Point of View: Eldrin
I was in my office; Arcadia constantly demanded my attention, and just as I was about to take a short break for lunch, a notification appeared before me.
[The Guardian invites you to a meeting]
[Accept?]
A meeting…
Intrigued, I asked, "Is this meeting dangerous?"
[No.]
"Will I be able to return to Arcadia afterward?"
[Once the meeting ends, you will return to the same location.]
"Is it important that I attend?"
[Your attendance is recommended. The Guardian is the most powerful existence on the planet and only acts when it is in danger.]
"What danger? Is Arcadia at risk?"
No response came.
"Should I prepare in any way?"
[No. You may go immediately if you wish.]
With that, I sent someone to inform the council and accepted the invitation.
A circle of strange inscriptions formed beneath my feet, and suddenly, my vision blurred.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a vast and luxurious hall.
But I was not alone.
There were three beasts and a woman. She resembled a Primordial, yet something about her was different—white skin, red eyes, black hair, and elegant attire.
"Eldrin?" a familiar voice called.
I turned and found Sylvanas standing there. I hadn't expected to see her.
Just as I was about to speak, another voice interrupted us.
"Welcome. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
I looked toward the source and saw a man standing by the entrance. He bore similarities to the woman, though there were clear differences.
"Please, take a seat," he continued. "I have prepared accommodations suited to your individual needs. Feel free."
He then sat across from us.
"I understand you may feel disconnected, so allow me to introduce myself. I am the Guardian. I assume the system has already explained what that means."
We nodded, and he continued.
"I invited you because you are the most powerful or influential beings on this planet. Before we begin, I will introduce each of you."
He gestured toward Sylvanas and me.
"From the continent of Estenor, Arcadia: its leader, Eldrin, and the Minister of Defense, Sylvanas."
He pointed to the insect.
"From the continent of Exuvia, the Mother Nest: Xyra, Queen of the Swarm."
Then to the bear.
"From the continent of Northfang, Ursaia: King Ragnar."
To the shark.
"From the depths of the ocean between the three continents, Atlantis: King Kael."
Finally, he indicated the woman.
"Our most recent addition. From the Kingdom of Nightmares, Nexis: Lysera, Baroness—the first Abomination to survive the Tribulation."
As soon as he finished, we instinctively distanced ourselves from Lysera and took guarded stances. She, however, remained calm and unmoved.
Suddenly, an overwhelming pressure crushed down on us.
I couldn't move.
And I wasn't the only one.
Everyone was frozen.
The Guardian spoke again, his tone calm but firm.
"That is disrespectful. Do not forget—you are in my home. Violence is not permitted here."
The pressure vanished, but the tension remained.
"I understand you may feel uncomfortable," he continued, "but this is neutral ground. No one will harm you. I need you seated so we may speak."
We exchanged glances, and slowly, one by one, we sat down.
"Excellent. To avoid being a poor host, allow me to offer you these delicacies."
He clapped his hands, and a table appeared, filled with fruits, meats, and beverages—all radiating abundant Origin Energy.
Lysera moved naturally and poured herself a glass of wine. Gradually, the others also began to take something.
I don't know whether it was the Guardian's influence, but somehow, calm returned to the hall.
After a few moments, his tone shifted—becoming serious.
"I have gathered you because I require your assistance. Our planet is under attack. If we fail to resolve this, it will only be a matter of time before every species perishes—especially those present in this hall."
My heart tightened.
I had suspected it would not be trivial.
But I had never imagined it would be this grave.
Lysera spoke in a steady voice.
"Is it the same as before?"
The Guardian looked at her carefully.
"It seems you know something, Lysera."
"Yes. Upon ascending to Baroness, I received information through the system. It appears to be a message left behind by my race."
The Guardian nodded.
"In essence, yes. But I will explain it for the others."
He extended his hand, and images appeared in the air.
"The newer races would not know this, but long ago, this planet was the most powerful in the universe. Its Origin Energy was abundant, and we were the most talented races."
The images shifted, revealing a massive world filled with countless extraordinary beings.
"When a planet ascends to Level 9, it reaches its limit. Like any living being, if a miracle allows it to surpass that level, it enters the realm of demigods—and its planet may ascend once more."
His expression darkened.
"The problem is that such an ascension causes immense damage to the universe. Afterward, everything resets, using all other species as sustenance."
The images changed again.
A golden, radiant being appeared. A planet slowly faded into nothingness. Other worlds exploded, and their inhabitants dissolved into streams of energy that flowed toward the shining entity.
"We were the closest to surpassing that threshold and entering the realm of demigods. The other civilizations were powerless before our advancement. In the end, we were too strong… and we observed them constantly."
The Guardian's tone grew somber.
"We prepared for everything. But we never imagined that our greatest enemy would not be other civilizations…"
"…but the universe itself."