodeus said calmly. "If they were a group of devils who accidentally came to the material plane, they wouldn't be able to stay in Faerun forever. They would do their best to take away as much as possible, even if it means doing it in a less than perfect way."

Elminster sighed deeply.

And the demons, now, come to [conquer].

As a result, many forces chose to wait and see, and happily conducted completely normal trade with the devil.

Asmodeus said, "Dragging ordinary souls into Hell is bound to be filled with a foul stench. But if this matter could be established in advance... everything would be different."

"Devils only seek the souls of the dead, while the rulers of Faerun seek to drain the lives of mortals. If suffering after death could be exchanged for happiness in life, countless people would choose it." Asmodeus couldn't help but smile sarcastically. "Not everyone who falls into the Nine Hells is deceived. In fact, I can assert that if the price is raised, the number of people who will fall will increase by tens or even hundreds of times."

The Demon King said seriously, "If we rule Faerun, Baatezu will be far more friendly than previous rulers. They will become the ones who most want the people of Faerun to live a good life. It is best that they are healthy, have children, and have impeccable morals, so that Faerun will prosper unprecedentedly - only in this way can we ensure the quality and quantity of the souls we receive."

The Sage of Shadowdale said, "Like farmers and ranchers?"

"good."

However, Elminster shook his head at this moment: "Then it seems that you have never personally farmed or worked in the livestock pen."

For the first time, confusion appeared on Asmodeus's face: "...What do you mean?"

Elminster blew out a large smoke ring at this moment. "The area between Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate is almost uninhabited, because the Warlock's Tomb of Larloch lies in between. As a result, the areas north of Baldur's Gate have stood idly by. Amn, south of Baldur's Gate, is a commercial nation. They can neither fight a difficult war nor fight for good. Baldur's Gate and Elturgard, the forces that Emya can rely on, are almost isolated. A noose seems to be slowly tightening around their necks. The power they rely on has become their shackles."

But this noose might not be as tight as Asmodeus imagined.

They relied on the strength of their cities—but the inhabitants of these cities were unlikely to truly be willing to shed their last drop of blood. If victory proved hopeless, the war might be over from the start. Emilia would struggle to find allies willing to fight against an enemy that had effectively overrun the continent.

Especially when these enemies aren't indiscriminate destroyers like orcs.

But in this world, there are still a few gods who are world-famous for overcoming difficulties head-on.

The most famous one among them did not change his mind even after his eyes were chopped off for contradicting the God of Gods.

The most powerful country in Tyr is called Tethyr, which is also a prosperous feudal country. However, relying on Tethyr alone is not enough.

However, Tethyr's biggest problem has always been that its neighbor to the south is a powerful evil neighbor.

It was a country that was ruled by elemental giants all year round. Most mortals were enslaved, and the country also frantically sent out slave-hunting teams.

Faerûn is very opposed to slavery - and Calimshan and Cyre are among the surface nations that consistently defy the law.

Tethyr had been coveted by Calimshan for years, and it was exhausted. It was also quite suspicious and disliked outside interference. As the leader of the Harpers, Elminster was often met with disdain when passing through there.

but,

One hundred years ago, in the year 1369 of the Vale calendar, the decisive battle of the Sons of Bhaal was held in Tethyr. Five Sons of Bhaal formed an alliance in Tethyr and, led by Priestess Melissa, caused great damage to Tethyr.

The one who killed them was Apodel Adrian, the Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate and one of the last Sons of Bhaal.

It was a favor that had remained unused for centuries—and as far as Elminster knew, the royal family of Tethyr had barely managed to maintain its rule during the Arcane Blight.

A hundred years ago, favors weren't enough. But with Halrua's wealth and magic, and the support of the Church of Tyr, perhaps it would be enough.

And Calimshan... this place was once the source of evil in Faerûn.

Normally, the demons would have headed straight for the areas where people were suffering the most—but now, the demonic armies of Faerun were forced to adopt a positional approach, gradually consolidating their territory. As a result, Calimshan, on the other side of the continent and the region hardest hit by the Spellbane, might have become a blind spot for their intelligence.

So, here's some bad news for Asmodeus.