Breaking News: Greyed Brightvale Under Siege!

     The attack comes less than a month after Brightvale’s sister kingdom, Meridell, became the first land to fall victim to the Grey Curse. Whether these events are connected to the appearance of a strange rift in the Neopian sky remains unclear.

     The Grey Curse

     An eerie dark fog covers the once luminous fields of Brightvale, turned grey overnight. Brightvale Castle, a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, stands forlorn, its walls dull and lifeless. In the streets, joyful laughter and studious exchanges has made way for somber sighs. In what marks the second incident of its kind, Brightvale has fallen to the Grey Curse.

     The Grey Curse is a mysterious affliction slowly creeping across Neopia. Victims of the curse exhibit a Grey colour, impervious to other paint brushes, causing the affected to have a miserable expression, droopy features and an overwhelming sense of ennui. The first signs of the Grey Curse appeared when the shopkeeper of Uni's Clothing turned grey. As the curse spread, it started to afflict prominent figures and locations, including the Money Tree, the Discarded Magical Blue Grundo Plushie of Prosperity, and the Giant Omelette. Brightvale has already seen signs of the Grey Curse when Velhar, owner of the famous Wheel of Knowledge, fell under the curse's influence.

     What began as an oddity, targeting notable landmarks and beloved Neopets seemingly at random, became a crisis when the entire Kingdom of Meridell fell under the curse's influence overnight. More than turning the kingdom's green fields to turn grey, the Curse afflicted all of Meridell's inhabitants, King Scarl included.

     Despite efforts by researchers across Neopia, there is no sign of the cause of the grey curse or any hint of how it may be cured. A summit of Neopia's leaders and heroes over the crisis, called by King Altador and Queen Fyora, is ongoing. So far, discussions have focused on the sudden emergence of a large glowing rift in Neopia's sky, which coincided with the incident in Meridell. Experts speculate that the rift is more than a cosmic anomaly and may harbour deeper connections to the events below. Its swirling energies and eerie glow have sparked speculation among Neopians, with theories ranging from arcane disturbances to breaches between dimensions.

     Voidlings: Explained

     Reports from the frontline describe the Voidlings as imp-like creatures covered in violet smoke. The Brightvale Army warns that the Voidlings attack in groups, led by larger spectres that have been called Void Prowlers. Eyewitnesses close to the scene report spotting Vira, the cursed Acara, commanding the besiegers alongside a mysterious Yurble. This sighting follows rumours that the Acara was seen fleeing Meridell shortly after its fall to the Grey Curse. The Neopian Times has been unable to confirm these reports.

     Many in Brightvale noted the creature’s striking resemblance to the void essences that appeared shortly after the start of the crisis. “*Sigh*… those purple things never gave me a good feeling…” said Brightvale resident Euseden, painted Grey by the recent curse. “Now they're turning into monsters? Everything always gets worse…”

     When asked for comment by the Neopian Times, chief scientist Dr Landelbrot offered assurances that the void essences are safe. “Thanks to the millions of samples collected by everyday Neopians, I can say with confidence that the void essences pose no danger, at least for now,” the Lutari stated. “However, we urge everyone to continue collecting essences so we can get to the bottom of what is going on.”

     While until recently void essences only appeared in a few kingdoms, including Brightvale, the Neopian Times has confirmed reports of the objects appearing across several new Neopian lands.

     Hagan Calls for Aid

     The Voidling's invasion of Brightvale comes as its ruler, King Hagan, is in Altador attending the ongoing summit to address the Grey Curse. In a speech from the Hall of Heroes, King Hagan stressed the need for unity and called on Neopians for assistance. "Neopians, I implore you to join us in our darkest hour to defend not just Brightvale, but all of Neopia."

     Altadorian General Torakor has issued a call to all reservists to join the frontlines and defend Brightvale. Battle-trained Neopians are asked to make their way to the makeshift Barracks outside Brightvale to meet with the General. "The Voidlings we face are formidable adversaries, equipped with weapons and abilities never before seen by my soldiers," said General Torakor. "They coordinate their attacks in groups, demonstrating a level of organization and strategy we haven't encountered before. Our forces are prepared for a tough battle ahead, but with unity and determination, we will prevail against this threat to Brightvale and all of Neopia."

     For those unable to fight, the Neopian Hospital has asked for as many volunteers as possible to help attend to the wounded and afflicted. The hospital welcomes pets from all places, but can only accommodate pets who are not preoccupied with an ongoing battle.

     Interview: Voidling

     In a historic first, our intrepid reporter Wealith Drake brings you an exclusive interview with a Voidling from the Brightvale frontline.

     WD: "Voidling, can you tell us why you're attacking Brightvale?"

     Voidling: "Away! Leave!”

     WD: "What do you hope to achieve with all this destruction?"

     Voidling: "BE GONE!!!"

     WD: "Is there anything you can share about your leader or motives?"

     Voidling: "Alone... Leave... Berries!!!"

     WD: "Berries? What do you mean by that?"

     Voidling: "Sour... so sour..."

     Brightvale Fruit Shopkeeper: “Not my Tangelas!!! Get out of here you oversized puff of smoke!”

     And with that cryptic remark, the Voidling vanished into a puff of violet smoke, leaving us with more questions than answers.

     ---

     As Brightvale rallies its defences against a new foe and Neopia grapples with the growing threat from and the Grey Curse, the mysteries surrounding the rift in the sky deepen. For more on the Grey Curse and to learn how you can assist in the crisis, subscribe to the Neopian Times today!