X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach

by abcd12344321

As the fabric of the omniverse come undone, it does so with consequences, now, doorways are opening up not to the marvel universe, but also between the universes. And with it, their world is growing, now, they must rise to the occasion, new alliances will be formed, new enemies will be made, and the omniverse will never be the same.

14. Chapter 14

X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach

Chapter 14: Glim, Voldemort, and Szass-Tam

…

Waterdeep, Faerûn

A brilliant flash of light filled the room as a shimmering portal burst into existence. From it stepped an eclectic assortment of individuals, each from different realms, yet bound together by a common purpose: diplomacy.

Atreus, son of Kratos, glanced around the ornate chamber, his eyes taking in the sight of what appeared to be a luxurious conference hall. Beside him stood Angraboda and Thrud, the latter still buzzing with newfound energy channeled from her father's hammer.

Following them were a rather unusual pair of mechanical entities: Wall-E, the waste-collecting robot, and Carlos, an astro-droid equipped with translation capabilities. Bringing up the rear were the armored figures of Bo-Katan and Paz, renowned Mandalorians from a galaxy far, far away.

But the figure who drew the most attention, as he often did, was Thanos. The Titan who had once sought universal balance through destruction now sought it through cooperation and diplomacy. Who would have thought?

"As you can see," Atreus began, addressing the gathered Faerûn dignitaries, "We come from many different worlds, but we're united in the desire for peace and progress."

A regal-looking woman, one of Waterdeep's Lords, stepped forward. "We are honored by your visit and grateful for the contributions your alliance has made to our city. Especially the invention of the printing press. Our scholars have found it transformative."

Thanos smiled—a genuine smile. "A few years ago, I would have laughed if you'd told me I'd be participating in diplomatic affairs and contributing to the advancement of civilizations. And yet, here we are."

He looked over at Freya, Eragon, Gimli, Legolas, and Eskel—the Witcher. They were here to symbolize the unity of worlds in the face of the chaos that the Conjunction of the Spheres had wrought. It was a powerful statement, and one not lost on the Waterdeep assembly.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the embassy was an elaborate affair, and as the various dignitaries took their turns snipping the elegantly embroidered fabric, the crowd broke into applause. But the enthusiasm reached its peak when the university's cornerstone was unveiled—a large stone block, inscribed with the runes of every participating world, meant to symbolize the shared pursuit of knowledge.

"It's only fitting," Eskel spoke up, his gruff voice surprisingly articulate, "that we stand here united, not just for survival, but for the promise of a better future."

As the ceremony drew to a close, Thanos couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed. His homeworld had been saved, thanks largely to the portal to Nirn. The alliance had offered him a place despite his dark past, and in return, he was committed to aiding them in whatever way he could. This diplomatic mission, as surreal as it was, was merely the beginning.

Walking around the newly inaugurated university, he noticed the people of Faerûn eagerly reading pamphlets and scrolls freshly printed from their new printing press.

"Change," Freya mused, coming up beside him, "is the only constant, isn't it?"

Thanos looked at her, then back at the bustling university, filled with people from worlds he had never even imagined would exist.

"Yes," he said, his eyes meeting hers, "but it's the direction of that change that defines us. And for the first time, I think it's moving the way it should."

After the ceremony, the diverse delegation from various worlds enjoyed a brief tour of Waterdeep, followed by a feast that showcased the culinary arts of Faerûn. Just as everyone started to get comfortable, a messenger burst into the banquet hall, sweat and panic evident on his face.

"A village to the east is under attack! Goblins and wargs have overrun the outskirts and are closing in. We need immediate assistance!"

Thanos rose from his seat, his gaze meeting those of his companions. "Looks like it's time to stretch our legs."

Mando activated his communicator. "I'll get our weapons from the portal."

"No need," said Gimli, already gripping his battleaxe. "This world has plenty of its own armaments."

"Then let's not waste any more time," Aragorn declared.

Within moments, the delegation was fully armed and making its way towards the eastern village, courtesy of a hastily cast teleportation spell by Freya.

…

As they arrived, the scene was chaotic. Villagers were fleeing, houses were on fire, and goblins were causing havoc. Not far behind them were wargs, viciously tearing apart anything that moved.

The delegation didn't hesitate. Aragorn focused on rallying the villagers, using his sword to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. Arrows from Legolas and Bo-Katan found their marks with unerring accuracy. Gimli, Eskel, and Mando formed the frontline, cutting down the advancing goblins and wargs. Freya and Thanos focused on subduing groups of them, using magic and brute force to bring them under control.

After what seemed like an hour but was probably only minutes, the attackers were routed. Villagers slowly started to emerge from their hiding places, gazing at their unexpected saviors in awe.

After routing the attackers and calming the villagers, the delegation turned their attention to the cage where a solitary goblin was imprisoned.

"Why would your own kind lock you up?" Thanos inquired, his eyes meeting those of the caged goblin.

The goblin looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and hope. "I spoke of the Core, the Creator of All, as my faith. My tribe deemed it heresy, cast me out, and locked me up. They called me a heathen and planned to kill me."

"An interesting claim," Eragorn said, his eyes narrowing.

Freya looked at the group. "Should we consult the Core?"

Nods of agreement came, and Freya focused her thoughts, reaching out mentally to ask the Core about the veracity of the goblin's words.

Moments later, a gentle voice resounded in their minds: His faith is genuine, and his heart is filled with change. I know him as one of my followers.

"Very well," said Thanos, nodding toward Eskel to unlock the cage. "The Core vouches for you, and that's good enough for us. What is your name?"

"I am called Glim," the goblin responded as the cage door swung open.

"We know of the Core too," said Eskel, "and it seems you're about to begin a new chapter in your life, Glim."

As they prepared to leave the village, Glim hesitated. "There's something else you should know. I heard rumors that a dark sorcerer named Voldemort gave the orders for this attack. He's apparently in league with Szass Tam."

The name "Voldemort" caught Thanos's attention immediately. "Voldemort? I've read interrogation reports from our sources that he's allied himself with Galvatron and other enemies."

Aragorn looked concerned. "Szass Tam is no small matter either; he's a tyrant here in the Forgotten Realms. If Voldemort has allied himself with Szass Tam, that opens a whole new can of worms. We need to investigate this."

"Agreed," said Thanos, "We should inform Waterdeep and our allies immediately. This alliance could spell disaster."

Bo-Katan activated her communicator. "I'll send word to our base in Kroako. They should know about this development as well."

Within a short period, Freya cast another teleportation spell, bringing the delegation back to Waterdeep. As they materialized in the city, they could feel the weight of the new information hanging over them.

"We should inform the council immediately," suggested Legolas as they made their way toward the main hall.

Upon arrival, they were ushered into an emergency meeting where they briefed the council about the events in the village and the new, unsettling alliance between Voldemort and Szass Tam.

The council of Waterdeep had gathered in a hurriedly convened meeting, representatives from various guilds, factions, and noble houses seated around an imposing circular table. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the delegation from Kroako entered the chamber.

Eragorn stepped forward, nodding respectfully to the council. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice. We bring urgent news that requires immediate attention."

Lady Laeral Silverhand, Open Lord of Waterdeep, gestured for him to continue. "You and your delegation are known to us, Eragorn. Your counsel has been invaluable in the past. Speak your piece."

Eragorn glanced at Thanos, who took the cue. "Earlier today, we received a distress call from a village to the east. They were under attack by goblins and wargs. We were able to fend off the invasion, but in the process, we discovered something of greater concern."

Thanos paused, gauging the room's reaction. He had their attention. "We found a goblin imprisoned by his own tribe. He claims he was imprisoned for his faith in the Core, a deity who we've come to know and respect. More importantly, he had some intel that can't be ignored."

Eragorn resumed, "The goblin, who calls himself Glim, had overheard that Voldemort, a dark sorcerer of some repute, had given the orders for the attack. Even more disturbing is that Voldemort appears to be in league with Szass Tam."

Murmurs broke out around the table. The name Szass Tam was not unknown to the council; he was a dark power, a tyrant whose activities had long been of concern to the realms.

Lady Silverhand looked visibly disturbed. "Voldemort and Szass Tam? An alliance between those two could bring untold havoc not just to Faerûn but potentially to other worlds as well."

Freya chimed in, "We've already alerted our base in Kroako. This information will reach our allies, but we must act quickly. Voldemort has not just been active here; he has connections with other threats across different universes."

Bo-Katan added, "We recommend bolstering our defenses and conducting an investigation into this newly formed alliance. We should prepare for a fight that could come from multiple fronts."

Legolas summed it up, "The matter is of the highest urgency. Time is of the essence, and we must form a strategy before this dark alliance undermines the security of not just this world but all worlds."

The council exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

Lady Silverhand finally spoke, "I believe we are all in agreement. A task force will be formed to investigate this matter posthaste, and I ask that you and your delegation be part of it. The council thanks you for bringing this matter to our attention."

…

Althea, Groth, and the servant of Loviatar materialized in Waterdeep, welcomed by the delegation from Kroako and the Council of Waterdeep. Their arrival marked a renewed sense of urgency and collaboration.

"Glad you could join us," Eragon greeted the newcomers, exchanging brief nods and formalities. "We need all the help we can get."

Althea looked around the chamber. "We received the message. The alliance between Voldemort and Szass Tam is deeply troubling. What's the plan?"

"We're just about to begin the investigation," Thanos replied. "Glim, our new goblin ally, has some information that could give us a lead."

Glim stepped forward nervously. "My tribe—my former tribe—came from a network of caves in the Neverwinter Woods. They've been attacking villages in a specific pattern."

Legolas perked up at this. "A pattern, you say?"

"Yes," Glim continued, "it's almost as if they're looking for something, collecting herbs and attacking specific locations rich with certain plants."

Eragorn glanced at Legolas. "That sounds like a tracking job."

Legolas grinned, "My thoughts exactly."

Armed with Glim's information and the collective knowledge of the group, the task force made its way to Neverwinter Woods, guided by a teleportation spell from Althea.

Once in the dense forest, Legolas and Aragorn took the lead, their senses finely attuned to the natural world. The two moved gracefully through the trees, their eyes scanning the ground, ears picking up the faintest of noises.

"Over here," Legolas whispered, kneeling to examine some broken twigs and disturbed foliage. "Goblins and wargs passed through here recently. They're not being cautious; it's like they don't expect anyone to follow them."

Eragorn nodded, spotting something else. "Look here, Legolas, these are not just footprints; they dragged something heavy behind them—sacks most likely, possibly filled with what they collected."

Groth, who had been examining some plants, chimed in, "These herbs are known for their healing properties, but when mixed with other elements, they can be highly toxic."

Althea pondered on this, "Could they be preparing for a large-scale attack? Or perhaps a weapon of some sort?"

"The possibility is high," the servant of Loviatar noted. "Voldemort and Szass Tam would have the knowledge to turn these herbs into something far more dangerous."

"Then there's no time to lose," said Thanos, his voice filled with resolve.

Guided by Legolas and Aragorn, who followed the trail like seasoned hunters, the task force moved deeper into the Neverwinter Woods. After what seemed like miles, they finally arrived at the mouth of a dark cave.

"This is it," said Glim, "this is where they've been coming from."

"Then let's find out what they're up to," said Bo-Katan, readying her weapon.

Taking a deep breath, the team moved into the cave, each member alert and aware that they were delving into a mystery that spanned not just worlds, but possibly universes. What they would find inside could very well shift the balance of power and set the stage for battles yet to come.

Moving stealthily, the team entered the cave, their senses heightened and their weapons at the ready. The air grew colder, heavier, filled with an oppressive energy that made even the most seasoned warriors among them uneasy.

Atreus, Thrudd, Angerboda, and Freya felt it most intensely. The sensation crawled over their skin like an army of spiders, a foulness in the air that weighed on them the further they delved into the cave.

Freya whispered softly, her voice tinged with concern, "Something is very wrong here. The air is thick with dark magic."

Atreus gripped his weapon tightly. "Yes, I feel it too. We must be on our guard."

They continued deeper until they reached a chamber, dimly lit by some otherworldly glow. It was there that they encountered it—a horrifying undead creature, its flesh mottled and decaying but its eyes ablaze with a malevolent light. On its forehead was a dark mark, unmistakably the sign of Szass Tam.

Eskel was the first to act. With a swing of his sword, he aimed for the creature's neck, but his blade seemed to barely slow it down. The creature let out an inhuman roar and lunged forward, impervious to the pain that would have stopped any other being.

Atreus and Angerboda unleashed a barrage of magical attacks, aiming to restrain the creature. But it shrugged off their efforts as if they were mere annoyances.

It was Thrudd who stepped up next. Focused, she lifted her father's hammer high above her head. The chamber seemed to resonate with the power of the enchanted weapon. With a guttural cry, she brought it down, smashing the creature's head in a display of raw, untamable energy.

The undead fell to the ground, finally motionless, the dark mark on its forehead fading as it crumpled into a heap of lifeless flesh and bones.

Catching her breath, Thrudd looked at the others. "This was no ordinary undead. It took the might of my father's hammer to fell it."

Eskel wiped his blade clean, his eyes grim. "Szass Tam's influence is stronger here than we anticipated. If these are the types of minions he's sending, we must prepare ourselves for what's ahead."

Freya nodded, her gaze filled with a mix of relief and lingering concern. "Yes, the danger here is far greater than we first suspected. We must proceed with caution but also make haste. There's no telling what other abominations lurk deeper within."

Resolved but wary, the team continued onward, now even more conscious that they were not just facing rogue goblins and their warg companions. This was a multi-layered threat, its roots delving deep into realms of dark sorcery and malevolence. And it was a threat they knew they had to stop, whatever the cost.
The delegation moved cautiously through the dark labyrinthine cave, their senses on high alert for any additional threats. As they rounded a bend, they came across another scene that tugged at their hearts—a goblin in a cage along with two small goblin children. Their faces were etched with fear and sadness, but when they caught sight of Glim, their eyes widened in disbelief and then joy.

"Glim?" The mother goblin's voice trembled, and Glim rushed forward to clasp his hand around hers through the bars of the cage.

"My love, my children! Are you alright?" Glim's voice was choked with emotion.

"We're scared, but now that you're here..." She didn't finish the sentence, her eyes filling with tears.

"What happened?" Thanos asked, his eyes meeting Glim's.

"They were going to use us in a ritual. Something dark, something unimaginable," the mother goblin explained, her voice tinged with dread. "Our blood would be part of a scheme to infect beings of a higher plane with a virus or malevolent energy."

"A death curse," she continued, "something that Voldemort brought with him from his world."

The air in the cave seemed to grow even colder at her words. The magnitude of what was at stake began to settle in on everyone present.

Althea, the Half-Elf Mage, looked horrified. "To meddle with the very fabric of life and death, to bring a curse upon beings of higher planes... This is a sacrilege against all magic, an abomination!"

Groth, the orcish cleric, clenched his fists. "In my faith, life is sacred. The balance between life and death is not to be tampered with. We cannot let this pass."

The servant of Loviatar, usually composed, seemed visibly shaken. "Even Loviatar, the Maiden of Pain, would not countenance such a vile perversion of natural law. This cannot stand."

"Then we are in agreement," said Thanos, his voice firm. "This ritual will not happen. We will put an end to this dark alliance and whatever plans they have to destabilize the very essence of existence."

Glim turned the key Eskel handed him to unlock the cage. As the door swung open, he took his family into his arms, tears of relief and a newfound hope shining in his eyes.

"First, we reunite this family," Freya said, smiling at the touching scene. "Then, we go and put an end to Voldemort's and Szass Tam's dark ambitions once and for all."

Angeraboda and Thrudd took the lead in escorting Glim and his family out of the cave. The fierce Jotunn and the Asgardian warrior were a formidable pair; they carved a path through the labyrinthine tunnels with an efficiency that left no room for danger to lurk. Angeraboda used her illusion magic to disguise their presence, her fingertips glowing with arcane energy as she weaved illusions around them. Thrudd, gripping her father's mighty hammer, took the rear guard. Every step was a statement, and any goblin that dared to approach was met with a swift, crushing end.

…

Upon reaching the entrance, they were greeted by the Waterdeep guards, who were astonished but grateful to see Glim's family unharmed.

"Keep them safe," Thrudd instructed the guards, her eyes locking onto each of theirs in turn. "We have unfinished business inside."

…

Deep inside the cave, the rest of the delegation had their own hurdles to cross, and each rose to the occasion magnificently.

Thanos, brimming with both physical and magical power, unleashed a series of devastating energy blasts that pulverized barriers and laid enemies low.

Paz utilized his advanced tracking and combat skills to predict ambushes before they happened, his blasters finding their marks with deadly precision.

Eskel, with his Witcher senses and combat training, handled his sword like an extension of his own body, his blade a flash of silver that left no survivors.

Gimli wielded his god-tier axe, its enchanted blade capable of sending out blasts of searing energy. With a battle cry that echoed through the caverns, he swung his axe, its energy blasts incinerating rows of goblins and dark sorcerers.

Legolas moved like a whisper, his Elven agility and unparalleled marksmanship enabling him to neutralize targets before they even knew he was there.

Aragorn, the Ranger of the North, displayed his legendary tracking and swordsmanship. His blade, Andúril, was a beacon of light in the dark cave, each swing a death sentence to any who opposed him.

As they advanced deeper, they stumbled upon a makeshift lab of horrifying intent. Alchemical formulas were scribbled on parchment, and vials of viral agents sat atop wooden tables. The magic that emanated from the place was foreign, undoubtedly brought over by Voldemort.

Thanos picked up a parchment from the table. His eyes narrowed as he read through the arcane instructions detailing the making of a Horcrux. "Waterdeep will want to see this. They could glean invaluable insights into Voldemort's plans from this."

"But first," Aragorn said, sheathing his sword, "we deal with Voldemort and Szass Tam. We stop them here, now."

Nods of agreement circled the group, their faces set in determination. Armed with new information and driven by the gravity of their mission, they pressed forward. The time for Voldemort and Szass Tam's dark deeds to come to an end was drawing near, and they were the ones to make sure of it.

Atreus was hit squarely by a green flash from Voldemort's wand, causing him to collapse to his knees. It was the Cruciatus Curse, known for its unendurable pain. But as the young demigod grimaced and his body spasmed, he began to rise, pushing against the immense torment with deliberate steps forward.

"Intriguing," Voldemort mused. "Such strong will for someone so young."

Feeling a flicker of interest, he raised his wand higher, intensifying the curse. Atreus clenched his teeth and let out a guttural scream but didn't falter, didn't collapse. His resolve remained unshaken; he was fighting the magic with everything he had.

As this unfolded, Freya's eyes widened, not at her son's struggle but at the arcane circle etched on the cavern floor. "The circle is activating! They're starting the spell!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Thanos leapt toward the circle, his gauntleted fist slamming into the intricate design. A burst of energy erupted, disrupting the pattern of the circle, but in that instant, a blade from one of Szass Tam's Red Wizards stabbed into his side. Thanos grimaced, expecting to feel the surge of poison or some dark enchantment, but instead, he felt nothing of the sort.

He pulled the blade out, looking at it incredulously. Then he understood—The Core had protected him, neutralizing the poison and allowing him to continue the fight.

"Is that all you have?" Thanos growled, tossing aside the now useless blade.

In that moment, the chamber seemed to pause, as if all its occupants sensed the tide turning. Each member of the delegation felt a newfound surge of hope, and in the eyes of their adversaries, a flicker of doubt emerged for the first time.

Freya, her eyes still widened in maternal alarm, turned her focus back to Voldemort. The sorcerer was intensely engrossed in his magical assault on Atreus. Seizing the moment, she chanted in the ancient tongue, her hands glowing an ethereal green. Vines burst from the ground, entangling Voldemort's arm and pulling his wand away from its focus on Atreus. The young demigod finally fell forward, gasping for breath but free from the sorcerer's torment.

Simultaneously, Freya pointed her staff at the floor where the magical circle was etched. More vines broke through the stone, their tendrils winding around the arcane symbols, distorting them, effectively deactivating the magic they were intended to channel.

Szass Tam, who had been cautiously stepping back from Thanos, saw this and blurted out, "How...? HOW!?"

"It's not just about power," Freya snapped. "It's about the will to use it for the right cause."

Thanos grinned at Szass Tam, locking eyes with him as he spoke. "And perhaps you underestimate what we're capable of when we have something worth fighting for. I used to question the gods, all gods, for their failings and flaws. But The Core has shown me that true divinity is not about perfection but about purpose and compassion. And that is why you cannot, and will not, defeat us."

Szass Tam seemed to quiver at the revelation, his eyes darting nervously between the ruins of his magical circle and the team arrayed against him.

Aragorn stepped forward, his sword glinting in the dim light of the cave. "Enough talk. It's time to end this."

Groth, the orcish cleric, muttered a quick prayer, and a shimmering light covered the team, readying them for the final confrontation. Althea, the half-elf mage, conjured a magical shield around them, while the servant of Loviatar gripped his weapon tightly, prepared to defend the divine realms from the sacrilegious assault being planned by Voldemort and Szass Tam.

While Voldemort regained his footing, freeing himself from Freya's vines with a wave of his wand, Thanos and his team sprung into action. Legolas nocked an arrow and let it fly with blinding speed. The arrow, however, disintegrated before it could reach Voldemort, who sneered in response.

Aragorn lunged forward, brandishing his sword with deadly precision, seeking an opening in Voldemort's defenses. However, the dark wizard countered with a powerful shield charm, repelling the blade just in time.

From the backlines, Althea chanted incantations, bolts of arcane energy flying from her fingers towards Voldemort. The spells splashed against another magical shield, but it was visibly weakened.

Paz Vizsla, the armored Mandalorian, activated his jetpack and soared overhead. With calculated precision, he fired his blasters, providing cover for the rest of the team. His shots were absorbed by Voldemort's magical shield, but like Althea's spells, they seemed to weaken it further.

In the midst of this chaos, Szass Tam was frantically pacing at the back of the cavern, his eyes wide with panic and disbelief. "It's impossible! The poison... how did he survive? Even the most powerful cleric spells shouldn't have been able to counteract that venom!"

The Red Wizards who accompanied him were equally stunned. One of them, daring to act, lunged at Atreus with a poisoned dagger. The blade scratched the young demigod, but to their horror, Atreus merely winced and continued to stand his ground.

"Something's protecting them," one of the Red Wizards muttered in a shaky voice, "something far beyond our understanding."

Groth, his hands glowing with divine light, shouted across the battlefield, "Perhaps you begin to understand, dark ones. You face not just mortals today. You face the wrath of higher powers!"

It was then that Thrudd swung her father's hammer, sending it flying across the battlefield in a dizzying arc. It crashed into a pillar near Szass Tam, shaking the entire cavern. As it returned to her hand, she yelled, "Get ready for round two!"

A moment later, Gimli charged, his axe glowing with divine energy. With a ferocious roar, he released a surge of energy that sent shockwaves through the chamber. The Red Wizards were thrown off balance, momentarily disoriented.

The servant of Loviatar joined in, his weapon flashing as it cleaved through the air, striking at the disoriented wizards. "For all that is sacred, you shall not pass!"

Thanos, clutching the note about Horcruxes, looked at Szass Tam and Voldemort. "You can't win. Whatever you're trying to do, we will stop it. For each one of us you take down, two more will stand in our place. And you still don't understand, do you? The Core protects us. So how can you hope to defeat us?"

Szass Tam's eyes widened. For the first time, perhaps in centuries, the tyrant felt a creeping sense of doubt—a foreign, unwelcome sensation that clawed at the edges of his dark soul.

With a twisted scowl, Szass Tam began a series of incantations, each syllable falling from his lips like droplets of venom. His hands glowed with eldritch energy as he released torrents of dark spells—necrotic blasts, chains of shadow, and tendrils of dark magic that sought to ensnare and suffocate.

The party countered as best they could. Althea unleashed her arcane spells to intercept his magic; Groth chanted prayers, his holy symbols glowing to create barriers of divine light. But still, Szass Tam's onslaught continued, relentless and seemingly unstoppable.

Finally, Szass Tam snapped. His face contorted into an expression of loathing and challenge as he looked upwards, as if expecting an answer from the heavens themselves. "The Core, Creator of All! You claim to be different from the other gods, from the petty deities who meddle in the affairs of mortals! If you are so great, come down here and prove it!"

The cavern fell eerily silent, as if the universe itself was holding its breath.

Then, something unimaginable happened.

Szass Tam's hands, skeletal and necrotic, suddenly began to change. The color of living flesh flushed back into them. His withered, rotting skin filled out, becoming that of a healthy living being. His eyes widened in abject horror and disbelief as the thing he detested the most—life—coursed back into his very being.

"You... What have you done?!" He screamed, unable to comprehend or accept the living flesh that had replaced his necrotic form.

Thanos grinned, a slow, menacing smile. "It seems the Core has made His point, and perhaps granted you a curse far worse than death, Szass Tam. You, who loathed life, are now among the living."

The room was filled with a sense of divine justice, so palpable it was almost a physical weight. Those present knew that something far greater than them had intervened, had laid down an immutable statement of cosmic law, and had turned the tyrant's own hatred against him.

Szass Tam looked at his newly living hands, then back at Thanos and the group that stood before him, his eyes filled with a different kind of darkness now—a darkness born of utter despair.

Szass Tam's eyes darted frantically from his newly living hands to the group before him. With a scowl of absolute desperation, he began to mutter incantations once more, raising his hands to unleash a spell. But nothing happened. No dark energy, no necrotic blast—only the sound of his own increasingly rapid breaths filling the silence of the cave.

He tried again, his voice tinged with a manic energy, uttering a different set of arcane words, twisting his hands into another mystical gesture. Again, nothing. It was as if the universe itself had turned its back on him, leaving him powerless and bereft of his dark magic.

Szass Tam's eyes widened in horror as the realization dawned upon him: his connection to the magical weave, the very source of his power, had been severed.

Voldemort, who had been so focused on his battle with the group, paused and looked over at Szass Tam. One of his eyebrows arched slowly, and the corner of his mouth twisted in a contemptuous smirk. "Having some difficulty, are we?"

For the first time, the cavernous depths echoed not with the screams of victims or the incantations of dark spells, but with the increasingly rapid, shallow breaths of a defeated tyrant, suddenly vulnerable and stripped of his power. The irony was palpable: the one who had claimed dominion over life and death was now reduced to the fragile state of mere mortality, unable to wield the forces he had spent lifetimes mastering.

Voldemort assessed the situation, his eyes coldly calculating. The delegation before him was formidable; each member had already proven their mettle. And now, with Szass Tam powerless, the scales had tipped even more unfavorably. He looked at Thanos, whose smirk conveyed a message clearer than any spell: "We have the upper hand now."

Voldemort was many things—cruel, merciless, a master of dark arts—but he was not foolish. He understood the art of strategy, of knowing when to fold in order to fight another day.

With a grimace that was almost invisible, Voldemort raised his wand, not to cast a spell but to signal his surrender. "Very well," he said, his voice tinged with reluctance but also a sort of icy pragmatism. "You win this round. I surrender."

The atmosphere in the cave seemed to pause for a fraction of a second, as if the very world was holding its breath. Then the tension broke. Wands and weapons were lowered, but eyes remained vigilant. No one was naive enough to think this was more than a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Thanos stepped forward, the gauntlet on his hand shimmering with an inner light. "A wise decision," he said, eyeing Voldemort with a caution born from experience. "But make no mistake, surrendering to us is the least of your worries. You just witnessed what happens when someone challenges the Core, a mistake you've wisely chosen not to repeat."

Voldemort's eyes met Thanos', a silent understanding passing between them. Enemies they may be, but in that moment, they both recognized the gravity of what had just occurred. For better or worse, the battle had shifted, and the game had changed. And they both knew that the repercussions would reverberate across realms, impacting not just them but the very fabric of the universes they inhabited.

Paz Vizsla and Bo-Katan moved quickly to secure the surrendered Voldemort, fastening enchanted restraints around his wrists that would prevent any magical activity. Across the cave, Eskel and Gimli did the same for the now powerless Szass Tam and his Red Wizards, each of whom looked a mixture of bewildered and horrified, perhaps contemplating the gravity of what had just transpired. The Red Wizards, realizing the sudden impotence of their leader, offered no resistance.

Outside the cave, Glim and his newly freed family watched as the prisoners were led out. The sight of Szass Tam, now a mere shell of the tyrant he once was, was enough to make even the stoic goblins pause. However, no words were needed; the gravity of his downfall was self-evident.

Bo-Katan turned to the Waterdeep guards who had accompanied the delegation. "We've captured Voldemort and Szass Tam, along with their Red Wizards," she began, unclipping her helmet and tucking it under her arm to speak more clearly. "Szass Tam attempted to challenge the Core itself and, as you can see, he paid dearly for it."

Eskel picked up where Bo-Katan left off, "His magical prowess has been drained, turned to living flesh. It seems the Core has a sense of irony as well."

For a long moment, the guards just stared at the shackled wizards and then at Bo-Katan and Eskel, their expressions one of complete disbelief. This was a development that would shake the very foundations of magical and political powers across realms.

"Alright then," said the captain of the guards, finally breaking the silence. "Secure the prisoners. Make sure the magical dampeners are fully operational in the armored carts."

Soldiers moved quickly to follow orders. Voldemort was placed in one heavily warded carriage, his magical restraints glowing softly with anti-magic runes. Szass Tam, now more vulnerable than ever, was placed in another armored cart, its inside lined with similar runes and warded locks. The Red Wizards were divided among additional vehicles, their eyes filled with a blend of confusion and a dawning realization of the new world order.

As the convoy prepared to move, everyone knew that these events would be a tipping point, sending ripples across not just Waterdeep or the Forgotten Realms, but potentially affecting the balance of powers in realms yet unknown. Yet for that moment, as the carts pulled away, there was a palpable sense of a hard-won victory, albeit one that everyone knew was just a prelude to the challenges that lay ahead.

In the Council Chamber of Waterdeep, a room usually reserved for matters of great import, a feeling of unease hung in the air as the assembled leaders awaited the debriefing. Thanos, flanked by his unusual allies, stepped forward to address the council.

"Esteemed leaders of Waterdeep, we've uncovered a conspiracy that threatens not just this realm but potentially the gods themselves," he began, laying out the evidence collected from the cave—the notes, alchemical formulas, and the specifics of the magical circle meant to cast the death curse. "This was not an isolated act of rebellion. This was an elaborate plan to infect the gods of this realm with a modified death curse, a plan conceived by Voldemort and Szass Tam."

He gestured for Glim to come forward. The goblin provided his testimony, explaining how his family was to be used in a dark ritual that would have had unimaginable consequences.

The leaders of Waterdeep exchanged uneasy glances, each visibly grappling with the enormity of what had been presented to them.

"We owe you a debt of gratitude," said Laeral Silverhand, the Open Lord of Waterdeep, her eyes narrowing as she processed the information. "This is deeply unsettling, to say the least. Measures will be taken immediately to counteract any similar threats and to further analyze these materials for better understanding."

The room then shifted focus to the matter of Szass Tam.

"As you can see, Szass Tam is no longer a magical threat. He challenged the Core and was made flesh," Bo-Katan added. "It's ironic that he who despised the living so much now joins us as one of us—powerless."

"That alone is reason for concern," interjected Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff of Waterdeep. "We must decide what to do with him now. He still holds a wealth of dangerous information."

Finally, the council discussed the miraculous survival of Thanos and Atreus, both of whom had been stabbed with Red Wizard blades known for their lethal poison.

"It appears that something, or someone, protects us," Thanos said. "The blades did not have their intended effect."

"That would be the Core," Gimli added, gripping his god-tier axe with pride. "It seems our venture has attracted the attention of a higher power, one with a vested interest in preserving the balance."

For a long moment, the chamber was silent as the leaders of Waterdeep took it all in— the thwarted plan, the fallen tyrant, and the inexplicable protection of individuals by an entity beyond comprehension.

"This is a lot to digest," Laeral finally said, breaking the silence. "But for now, we must focus on securing our realm and understanding these newfound threats and gifts. This alliance," she looked around at the diverse group of heroes, "has our full support."

…

The sun was setting as the delegation prepared for the journey to Kroako. At the heart of their group stood Voldemort, his usual arrogant posture replaced with something more resigned. Around him, Paz Vizsla and Bo-Katan, clad in their Mandalorian armor, maintained a close watch, ensuring he made no sudden movements.

Aragorn, bearing his kingly demeanor, approached Voldemort. "You've chosen wisely," he said, his voice firm. "Resisting would only make things more difficult for you."

Voldemort met his gaze evenly. "I have no intention of sharing Szass Tam's fate," he replied coldly. "I have learned that there are forces in this universe, and perhaps beyond, that even I cannot comprehend."

Freya, prepared for the transport, began to channel a spell. She, alongside Althea, combined their magic to create a stable portal to Kroako. The shimmering portal stood tall, its energy buzzing in the air, offering a direct passage.

"You'll find the security measures in Kroako... quite unbreakable," Thanos remarked, looking directly at Voldemort. "Attempt any treachery, and you'll find yourself wishing for a fate as merciful as Szass Tam's."

Voldemort merely smirked, clearly not intimidated, but the underlying message was clear. He would cooperate, at least for now.

Paz Vizsla stepped forward. "Let's move. The longer we stand here, the more opportunities there are for complications."

One by one, they walked through the portal. Voldemort, closely guarded by the Mandalorians and other members of the team, was the last to step through.

On the other side, the environment of Kroako greeted them. It was a realm unlike any other, a nexus of sorts, teeming with energy and magic. Waiting for them was a group of Kroako's finest guards, prepared to escort Voldemort to a specially-prepared containment facility. The security of this place was known throughout realms — it was impenetrable.

The journey to the facility was swift. Voldemort, for all his dark power and cunning, seemed to understand the situation he was in. Every step he took was monitored, every breath he took analyzed. As they approached the containment cell, a massive structure built from enchanted materials and imbued with the most potent magic, Voldemort paused for a moment, taking in the sight.

Inside, he would be isolated, monitored, and restrained from utilizing any of his dark powers. For someone who had once nearly conquered the wizarding world, this was a humbling fall from grace.

Yet, as the cell door closed behind him, there was still that glint in Voldemort's eyes, the spark of a mind always plotting, always scheming. He may be confined for now, but in the heart of a dark lord, hope, or perhaps ambition, never truly dies.

…

The atmosphere on Kroako was always one of constant vigilance and activity. Yet, for a moment, time seemed to slow within the confines of the base's infirmary.

Ciri, the Lady of Time and Space, gripped the sheets of her bed tightly, her breathing labored. Her water had broken unexpectedly, and while she was prepared for this moment, the intensity of it caught her off guard.

By her side, Logan2 offered his steady hand, squeezing it reassuringly. He whispered comforting words, his fierce eyes softening with concern and anticipation. The room was filled with the buzz of medics and droids working efficiently, but all Ciri could focus on was the impending arrival of their child.

As contractions intensified, Ciri's thoughts wandered to the brief vision she had experienced of her future daughter, a strong-willed girl named Seren. The name felt right, and in that moment of pain and anticipation, it brought her immense comfort.

Hours felt like minutes and minutes like seconds. With one final push, accompanied by Logan2's supportive words, their daughter came into the world. Her cries echoed through the room, a symbol of life and hope amidst the chaos of their universe.

Tears of joy streamed down Ciri's face as she cradled Seren in her arms, the baby's small fingers grasping at her mother's. Logan2 leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss on both their foreheads.

In the corridors of Kroako, where battles were planned and strategies discussed, the birth of Seren brought a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The next generation, a beacon of hope for the future, had arrived.

In a separate section of the infirmary, Seren was carefully examined by the medics and the most advanced droids available on Kroako. The room was filled with a soft hum as various machines and scanners hovered over and around the newborn, ensuring she was in perfect health.

…

A day later…

Ciri and Logan2 watched anxiously from a distance, their hands interlocked. The last few hours had been an overwhelming whirlwind, and the reality of their unique child was beginning to sink in.

One of the medics, a Zabrak with piercing blue eyes, approached them with a holographic display. "It's quite remarkable," he began, showing them the detailed skeletal structure of Seren. "She has an adamantium skeleton, similar to Logan's. But what's truly fascinating is its adaptive nature—it will grow and change as she does."

Ciri leaned closer, her eyes widening as she saw the intricate designs intertwined with the metallic frame. "Those are... elven runes." She whispered, tracing the patterns with her fingertip on the hologram.

Logan2 squinted, focusing on the small claws emanating from the baby's hands on the scan. Just like his, but adorned with the same runes. "What do they mean?"

The Zabrak medic toggled the display, zooming in on the individual runes. "We're not entirely sure yet. They're ancient, powerful, and from what we can decipher, they seem to offer protection and strength. It's as if multiple legacies, multiple histories, have merged within her."

Ciri looked at Logan2, her eyes filled with wonder and a touch of worry. "She's special, even more than we could've imagined."

Logan2 nodded, his expression a mix of pride and determination. "She'll be the best of both of us, Ciri. We'll ensure she's protected and taught how to harness whatever powers these runes might grant her."

As the medical checkup concluded, the couple held their daughter close, the weight of their responsibility and the potential of their child pressing heavily on their hearts. The chapter on Seren's birth may have come to an end, but her story was just beginning.