Chương 86: Chapter 84: The First Guardian

The colossal golden eye stared into the cathedral. It did not radiate bloodlust. It did not threaten. Yet every soul present instinctively lowered their gaze. Its presence transcended power itself. The entire Shadow Sanctuary trembled as if welcoming an ancient king. The black chains wrapped around the abyss began breaking one after another. CRACK. CRACK. CRACK. The sound echoed endlessly beneath Noctis. The Guardian fell to one knee. His body trembled uncontrollably.

"No..."

"It cannot awaken." Rayan caught him before he collapsed.

"Who is it?" The old spirit looked into the abyss. His ancient eyes reflected memories thousands of years old.

"It isn't a monster."

"It isn't an Archon."

"It isn't Origin." His voice shook.

"It is the first being ever entrusted with protecting the balance between Heaven and Humanity." The golden eye slowly blinked. A wave of ancient Astra swept through the cathedral. Michael immediately planted his spear into the ground.

"Celestial Barrier!" Six enormous circles of golden light surrounded everyone. Even then... The barrier cracked. Lines spread across its surface. Michael's expression hardened.

"Impossible..."

"I cannot withstand its aura." Kael simply watched. His calm smile never faded.

"You finally woke up." Deep within the abyss... A deep voice echoed. Not through the air. Through every soul.

"Who disturbs the Covenant?" The cathedral became deathly silent. No one dared answer. Finally... Kael stepped forward. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

"I do." The eye slowly focused on him.

"Bearer of the Black Sun..."

"You have broken the seal."

"I have."

"Why?" Kael looked upward.

"Because this world has been living inside a lie." Golden light erupted from the abyss. A massive stone platform slowly rose toward the surface. Standing upon it... Was a giant. Nearly fifteen meters tall. His armor resembled polished white stone covered in ancient golden inscriptions. His long silver hair reached his waist. A broken golden crown rested upon his head. Instead of carrying a weapon... He held an enormous shield. A shield scarred by countless wars. The Guardian whispered,"Atlas..."

"The First Guardian." Atlas slowly stepped onto the cathedral floor. Every step shook the entire city. He looked toward Michael. Then Kael. Finally... His gaze settled upon Rayan. The moment their eyes met... The Dharma Astra inside Rayan erupted. Golden flames surrounded his body. The crystal around his neck floated into the air. Valen's emblem glowed brightly. Arkan's emblem answered. Atlas narrowed his eyes.

"The Eighth Flame..." Everyone looked toward Rayan. The Guardian frowned.

"Eighth?" Atlas continued.

"Not the First.""Not the Last."

"But the one chosen after the Seven." Kael's smile disappeared.

"What did you say?" Atlas ignored him. His gaze never left Rayan. **"Approach." The entire cathedral held its breath. Michael immediately stepped forward.

"Guardian!"

"You must not trust him." Atlas looked at the Archon. One glance. Nothing more. Michael's body froze completely. His divine aura disappeared. He could no longer move. Atlas turned back toward Rayan. **"Come." Rayan slowly walked forward. Every step felt heavier than the last. The closer he came... The louder the Dharma Astra resonated. His heartbeat matched its rhythm. Golden flames illuminated the cathedral. Until... He stood directly before the First Guardian. Atlas placed one enormous hand upon Rayan's forehead.

Instantly— The world disappeared. Rayan found himself standing within an endless ocean of stars. Countless golden threads stretched across the cosmos. Each thread connected one life to another. Kingdoms. Families. Heroes. Enemies. Everything. At the center of this celestial ocean stood Atlas. Smaller now. Almost human.

"This..." Atlas said softly.

"... is the Thread of Destiny." Rayan looked around in awe.

"So many..." Atlas nodded.

"Every choice."

"Every sacrifice."

"Every death."

"They are all remembered." Rayan hesitated before asking the question that had haunted him since meeting Kael.

"Is Heaven truly our enemy?" Atlas remained silent. Then... He gently cut one golden thread with his finger. Immediately... Thousands of others snapped. An entire constellation disappeared.

"That..."

"... is why balance exists." He looked directly into Rayan's eyes.

"Neither Heaven..."

"Nor Humanity..."

"Can exist alone." Rayan frowned.

"Then why are we fighting?" Atlas sighed.

"Because someone..."

"... cut the first thread." Images flashed before Rayan. Arkan. Queen Seraphina. Kael. The First Child. A great golden tree reaching beyond the heavens. Then— A shadow. Someone stood beneath the tree. Their face remained hidden. Yet one thing was unmistakable. They wore a crown unlike any king. Not gold. Not silver. A crown made of stars themselves. Atlas's voice became grave.

"The True Enemy has never revealed itself." The vision shattered. Rayan returned to the cathedral. Only a single second had passed. Atlas slowly removed his hand. His ancient eyes carried both hope... And sorrow.

"You are not ready." The words struck harder than any sword. Kael laughed softly.

"I told you." Michael lowered his head. Even the Guardian looked disappointed. Rayan clenched his fists.

"Then tell me."

"What am I missing?" Atlas looked toward the heavens.

"The final virtue." Silence filled the cathedral.

"The Dharma Astra has seven virtues."

"You possess only two."

"Courage."

"And Leadership." He raised one finger.

"But the final virtue..."

"... cannot be inherited." Rayan stared at him.

"Then how do I obtain it?" Atlas slowly smiled. The first genuine smile since awakening.

"By losing everything." The cathedral suddenly shook violently. A deafening explosion echoed outside. One of the Alliance soldiers burst through the ruined entrance, covered in blood.

"Your Highness!" His voice cracked with terror.

"The capital..."

"Ayanor..."

"It's under attack!" Rayan's face turned pale.

"By Heaven?" The soldier shook his head. Tears streamed down his face.

"No..."

"It's the Black Sun."

"And..." He struggled to breathe.

"King Dasrath..."

"... has fallen." The world stopped. Shadowbreaker slipped from Rayan's hand and crashed against the stone floor. For the first time since beginning his journey... The heir of Dharma Astra felt utterly powerless. To Be Continue....