Now the gods and goddesses were extraordinarily pleased. The Age of Dreams had fallen away, and the Age of Elcriss had finally begun. As time went forward the Children of AOZ shifted roles from creators to caretakers of the races.

The world was peaceful and happy and beautiful, and the races of people lived in relative harmony with one another despite their vast differences. There was plenty of room and food for all, and indeed the way that the realms were set up made it natural for certain races to live in certain places, so squabbles over territory were basically nonexistent.

The people learned farming and fishing, hunting and mining, shipbuilding and blacksmithing and every kind of skill in between, and they started making glorious works of art as tributes to their gods and goddesses that brought the Children great joy.

At first, the people were fearful of the gigantic Dragons that lived in the wild places in the world, but the Children taught them to respect and revere the guardians of nature and not be afraid, since the Dragons would not harm or devour anyone that respectfully treated the lands they warded. In fact, the people soon discovered that many of the Dragons would be helpful and even friendly with those who were respectful of the places the great creatures dwelled in.

With the Children guiding the people, many civilizations soon grew in technological leaps and bounds. Before long there were thriving and prosperous civilizations around the world, and great advancements in technology that the Children could tell in their hearts were all part of the great Plan.

It brought the Children such joy to know that their Creator would be proud of them and their achievements, and the thriving of the people and creatures that housed a little part of that Creator in every single one of their souls.

Nazu saw all that had transpired, and the hatred within his dark heart grew. He had decided long ago that the Plan did not include him. So he decided to go forth with a new Plan of his own.