What's the point with that quite lackluster story in Endwalker?

[Theodric]

A civilization reaching a natural end is different from saying, "well, it will end like this eventually, so it makes no difference if I hurry things along." Yes, maybe the Ancients would have ended up like the Plenty, but that's immaterial in discussing the things Venat did. Like, you know, Sundering all of existence, but making sure Emet-Selch survived to carry out the Rejoinings, lol.

It's a head scratcher for sure. I must admit, I raised an eyebrow when it was revealed that Venat played a large part in the existence of the Rejoinings as they were often cited by some as an 'unforgivable' act that could not possibly be excused in any way, shape or form.

I do wonder if that stance will soften now that Venat is ultimately the one responsible for their existence...

[Rulakir]

It's a head scratcher for sure. I must admit, I raised an eyebrow when it was revealed that Venat played a large part in the existence of the Rejoinings as they were often cited by some as an 'unforgivable' act that could not possibly be excused in any way, shape or form.

I do wonder if that stance will soften now that Venat is ultimately the one responsible for their existence...

I've said I didn't think Venat cared about the shards and that she created more than necessary as fodder for the Ascians, but to have that essentially confirmed? I'm still coming to terms with it myself because that was my most pessimistic view of her. He says we're not supposed to view her as a villain, but how could you not? She escalated from being the antagonist of the Ancients to all life on the reflections as well.

Edit: I forgot to mention that Yoshi-P also indicated that Hydaelyn wasn't sundered, only Zodiark, so I've no idea what's going on with that dialog from the Watcher on the moon.

[AnotherPerson]

I've said I didn't think Venat cared about the shards and that she created more than necessary as fodder for the Ascians, but to have that essentially confirmed? I'm still coming to terms with it myself because that was my most pessimistic view of her. He says we're not supposed to view her as a villain, but how could you not? She escalated from being the antagonist of the Ancients to all life on the reflections as well.

Edit: I forgot to mention that Yoshi-P also indicated that Hydaelyn wasn't sundered, only Zodiark, so I've no idea what's going on with that dialog from the Watcher on the moon.

I can't. That's because I know Venat is the former Azem, but she might as well be the current Azem since Emet says she still carries on with her work after leaving office. She works closely with the people in her travels and in the field. For many lifetimes beyond ours. Beyond most ancients - since retiring the Convocation means you did everything you think you could have done, which generally takes years upon years since ancients can live forever.

And her conclusion after watching all that was that: No the ancients did not have the ability to contend with Meteion in their current state. This is the conclusion of someone who worked with and understood people more than what we can imagine.

As an Ancient and as Azem, she is duty bound to save the Star, but most importantly, the lives of the star. But for the result to save the lives be a sundering for an attempt to beat Meteion? To slowly power them back up via calamities of the rejoining? All the while knowing she will die in the process? That must have meant she really saw no other option for the Ancients, even with the lifetimes of built up belief that mankind (and by extension the Ancients) can find their way forward. Not unless she makes one.

What she did may have been evil, but it was a necessary evil. She forced people to suffer, and she knew it was not going to be good. But she did it anyway, so people could defeat Meteion in a place where emotions dictate reality - where only having aether will be useless. The vast entirety of the Ancients had failed Meteion's test the moment they gave into despair and created a blasphemy just from the song of oblivion - which is just a weakened version of pulsing dynamis from across the ends of the Universe. There was no way they could've even enter Ultima Thule without immediately suffocating in a place where emotions dictate reality with their current emotional resolve while keeping their aetheric manipulation intact. This also applies to Zodiark, as he is a being composed entirely of aether and the will of the Ancients who surrendered to Despair to return back to their 'paradise'.