In a chamber fortified by formidable metallic alloy walls, a meeting was currently convened. The sole furnishings within this space comprised a broad oval table positioned at the center, illuminated by a solitary dim light that hung above, casting the periphery of the table into obscurity where twelve seats lay barely discernible.
In each seat resided the heads of the various departments within the organization. Clad in their distinctive white robes adorned with porcelain black masks, they exuded an air of authority. At the head of the table sat a singular figure, draped in a white robe, whose black mask was elegantly accented with azure trim along its edges. This individual was none other than the Supreme Commander, and beside him stood the illustrious Archmage Duke Dennis.
"Let the emergency convocation of the Ashen Saints commence," intoned the Supreme Commander, his voice imbued with solemnity and authority.
All members in attendance, including Archmage Duke Dennis and the Supreme Commander, placed their right hands over their hearts and recited the organization's pledge and mantra.
"We are the Ashen Saints, Keepers of the Hollow Pyre. Forged in silence. Bound by flame. We do not bow. We do not slumber. We stand as Earth's final shadow, opposing all that seek to inflict harm upon it—from within and beyond. From spectral deities to star-born monarchs, our blade is imperceptible. Our resolve, unyielding. So long as the Pyre remains cold, we are its inferno."
The individuals present removed their hands and all turned to face the Supreme Commander.
"As you may have already surmised, this assembly has been convened to deliberate upon the declaration made by Death regarding the acquisition of a disciple," stated the Supreme Commander.
"Duke was dispatched to the Gumpfrey Region to investigate an anomaly that we had detected, where he encountered Death and was subsequently banished from the territory after Death asserted dominion over it. Shortly thereafter, his declaration of selecting a disciple was proclaimed. We have compelling reasons to believe that this disciple may originate from, or currently reside in, this very region, more specifically in a village known as Kline Village."
Murmurs and discussions rippled around the table. The Supreme Commander cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to himself.
"Mhm. Supreme Commander, I do not wish to be impolite, but what course of action shall we pursue if, indeed, Death has seized dominion over the Gumpfrey Region and has furthermore selected a disciple from within that territory? Death has been a constant presence since the dawn of time, according to all available records. It appears we are simply unfortunate that he has chosen to reside in our universe, and even more so, on our planet!" one member of the Ashen Saints articulated.
"According to ancient legends, Death was conceived as the very embodiment of law within the primordial universe. He is the singular entity to have transcended the confines of that universe, manifesting in a corporeal form. Subsequently, he traversed the nascent universes, one after another, assimilating their respective laws of death into his essence until his formidable power was without equal." voiced another member.
"There is no individual or entity that even remotely approaches the magnitude of Death's ability, Supreme Commander. Even if this assembly convenes, what measures can we contemplate regarding Death's disciple? It is entirely conceivable that Death is scrutinizing our efforts, perhaps even mocking our attempts as we converse; who can truly ascertain what he is capable of?" said another member seated at the table.
The Supreme Commander sat composedly, permitting the members to articulate their apprehensions one after the other, while recounting the legends surrounding Death's origins and formidable exploits.
As the members engaged in fervent discussion, an icy perspiration trickled down Duke Dennis's spine when, without warning, the Supreme Commander inexplicably vanished from his side, all the while remaining unnoticed by the others. He was all too familiar with that disquieting sensation.
*Back on a random mountain in the Gumprey Region*
Death sat in serene stillness, enveloped in an ebony robe that concealed all his features. Even with the sun casting its rays directly upon him, the depths of the hood remained impenetrable, shrouding his visage in an enigmatic obscurity.
Opposite him sat the Supreme Commander, who, with an air of calm detachment, fixed his gaze ahead in silence, though internally he was beset by trepidation at the abrupt upheaval.
Death regarded him for several moments before articulating a response, all the while remaining fixated on the young Jacob, who continued to thrash around in his confining cube.
"I observed that you deemed it appropriate to convene a meeting regarding my esteemed disciple, revered Supreme Commander. Might you possess inquiries that you would like me to address?" inquired Death, a trace of mild amusement woven through his words.
The Supreme Commander, with a measured stride, remained unflappable and articulated, "It has been several months since your proclamation, Lord Death. How is it that such a significant matter should continue to evade discourse?"
Death, with a hint of amusement, replied, "You are fortunate that I find myself in a benevolent mood today; thus, I shall divulge a little secret…Once my disciple reaches maturity and reaches his peak, he shall become a monster far surpassing anything I am capable of achieving." Death erupted into a cacophony of maniacal and hysterical laughter.
The Supreme Commander's facade of tranquility and composure wavered as he proclaimed in astonishment, "IMPOSSIBLE!"
Death's fit of laughter only became more hysterical seeing the Supreme Commander's facade washed away as he said "Do you harbor skepticism toward the integrity of my words? Even the venerated effigy of Dreyphelia, whom you Ashen Saints serve, has chosen to grace me with her presence, driven by an unease concerning the untapped potential of my disciples. Why not make your way to your modest altar and pose your inquiries to her?
Death then rose, affording the Supreme Commander no opportunity to fully grasp the gravity of his words, and declared, "Well, that is all the time I can afford to indulge you today. Until we meet again…if my disciple does not vanquish you first."
Death then snapped his fingers, and the Supreme Commander reemerged at his seat in the assembly as discreetly as he had vanished.
Beneath his mask, the Supreme Commander was enveloped in a heavy veil of sweat, while his heart was gripped by an overwhelming sense of disquiet and apprehension.
He turned to the assembly at the table, still engrossed in the tales of Death, and struck his palm upon the surface with force. The room fell into an immediate hush as the Supreme Commander proclaimed, "Let this meeting be brought to a close."
Although bewildered, all the members of the assembly immediately placed their right palms over their hearts and intoned, "Let the Mask endure, let the Veil hold."
All the members were ensnared in a web of confusion, with the exception of two: Archmage Duke Dennis, who had astutely discerned the Supreme Commander's abrupt disappearance, and a member seated at the far end of the table, whose eyes briefly flickered with a glimmer of intent.
The Supreme Commander rose and departed the meeting room without delay, issuing a command for Duke to accompany him.