The Truth of the Guardian

The stars above Altropolis align in a perfect circle. The Celestial Order summons Kaldar to their realm—not for a test, but for a reckoning.

The Realm of the Order

Kaldar steps into a chamber of infinite light. Seven cloaked figures stand in silence. The air hums with ancient power.

Order Envoy: You have walked the path. Faced your extremes. Forged bonds. Defied darkness.

Kaldar: I’ve done what I had to.

Order Envoy: And now you must understand what you are.

A central pedestal rises. A glowing sphere hovers above it—pulsing with layered memories.

Order Envoy: The Guardian is not a warrior. Not a title. Not a legacy.

Kaldar: Then what is it?

Order Envoy: It is a force. A balance. A living will born from the collapse of the first universe. It chooses vessels—not to fight—but to preserve.

Kaldar sees visions: the first Guardian, a being of light formed from cosmic grief. Then others—some noble, some monstrous. All chosen. All temporary.

Order Envoy: Your father was chosen. Belfrost was chosen. Now you are. But the Guardian is not yours. You are its steward.

Kaldar steps forward, heart pounding.

Kaldar: So I’m just a vessel?Order Envoy: You are more. You are the first to question it. To shape it. To humanize it.

The Choice

Order Envoy: You must choose.

Ascend: Become the Guardian fully. Shed your humanity. Become eternal.

Remain: Stay mortal. Keep your bonds. But risk being unworthy when the next crisis comes.

Kaldar looks down—thinking of Riko, Tess, Claw, Crystal. Of Altropolis. Of Bismuth. Of himself.

Kaldar: I choose… to remain.

Order Envoy: Then the Guardian will remain with you. But it will test you. Again and again.

Kaldar nods.

Kaldar: Let it. I’ll prove myself every time.Return to Earth

Kaldar awakens in his room. The stars outside shimmer. Crystal hovers beside him.

Crystal: You okay?

Kaldar: I saw everything. And I chose us.

He walks to the window. Riko and Tess wave from below. The world feels heavier—but clearer.

The Spark of Volume III

In the void between realms, Sulmento watches. His form is fractured—but his will is intact.

Sulmento: He chose humanity. Then he will bleed with it.

A new figure steps beside him—cloaked, silent, eyes glowing with ancient fire.

Sulmento: The Order has awakened. So shall we?

End of Volume II (Next: Volume III – War of the Forgotten)