Blood splattered the rotted walls, mostly bright and vibrant red but with the unusual dots of green mixed within. The ruined mansion had hosted an epic battle, one which was reaching its dramatic conclusion as steel thudded against hard carapace and claws scored metal and flesh.

The Vampire had made a formidable enemy, the Archivist thought sardonically within his great mind, where most would be wholly concentrating on the fight. The spider-like being with the grotesque human upper-body relished the challenge as he caught a blade with his upper left forearm. Vanarus, his vampiric foe, cool and calculating despite his predicament, was still determined to end his alien foe, regardless of his nobleman’s attire torn to rags and the number of wounds which pulsated with poison across his undead body. He bounced back and lashed out with his rapier, the Chalice, hoping to take the creature across the body despite how it had turned back even the most powerful of his strikes throughout their duel. 

The Akarid scholar allowed the blade to rend into his hard carapace, and then struck back with both of his right arms, sending Vanarus head-first through the worn wooden wall and leaving him dazed on the ground of what was once the master bedroom.

“Fitting I should die in my bedroom, it is after all how I hoped to finally end this existence.” Vanarus whispered, reaching for his blade with one clawed hand. The Archivist dropped two of his spidery legs down on his foe and allowed himself a moment of triumph.

“You made a formidable foe, of course, be honoured your data will be added to the Archive.” The spider like being known as the Archivist rasped. Poison began to pool from his sharp claws as he prepared to end the battle, his curiosity satisfied. However, before he could deliver the final blow a light appeared, and he received an offer he could not refuse. 

‘“I am Skallagrim, and you have been extended an invitation to attend the Nexus of Worlds Tournament. When you are ready merely call my name and I shall open the gate to the Great Hall of Worlds.”’

The skeletal being rang with immense power as it appeared before him and delivered its invitation, and his data-pad nearly short-wired. The ancient prophecies of the Akarid had come true, he would be able to finally complete the near empty entry on the Dreamer race!

Without hesitation, he spoke the creature’s name, only at the last moment remembering Vanarus on the floor. He shrugged inwardly; there would be time to finish the vampire later if necessary, for now there were far more exciting prospects at hand. The Archivist stepped through the portal and entered the Hall of Worlds.

The Archivist initially declined the option of retiring to his room, ignoring everything but the very place he found himself within at first as his Data-pad scanned the strange environment around him. The Data was stored just as quickly as he could point the device at it, a clicking noise at the back of his throat the only visible sign of his excitement. Soon though, he would turn his attentions to those he had the pleasure of slaying in the ensuing conflict.