Sylas was sitting at a heavy wooden table near the back of the lobby, deep in conversation with another member of the Vanguard. The other person was gesturing broadly over a piece of parchment, but the moment Aster stepped off the final step of the grand staircase, Sylas's sharp eyes tracked him down.
Sylas offered a brief, polite nod to his companion, excusing himself from the conversation. He stood up, smoothing down his tunic, and walked over to meet Aster halfway across the bustling room.
"You look a hundred times better," Sylas said, looking him over with an approving nod. The cold water had clearly shocked some life back into Aster's face, even if the faint shadows of a headache still lingered in his eyes. "The uniform suits you. Comfortable enough?"
Aster shrugged slightly, adjusting the heavy fabric of the tunic. "It fits. That's about all I can ask for right now."
"Good. Survival doesn't care much about high fashion anyway," Sylas said with a light chuckle, gesturing toward a quieter corner of the main hall away from the foot traffic. "Come on. Let's grab some food, sit down, and finally get you those answers."
Sylas led Aster to a quieter, smaller table tucked away from the main rush of the hall. A server soon brought over two wooden bowls filled with a thick, hearty meat and vegetable stew alongside chunks of dark bread. It smelled incredible, and Aster's stomach gave an aggressive rumble, reminding him just how long it had been since he last ate.
But as soon as the bowls hit the table and Sylas took his seat, Aster leaned forward. He didn't even pick up his spoon yet the questions were burning a hole in his chest.
"What were those things in the lobby?" Aster asked immediately, his voice low but intense. "Those flying animal things? And honestly... what is this world? Kaoru and Fleur said they've been here for four years. How do we kill those monsters out there? How does any of this work?"
Sylas didn't seem surprised by the sudden interrogation. He picked up a piece of bread, tore it in half, and pointed it toward Aster's bowl. "Eat while I talk. You'll need the energy."
Aster hesitated, then grabbed his spoon and took a hot, savory bite as Sylas began to explain.
Sylas's expression softened, carrying a heavy weight of history. "As for why we are here... it's because the people of this world desperately cried out for salvation. For years, the monsters have gone too far, pushing humanity to the absolute brink of extinction. After years of their begging and prayers, God finally answered. God started pulling people from normal, peaceful worlds—like yours—and sending them here. By granting you a divine spark of magic, God turns ordinary people into the heroes this world so desperately needs to survive."
The Five Sovereigns
Sylas traced a rough circle on the wooden table with his finger. "This entire world is ruled by Five Different Lords, each a Sovereign over a fundamental force. This sanctuary where we live is under the direct protection of the Sovereign of Balance, Neolux, who maintains equilibrium among the forces and protects the human world."
He briefly broke down the other four rulers
Sovereign of Light — Seraphine Valebriare: Keeper of the Land of Gods. Her domain is the Path of Silver, pure, radiant, and holy.
Sovereign of Darkness — Morvane: Ruler of the Vantaris Abyss. His is the Black-Purple Path, where darkness crystallizes into power.
Sovereign of Ice — Serin: Sovereign of the eternal northern snows. Her Blue Path is transparent and serene, like a frozen lake.
Sovereign of Fire — Caelis: Commander of the red desert of Kha'reth. His Blazing Red Path echoes with the roar of living fire.
Unlocking Your Power
"Every Chosen receives a divine spark of magic directly from God," Sylas explained, leaning forward. "But you don't have to travel to Seraphine's distant lands to get it. Instead, every kingdom houses a massive, sacred site known as the God's Heart."
"Now, about those flying creatures you saw downstairs," Sylas continued, leaning forward. "They aren't just random pets or monsters we tamed. That animal is actually a part of our heart."
He looked directly at Aster, explaining the sacred process. "Every kingdom houses a massive, sacred rock known as the God's Heart. Tomorrow, I'm taking you to the one right here in Neolux's kingdom. The moment you step up and touch that rock, you will receive your divine magic. But that's not all."
Sylas pointed to his own chest. "With that magic, you will summon an animal directly from your heart. That animal becomes a literal part of your soul. You and that creature are completely connected—you feel what it feels, and it feels what you feel. And when it's time to fight monsters? That animal can actually turn into your weapon, coated in your awakened energy. That is how we cut those beasts down."
He looked directly at Aster. "Tomorrow, I'm taking you to the God's Heart right here in Neolux's kingdom. It's there that your soul will connect with the divine energy, and we'll finally see which of those five paths your power aligns with. Once your magic awakens, you'll be able to coat your weapons in your own energy and actually kill the monsters out there. Do you understand what you're facing now, Aster?"