The cycle of improvement

[Anastasia]

It draws closer with that - there! You think you can grab it now.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa does so!

[Anastasia]

You grasp the divine seed - only for it to fade away at the last moment.

Pathetic.

You strive for a goal I will never let you realize. I-

"Shut up," Gathgorian declares, voice dreadful. "I see a pathetic, sniveling worm who has far more power than sense or honor. Be silent, you crying child begging for attention, and stand aside as we fulfill our destiny."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa tilts her head, "I agree. I've seen many like you come through the halls of my Order. They whine and bemoan everything, putting those they think below them down as a twisted way of justifying their existence. So utterly trapped by their own awkwardness and arrogance, yet entirely unable to exert even an iota of control over their own lives.

They usually don't amount to much. You asked me before if I had thought you had done nothing, put no effort forth. I don't think you have."

[Anastasia]

A laugh from Gathgorian. "Those who are like that in Hell are broken out of it and remade into productive members of the army. Tell me, little Guardian, are you mewling to be remade in your vast weakness?" His laugh is a horrid thing, "Alyssa," he declares, "You are correct. A spoiled child afraid. All the power in Creation and too weak to resist the fear of failure."

ENOUGH!

Both of you are pushed back dozens of feet before you can react.

You insult me, you wretched little beings?

"Only if the truth is an insult," Gathgorian says, "The truth is that you are a sniveling, worthless maggot."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I agree with the sentiment, if not the exact wording. Since becoming a deity, I've realized something. For all the power higher beings have, Gods, Guardians, Incarnations, the more constrained they are, compared to a mortal. A mortal changes many times in their lives. The focus of their life can be whatever they want.

You're trapped, here, in this place, with this duty. And the only thing you've done to change is to bemoan it and become... Petty. You think to exert your power by sabotaging our efforts. You seek to reign over us by tricking us and to set up impossible tests.

Yet here we are. Passed your test. Twice. Defeated the lock on the seed. Found a path through your spatial block. We've done it all.

What have you done, Guardian?"

[Anastasia]

It's like a ball being throw. The seed is hurtled at the two of you before you find yourselves on the ice sheet of Ocanthus. The divine seed hovers before you as Gathgorian moves, "Swiftly," he commands, "Before others sense this and interfere."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods and inspects it, to find out how many charges are in it.

[Anastasia]

4. There's also a strange energy left behind. You'd need to spend some time studying it.

[Iron Dragoon]

"There's strange energy on it still... I can't tell what it is, but it could be another trap from him. I can take it back and study it to make sure it's safe and contact you once I've figured it out."

[Anastasia]

"No. With me," Gathgorian declares, taking you by the shoulder. Will you resist?

[Iron Dragoon]

"Not without knowing. No offense, but your kind aren't exactly known for being hospitable, kind, or ensuring safe return."

[Anastasia]

"There is no time." His answer is gruff, "I give you my word."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Then you'll also welcome my allies when they meet us there."

[Anastasia]

"Now," Gathgorian says shortly, "Or are you so fool as to court a battle with every hopeful here for the very seed we fought for?"