Gnosis and the Grandmaster were astonished by Nomad’s demonstration of his powers.  

“This is it!” – exclaimed the Grandmaster happily looking at Gnosis – “This is the power I have been looking for!”

However, even though Nomad had already heard about the god “The Grandmaster”, he was suspicious of the reasons why someone like him would be desperately looking for his capabilities.

“So, tell me, why is it that you have been looking for a power like mine?” – Asked Nomad

“Look around, what do you see?” – Replied the Grandmaster

Indeed, Nomad looked around and nothing seemed unfamiliar. Yes, there were gods possessing mortals for their amusement and power games, but it was the new norm, nothing new, nothing out of the ordinary.

Nonetheless, Nomad had traveled frequently around the mortal plane and shared experiences of joy and sorrow with those beings.  It was no surprise that he developed a sense of empathy most of the gods lacked.

“What do I see? I see bloodshed, I see chaos covered in a form of a game, where either ignorant or malicious gods take advantage of powerless beings. Yes, that is what I see…” – Replied Nomad to the question.

Gnosis looks at the Grandmaster and nods to him.  “That is a bold statement! But it appears, then, that lady luck is indeed on my side, you are precisely the type of person I am looking for” – The Grandmaster states.

“You see…” – He continues – “I am disgusted as well by this scenery that appears to be the new day-to-day. And, I have been here pondering for the last centuries how did we, the gods get here. And how can we move forward, away from this unnecessary violence? If I were to destroy this system, how would I do it, and what would I do next?”

The Grandmaster had a serious tone when he proceeded – “I am sorry to say that I believe some of the current affairs are my own fault. Now, I must make amends. However, I do not believe that the ends justify the means. I refuse to possess mortals and participate in this demonic practice. But what choices do I have? Do I fight the gods directly like in the previous era? Can I stand against the most powerful 7 gods? Unfortunately, they have amassed too much power, too much ether for me to stand against them” – The Grandmaster said with a tone of grief.

“What can we do!” – Asked Gnosis

“There is a silver lining” – proceeded the Grandmaster – “We live in an era of peace amongst the gods, all violence has been moved to the mortal realms. However, this is our opportunity! Just as in a game of chess, we must participate in the game and beat it!” – Exclaimed the Grandmaster with a tone of motivation – “We too, amass ether, and then collapse the system from within.”

“If it would be any other god other than the renowned tactician ‘The Grandmaster’ I would laugh and not take you seriously” – Replied Nomad – “However, how do you plan on participating in the game without possessing mortals?”

The Grandmaster smiled and said – “This is why you are here; this is your role and how you support me. You have traveled to the mortal realm in your physical body, have you not?”

 “Yes, I have” – Replied Nomad

“Then, I propose that instead of possessing mortals and playing war from the Heavenly Realms, we go directly to the warzone! Participate in the battles and aid those poor souls that don’t even know their lives are being played… We fight!”

“Are you crazy! You never told me any plan like this!” – Exclaimed Gnosis – “That is dangerous!”

“Well, my old friend, you don’t have to come with me” – Replied the Grandmaster

Gnosis was not amused by that reply, however – “You know I would follow you to death if necessary.” 

“Well, that could be the case” – Interrupted Nomad – “Your proposal is very interesting and not far-fetched, at least not for me. However, some risks must be taken into consideration.”

Nomad continues – “Right now, we are enjoying the privileges of the Heavenly Realms, we are powerful, practically immortal, and have no real needs. This explains why most of the god’s activities are designated for pleasure -as wicked as it might be-; But it is different in the mortal plane. With the exception of the dragon…”

“Hey! My name is Gnosis” – Angrily interrupts Gnosis

“Sorry Gnosis. As I was saying, with the exception of Gnosis, you and I would have to create a mortal body to reside in. In my case, I already have a cultivated physical form that I can easily manifest. You, on the other side, have two options: either manifest a body, which a proper exemplar could take millennia to make -or centuries if you’re talented-, or use a homunculus as a vessel -which is close to possession- but has the real danger of any mortal body” – Explained Nomad

“So, what is this danger you are talking about” – Asked the Grandmaster

“Death and powerlessness. First, a mortal vessel cannot handle all our godly powers. I have spent millennia cultivating my own physical body and yet, the most I have achieved is biological immortality. A new body like yours would not even have that, you must eat, rest, defecate, fight disease, all those lowly needs. While some of our abilities may be easily transferred, it is not enough to destroy a battlefield on our own… something that we could easily do with our full potential. And, ultimately, with our mortal fragility, we can die. If we die, we do not return here to the Heavenly Realms, rather, we go to oblivion, nothingness, the end.” – Seriously said Nomad

“And what about me? You said I didn’t need to create a mortal body, what happened to me then?” – Asked Gnosis

“You are a special case. As you once existed in the mortal realm, you can return there with your current body. Ascended beings like you come to our heavenly realms in their physical bodies, even if it doesn’t look like it now, that is you. This may be the only advantage mortals may have over gods. However, if you were to decide to return to the mortal plane, you will remember hunger, pain, sorrow, and the fear of death” – Replied Nomad

Gnosis was afraid of going back to the mortal plane. He had spent so much time in the Heavenly Realms he had forgotten about the hurdles of mortality.

“I imagined there was a cost for transiting through the mortal plane, and it was not too far away from my conjectures. I am prepared for this” – Said the Grandmaster

“Are you sure?” – Nervously asked Gnosis

“Yes, however, I need information, something to gauge my mortal capabilities, a trial” – Continued the Grandmaster

“If that is the case, then I have the perfect test for you” – Said Nomad as he glanced at the two gods that were “playing”/possessing heroes – “I recognize that battlefield, that species is not particularly too powerful, and the gods possessing them do not have a title, so they can’t be too much of a threat.”

The Grandmaster pointed to the gods playing the game and said: “I agree, that is a perfect scenario for us to test our iron, or should I say flesh” – “Shall we go, Gnosis?”

Gnosis was not amused to hear the Grandmaster’s proposal but followed him regardless.