In one of the lower worlds — the Abyss —
While Zaloria was roaming the place, a strong and brilliant red light descended.
When the light contracted, a tall man appeared — his hair blazing like fire and his eyes resembling the sun. He wore royal garments adorned with solar symbols.
He approached Zaloria and spoke in a loud, thunderous voice:
> "I am one of the Four Suns! The Sun of the West and the Guardian of the Western Celestial Dome — Kuyoujin."
Zaloria trembled visibly.
> "What is one of the Four Suns doing here? And how can one of you still be alive? I thought all of you died after that incident."
Kuyoujin smiled.
> "True. After that incident, the North and South died. Only I and the East remain — but the East is on the verge of death; he has exhausted much of his energy."
Zaloria asked:
> "May I know why you're here?"
Kuyoujin replied:
> "There is a book called Before the Moon that ended up in your possession some time ago. I want you to return it."
Zaloria raised her hand, and the book appeared.
> "Do you mean this one?"
Kuyoujin smiled with joy.
> "Yes, yes! That's the one!"
He turned his back and was about to leave, but before he did, Zaloria said:
> "May I know why you want such a trivial book? One that tells a false destiny?"
Kuyoujin stopped and turned toward her with a serious expression.
> "Trivial? A false destiny? Zaloria, that book — without it, you wouldn't exist, nor would you have gained the powers you now possess! Without it, the system of the Western Universe would collapse. It's a good thing you don't know how to use it; otherwise, the Western Universe would have fallen into chaos!"
Zaloria said:
> "If it's that dangerous, then why was it in my library without protection?"
Kuyoujin replied:
> "Ah, actually, while I was writing in it, it accidentally slipped from my hand and somehow ended up in your library."
Zaloria said:
> "Who's the fool that would neglect something like that!"
Kuyoujin glanced at her sideways and said coldly:
> "I'm the one who neglected it! Do you have a problem with that?"
His anger was evident. He released an aura so intense that half the inhabitants of the Abyss fainted instantly, and some died on the spot.
For the first time in her life, Zaloria felt fear, and her instincts urged her to flee.
> "I–I'm sorry for what I said!"
Suddenly, the atmosphere returned to calm. Kuyoujin smiled cheerfully and began dancing as he said:
> "No need for all that! I was just joking! And now, farewell!"
Then he vanished from sight.
Zaloria fell to the ground, gasping deeply as if she hadn't breathed in years, sweat pouring down her face and fear consuming her.
---
Elsewhere, outside the Celestial Dome, a girl spoke from within the shadows:
> "Kuyoujin! You're the only one who survived the catastrophe! If the Celestial Princess were to find out, she would have ordered your death. You're lucky she's still asleep. The First Darkness sometimes does things that help more than they destroy! Isn't that right, Kuyoujin? Hahaha!"
The woman laughed loudly, then vanished into the shadows like the moon fading away.
---
Kuyoujin sat on a chair, and in front of him sat a girl wearing a cloak. She said:
> "I'd like to discuss someone with you."
Kuyoujin replied:
> "Finally, someone who piques your interest! Oh, East! So, who is that person?"
To be continued…