Days passed on the world of Astralis as Ash and his companions continued to explore and clear the secret realm, lotuses and artifacts filling their rings, beasts falling in silent, efficient waves.
Meanwhile, outside, the world trembled.
Two days ago, the Galactic-ranked Astral Prime Clan had reappeared on their ancestral soil.
The moment the massive continent materialized in the northern hemisphere, phenomena erupted across Astralis—heavens raining starlight, oceans glowing with ancient runes, mountains bowing as if welcoming long-lost children.
The world itself seemed to sigh in relief, recognizing its true guardians.
Every invader clan felt the shift.
The Abyssal and Solar Foxes scattered immediately, fleets fleeing into void-space before repercussions could fall. Demi-human clans followed, abandoning outposts in panicked exodus.
The Nocturne and Noctis branches, however, held their ground. Eternal backing gave them leverage to negotiate—or fight.
