The Achievement Junkie

The entire world was now facing the same decision. Which side would they choose? Between Halmut and his legendary gods or Jack and his leisure gods, which side should each nation support?

Some nations felt the decision was simple and easy, like Maldor and Zuran. Others, like Aazoon, had chosen to swing the other way. All other nations were left to decide for themselves which was best and the recent conference in Churstin only made the decision more difficult. How could the general populace not be startled to hear that a newly ascended god, managed to repel Halmut and force his retreat. And not only that but how could they ignore the fact that Trodar was creating new gods, the leader being arguably being the most well-known ancient hero turned god?!

There was one nation that everyone knew was bound to bear the banner of the legendary gods. That was… until that nation kept its trade pact with Trodar and still hadn't announced direct allegiance to either side. One side was the clear favorite with the most respected god leading the way and the other was a reviving guild that had been creating gods and was starting to boast the most booming economy in Kartonia.

And seeing Korten in limbo only kept the world on edge. For the most devoted nation during the previous Godly War to be on the fence now forced the other nations to take the decision seriously.

However, the rest of the world didn't know that a majority of the elven elders were already campaigning to rally under Halmut and the legendary gods. Yet there was one person who stopped them from forcing the entire nation to band together for another war.

"Gwendon, why are you hesitating?!"

Sitting uncomfortably behind his desk, Gwendon slouched backward as he took in a deep breath. Across from him were a few elven elders, each taking a turn to scold him. After days of keeping them out, the elven elders brought their oldest member to convince Gwendon to change his actions.

Currently, it was the turn of that oldest elder, the most stubborn and most supportive of Halmut and the legendary gods. "Gwendon… Why are you holding us back? Have you any good reason? If so, tell us now so that we can understand. If not, then step aside!"

"No, Father," Gwendon replied with a sigh. "I'm the chief now, so it's me that--"

"But you're failing at your most simple duty!" barked the eldest elder.

"If we don't choose our actions wisely, then we'll be the ones left extinct…"

"Gwendon, we must--"

"We must carefully ponder our situation and deliberate what course of action would keep Korten alive," stated Gwendon, leaning forward into his desk to show confidence. "The previous war was nothing compared to what's coming… And would you rather be treated as a tool to play with or as a powerful ally unified for one cause?"

The old elder squinted his eyes in thought. He was caught off guard by his son's deep question.

Gwendon continued, "What if Jack and Trodar can help us more than Halmut can offer? Then--"

"Impossible!" barked one of the other elders.

The lead elder nodded and shouted, "Right, that's simply impossible! There's no way a new power could ever match Halmut and his forces. They may have gods, but Halmut, Lyrun, and the other legendary gods are superior."

"I'm not so sure…" Gwendon mumbled.

"Don't doubt them, boy!"

"Fool! Have you not heard about what happened in Churstin?! Or has your skull grown thicker in your old age?!" Gwendon retorted, startling his father and the other five elders. "Though Halmut is strong, we can't deny the strength that Trodar possesses. What do you think happened to Naparn, Father?"

"I'm sure he's fine."

"Then why hasn't Halmut declared that to all the land?" Gwendon questioned. "Halmut always shouts to the heavens about his strength and the strength of his followers. Yet when Naparn was taken away during a duel between Moranti and Halmut, no one ever heard of Naparn again with Sterfen being the likely candidate as the former Assassin God. And Naparn was the strongest, only second to Halmut!

"So, if Moranti is able to face Halmut and Sterfen is able to assassinate anyone else, then isn't Trodar just as capable as the legendary gods? Adding Jack's ascendance to that only increases their strength and potential, especially considering he managed to repel Halmut without any assistance…"

"What are you saying, Gwendon?"

Looking up to his father, Gwendon, sighed, "I don't know… They seem to be equals at least, which means we'll either survive or die by the end of this. However… If we side with Halmut, even if Halmut won in the end, would our people survive?"

"Of course we would!" shouted one of the supporting elders. "Like before, we'll--"

"You don't get it!" Gwendon pounded on his desk, splintering the centuries-old piece of furniture. "The last war won't compare with what's coming… This time, even gods aren't safe…"

"Gwendon, you can't say that. There are--"

"Three gods have died within two weeks, Father," stated Gwendon, leaving the elders speechless. "And all three were killed by the leisure gods. Rather than let Halmut kill him, one captured leisure god killed himself while injuring Halmut… The conviction behind this war is far more unsettling compared to the last war of the gods."

"But we'll come out on top, we always have!" argued the oldest elder. "Korten has never lost a war and we've always sided Halmut. Of course we'll lose lives, but such is war. We can't be swayed to--"

"PEOPLE OF ESTONYA!!!"

A thundering voice echoed throughout the elven megacity, shaking the buildings and ringing within the ears of the populace. Gwendon and the elders were motionless as they waited for that voice to continue. They halted their argument as they waited to learn if that voice came from a friend or a foe.

"I, Jack, the Champion God of Trodar, have come to discuss your allegiance with Trodar!"