Sylvester held some details back while openly revealing some others. The Guardians were the people he was going to leave the world to when he went to the Demon Realm, or focused on battling the two Primordial Gods, although he had no idea how he was going to do that.
"...These two Primordial Gods are more powerful than any entity you can imagine. Space, time, fate, past, present, or future; Everything rests within their control. They were the ones who forced Saint Scepter to do all that he did. They are the ones who destroyed all our knowledge that goes beyond five thousand years in the past. They killed all beings that knew about that era.
"I still don't know what their ultimate goal is. But from what we've already seen, it can be anything but our well-being," Sylvester explained what kind of threat they were facing. He went into detail, informing them of various events throughout history, even showing them the Tome of the Gods he had received from Avanss in the past.
"Not even Solis?" Soulbreaker asked. "Can't Solis defeat them?"
"I don't think so. But it would explain why I was born with the abilities I have. Why I've been led to this very moment.. It's all to prepare us for the inevitable," Sylvester said, a grand hypothesis in itself. "I believe the Demon Realm is under the same threat as we are. Thus, I've decided to pay them a visit."
The Guardians silently digested the revelations Sylvester made. Each of them tried to think of a reason, a way to defeat the so-called Primordial Gods. They didn't doubt Sylvester's words, but did wonder if the enemy was really that powerful.
"What do you wish to gain from going to the Demon Realm?" Asked Julius with a stoic expression, even though he and Raz already knew about his plan to go there. "They have done nothing but bring destruction and death to our world all these years."
"That is one of the things I wish to uncover," Sylvester explained. "The time I fought Zama'tar, he acted much wiser than any Demon I've ever seen. He spoke of urgency. But considering the increased number of demon possessions in the past few months, I wish to either end them or find out if they want to ally with me. I'll see if they possess information about these gods, more than us."
"It's dangerous," Aurora exclaimed with worry clear in her voice. After all, Sylvester was like a brother to her. "How many Supreme Wizards will be there? What if there's someone above a Supreme Wizard there? We know nothing about that world."
"And that's what makes it dangerous to us as well. What if they attack us when we're busy? All our hard work to bring peace will fall to ruins," Sylvester argued, his eyes noticing Xavia's unusually silent behavior. He expected her to shed a few tears in worry.
"Xavia, tell him it's a bad idea," Aurora nudged her self-proclaimed sister.
Xavia looked at Sylvester, finally showing some worry. But she didn't seem too scared. "I have doubted Sylvester's decisions many times in the past. But every time, I was proven wrong. Every time, he overcame, albeit with some losses. He is the Pope, and I am in no position to stop him. I can only bless him as a mother, and follow his guidance as a Bright Mother."
"If it is His Holiness' decision, then that is the Lord's will," Inquisitor High Lord voiced just then, his tone sounding much clearer without his visor. "The Demons have caused chaos for us oftentimes in the past. The massive unpaid toll has now amassed. So believe in the Pope's decision. Believe in the idea he envisions."
'As always, my most loyal guardian.' Sylvester nodded appreciatively.
"All of you. Consider it a fact that I will leave, and it will happen in ten months. At this time, I want all of you to focus on erasing all the core problems that plague our society. The Tears of Solis issue, the surveillance of Beastaria, and its subsequent inclusion into our economy, as well as various minor issues. I have no idea how long it will keep me away from the Holy Land, so I'll be putting the administration of the Holy Land in your hands," Sylvester announced, giving them a major purpose and goal at last. No more were they to sit idly and wait for something to happen.
With that, Sylvester stood up and looked at everyone's faces. "Guardians of the faith… You are now also the Guardians of this world. We have a purpose, a magnificent purpose. If we fail, the evil gods win, and if we win—we shall design the destiny of this reality. The dragons, elves, and all the kingdoms have been subdued—it's time this story concludes."
"We shall fight any enemy, any evil god that comes our way. No matter their power, no amount of fear shall have us sway." Lord Inquisitor also stood up and placed his visor back on, "If this battle is the end and a new beginning of this world's story—in battle, in death for this purpose lay my glory."
"So will I." Emperor Raz stood up next, "I have no reason to exist after spending the past few thousand years as a wandering, aimless lich. His Holiness showed me a path to happiness and acceptance by the people. I never would have imagined children would ever swing on my femur bone and laugh, stealing my arm and playing chase. To protect this little happiness I got, I will fight with everything I have."
'Of all the people, this one is perhaps living the most unique and interesting life,' Sylvester couldn't help but think that after hearing Raz's oath-like words.
"Agreed. There has never been this much peace in Sol or Beastaria, and I'm a few hundred years old," Even Julius agreed with that. "I know the circumstances by which I joined you all. But that does not change the fact that I appreciate this peace. And I will protect it."
One by one, all of the members agreed to do whatever was needed to maintain peace in Sylvester's absence. Aurora agreed last.
"At this rate, you will soon rise above Supreme Wizard," Aurora commented after agreeing and standing up.
'I think I already have, physically,' Sylvester reckoned. But Nehilius needed to remain a mystery.
"And that's what I am aiming for. That's what we need to fight those incomprehensible creatures," Sylvester replied and walked over to the side of the room to pick up his mitre and the spear. "Let's go to the Soul Peninsula to discuss the rest of the matters. It's been a while since I saw Ashra, the serpent."
However, before he left, he looked at the kitchen sink where all the plates were. They were all made of ceramics, which meant earth. So, not wanting to leave too much work for Xavia, he raised his hand towards it, and magic happened.
All the plates broke apart with noise and eventually turned into fine powder. The waste was removed from it, and after that, Sylvester re-formed all the plates. Properly stacked, looking brand new.
"T-That…" Headmaster Geralt exclaimed. "What a marvelous way to wash dishes. Perhaps the kitchen wizards in School of Dawn will find this helpful."
"You can't do it." Julius bluntly replied. "You need absolute control over Earth Elemental for this. Most don't have that… not even Grand Wizards."
"Indeed," Bloodrain affirmed.
"Kitchen magic….." Geralt still insisted. "Perhaps a new branch of magic can be added to the curriculum."
"..."
Sylvester was speechless but didn't interrupt and just led the Guardians out of the balcony, making them walk behind him on the Light Tiles he had created for everyone.
…
"Hissss…!"
As soon as Sylvester landed on one of the massive branches of the Soul Tree, he heard the slithering voice of Ashra, the beautiful giant snake with scales of Mythril. She seemed to have a sixth sense regarding Sylvester, always knowing when he was in close proximity.
"Haha," Sylvester allowed her to rub her head on his chest. The size difference was huge, but no matter how much force she applied, Sylvester didn't even move an inch. Rather, he patted her head and cooed. "Have you been good?"
The big snake bobbed her head vigorously; her round eyes showed nothing but delight.
'I think I have an affinity with animals,' Sylvester reckoned and let Miraj fly to her and talk in secret.
Meanwhile, Sylvester focused on the group of Guardians he had brought. They were being too silent for some reason, so he looked back. To his amusement, they were all focused on something else—staring at a part of the massive vertical branch of the Soul Tree, close to the one they stood on.
"What happened?" He asked and walked over to them.
"We found something written on the tree, Your Holiness," Soulbreaker notified.
'No… It can't be.' Sylvester felt his interest piqued like nothing else.
Parting the small crowd, he arrived in front and looked at the words. And there they were in all their glory. "When I thought it couldn't get any worse."
"It got worse," Lord Inquisitor muttered, aware of the other inscriptions as well. "That wretched, unholy knight. It seems he never fought someone to bring him to light."
"This could mean he became a Clergyman at some point. Perhaps we can find clues about him in the records," Bloodrain suggested.
Aurora looked at them confusedly and read the words out loud. "O' Solis, what have I done? This is the heresy of the highest order. Why am I like this? Why can't I control myself? The Countess gave birth to my son, the Count's daughter, sister, and mother too… And Lord Count made me their godfather. O' Solis, just kill me… I'm such a fiend. Maybe I should chop my tool and join those pathetic celibate preachers… Who wrote this?"
All the Guardians look at each other's faces awkwardly since they were the 'pathetic celibate preachers' mentioned in that message.
"What a nice branch. It'd be a shame if I used it to make a special carriage for myself," Sylvester annoyedly muttered.
"I shall speak with the dwarves," Aurora added.
"..."
Thank you for reading. Gifts and GT votes are highly appreciated.
