The warrior's pupils reflected the countless spells and alchemical charges raining down from the heavens onto the towering spire. The detonations filled the entire basin. He had survived the first crusade against the Utopians; he knew their strength and their methods better than most.0

"Those who return from the Void will only grow stronger."0

That was the solemn warning delivered by the scholars of Skyborne City. They had reached this grim conclusion by drawing upon their understanding of the void and their analysis of the Utopians' motives.0

To enter the void bodily meant that, to a large degree, the void had accepted them. The power wielded by wizards acknowledged by the void far surpassed that of ordinary practitioners.0

A sharp hum split the air. The spire, which had risen past the boundary of the material world, released a tidal wave of void energy that distorted matter as it expanded.0

The spells, alchemical bombs, and wizardry crashing down upon the spire were instantly caught in...0