The sun was setting over Nyvaris, casting its golden glow over the serene and peaceful city. It had been months since the world had been saved from the onslaught of Feldway and Zelanus, and life had resumed in the Cardinal World. The barrier that Varvatos had cast around Nyvaris still stood strong, protecting the kingdom from any remaining threats. Sarion was under the same protection, and the Cardinal World was starting to heal from the wounds of war.
The people praised Varvatos, their hero who had saved them from certain destruction, but his mind was far from peaceful. His actions had silenced the enemies who had threatened the world, but now, a new thought troubled him—a thought that had begun to consume his every waking moment.
Sitting alone in the grand, well-lit living room of his palace, Varvatos stared out the window at the quiet city below. There was a palpable stillness in the air—a silence that felt heavy. Velzard, his closest confidant and ally, stood beside him, her usual cold demeanor softened by a hint of concern. She had been observing him for some time now, but for the first time, she saw something in his eyes that she had never seen before—uncertainty.
Finally, breaking the silence, she spoke, her voice gentle yet filled with curiosity.
"Varvatos, you've been like this for days. What's on your mind?"
Varvatos didn't immediately respond. His gaze remained fixed on the horizon, as if searching for answers in the distance. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice heavy with thought.
"The system… The Cardinal World system," he began, his tone darker than usual. "Feldway and Zelanus cornered the Demon Lords, yes, but they didn't beat us. We pushed them back, as I knew we would. The system, though… The system was never designed for this kind of conflict. It's outdated. It's fragile."
Velzard blinked, clearly confused. "But it was designed by Veldanava, wasn't it? Even I don't fully understand it, but I've trusted it. After all, it's stood for eons. How could it be fragile?"
Varvatos turned to face her, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Because Veldanava is gone," he said bluntly. "And since his death, no one has replaced him. No one has taken his place as the true guardian of this world. The system lacks a true protector, Velzard. The Cardinal World is missing the one thing it needs to survive—someone who understands the depths of its power, someone who can oversee and control it. Without that guardian, this world will always be vulnerable."
Velzard took a step back, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean? You can't possibly mean…"
Varvatos' gaze hardened as he stepped closer, his voice steady but laden with an undeniable certainty.
"If I don't take control, Velzard, someone else will. And who knows what dangers lie out there, beyond the Cardinal World. The universe is vast—so much remains hidden in its depths. Do you think we're the only ones with ambition? The only ones with power? There are other forces in the cosmos—forces we have no knowledge of, beings with far greater intentions than Feldway and Zelanus ever had. And if they learn how weak this world truly is, they will come. And when they do, I won't be able to stop them unless I take the reins now."
Velzard's eyes widened in shock as she took in his words. This wasn't like Varvatos. He had always been patient, always waiting for the right moment to act. But now, his tone held an urgency she had never heard before.
"But... Varvatos, the system was Veldanava's creation. It was his vision, his dream for this world. To just… take it over…" Her voice trailed off, uncertainty in her heart. "How can you be sure that you're the one who should do this? What makes you think you're the one to bear that responsibility?"
Varvatos met her gaze squarely, his eyes full of resolve. "Because I'm the only one who can."
His words hit Velzard like a cold wave. She had always known Varvatos was powerful, perhaps even more powerful than anyone else in the world, but to hear him speak with such certainty about taking over the very system that had held the Cardinal World together… it was a terrifying thought. The balance of the entire world could be in his hands, and he knew it.
"I understand your hesitation," Varvatos continued, his voice softer now but still unwavering. "But Veldanava is gone. His time has passed. And without someone to maintain this world's balance, we risk everything. This world, these people, they need someone who can guide them. They need someone who will ensure they are never again at the mercy of those who would destroy them. If not me, then who?"
Velzard stood in stunned silence, unable to argue against the truth in his words. She knew he was right. Without Veldanava, no one had taken up the mantle of guardian. And if no one did, then the system would continue to deteriorate, vulnerable to forces both known and unknown.
But still, the weight of his decision pressed heavily on her. To assume control of such a power… it was a responsibility like no other.
"Varvatos…" Velzard said quietly, her voice trembling ever so slightly, "If you do this... there's no turning back. You'll be the one who holds the fate of this world in your hands."
Varvatos nodded solemnly, his gaze shifting toward the horizon once more. "I know. But I've never shied away from responsibility. I'm ready.
If I don't take control, someone else will come and tear everything apart. This world... it needs to be reborn, Velzard. And I will be the one to do it."
A tense silence filled the room. Velzard could feel the weight of his words pressing down on her, and yet, deep down, she knew he was right. The Cardinal World was teetering on the edge, vulnerable to any threat that came its way. Only someone with the strength and understanding of the system could protect it from what lay beyond.
Finally, Velzard stepped forward, her voice steady as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Then I'll stand with you, Varvatos. Whatever comes, I'll stand by your side."
Varvatos looked at her, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. "Thank you, Velzard. I knew I could count on you."
He turned back to the window, staring out at the world he had fought so hard to protect. "The Cardinal World must evolve. It must be reshaped. And if I am the one to do it, then so be it."
As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, the world outside seemed to hold its breath. The winds had shifted, and the future of the Cardinal World was about to change forever. Varvatos was ready to take control, to reshape the world in his image. And this time, no force would stand in his way.