"Eternal? Isn't that the title for those at the peak of the Fourth Realm?"
Zatiel knew he had become extremely powerful, and even those capable of using temporary Late Stage power, like Zork and Nork's remnants, could not endure a single attack that carried all his might.
However, he was oblivious to where he stood in the Fourth Realm. After all, it seemed that no one had yet to figure out the next step.
A flash of light appeared across the blind eyes of the Guardian as he uttered the following words.
"Empyrean Paragon of the Daybreak-Verse. Your evolution to the Reality Override Realm was extraordinary in every sense of the word. The moment you were able to understand the true nature of reality, you earned the right to call yourself an Eternal."
Zatiel's eyes narrowed as he focused on the Guardian, and they were sharp as his soul force burst, allowing him to see the true nature of reality.
Once again, a white sheet spread across existence, but just like with Zork and Nork, a wave of surprise assaulted the Samsara Thearch's mind.
The letters that represented the true identity of the Guardian were blurry as if someone had written over the original text.
Zatiel could not help but frown, and as he turned toward the Oblivion Gate, he saw a single word.
EXIT.
The Guardian's eyes returned to normal, and now Zatiel could finally see the man's true identity.
"Guide?"
Zatiel was a little confused about why the man who was supposed to guard the Oblivion Gate would be The Guide of the Daybreak-Verse.
The Guardian simply nodded as he heard Zatiel utter that word.
Zatiel's eyes grew sharp, and a flash of killing intent emerged in his soul when he "Can you tell me what happened here? I see that someone restored the energy core of the Oblivion Gate. Was it your maker?"
Zatiel did not know whether the Guardian would answer his question, but he preferred a respectful approach with the man since he sincerely respected this one.
Luckily, the Guardian seemed more than willing to answer his question.
"My maker did fix the energy core but did it from the other side of the gate. As for my knowledge, that was also unlocked shortly after your evolution and interaction with The Arch-Antagonist."
Zatiel's eyes grew sharp, and a flash of killing intent emerged in his soul when he heard that last part. He could see that the term Arch-Antagonist was not a mere title but something with a much deeper meaning.
"Arch-Antagonist? Are you referring to the Beyonder's true identity?"
The Guardian's expression grew solemn as he nodded.
"After the entity's interaction with you and his influence in the Empyrean Pillars of the Verse, he managed to evolve beyond The Antagonist of the Daybreak Verse."
Zatiel clenched his fists with all his strength as he heard that. He was furious with himself for how he behaved during their initial meeting.
The evolution of his consciousness and realization of the true nature of reality affected Zatiel greatly, so he could not see the true purpose of the Beyonder's words until it was too late.
"You are the Sacred Child of the Verse, and the Creator's Path declares your victory against The Antagonist, but the Beyonder has already deviated from the path more than once. Thinking that your success is sealed in destiny would be a great mistake."
The Guardian's voice was severe but respectful, as the information he shared was something of great importance.
Zatiel stared at the Guardian for a moment before turning to the Oblivion Gate.
"This is the Exit. If I pass through it, I would be adventuring beyond the Daybreak Verse, right?"
A Verse was not something that could be defined by length and wideness. It was a section of reality that went beyond space-time, and that was incredibly difficult to leave and even more to enter.
"You are right, Eternal. The Oblivion Gate leads to the Empyrean Axis Bastion, a place connected to the Creator. However, I was told that you are not ready to enter it until you overcome the final threat."
Zatiel showed a cold smile as he heard those words before walking toward the Oblivion Gate.
"I do not let the words of others limit my path."
Before the Guardian could say a word, Zatiel put both his hands on the gates and began to push them.
"BOOOOOMMMMMMM!"
A burst of immense energy emerged from Zatiel's body as he sought to forcefully open the Oblivion Gate in the opposite direction its maker intended for it to work.
The Guardian could do nothing to stop Zatiel. Not only did he lack strength, but the burst of energy almost sent him flying away.
Zatiel's muscles bulged as he pushed the gate with more and more strength. He unleashed the full power of his soul force and energy, unleashing a might that could sunder billions of light years with his bare hands.
Yet, despite all that power, Zatiel was still forced to use the force of his White Sun Pupil. Only then did his body gain the strength to override reality.
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
An even mightier blast of energy emerged as the gate began to split apart, showing a majestic golden light that could blind Initial Stage life forms.
The Guardian had been sent flying away by that last blast, but his heart was full of awe as he saw the incredible feat performed by Zatiel.
'That is right. Why would someone at the Reality Override Realm accept the words of others and not follow their own desires.'
Although Zatiel's behavior was against the wishes of his maker, the Guardian could not help but feel admiration toward the man.
Zatiel showed a fierce smile as the force of his White Sun Pupil burst with more and more power. He managed to open the Oblivion Gate enough to see what was on the other side, and a sense of wonder overcame his soul.
It was extremely far away, so much that he could only discern a small dot of red fire, but he knew that was the closest thing to the origin of all things.
"A world with the form of a red sun."
