The days passed slowly after Varvatos' decision was made. The world outside remained quiet, but the storm within him only grew stronger. He had made up his mind — it was time.
It was time to step into the role that had remained empty since the fall of Veldanava.
It was time to claim the keys of the Cardinal World.
No more waiting. No more illusions of safety.
Though powerful beings roamed the world — Guy Crimson, Milim Nava, Luminous Valentine, the Demon Lords who ruled with terrifying strength — Varvatos knew the truth.
Compared to the threats lurking beyond the stars, even they were but flickering candles in an endless night.
The attacks by Feldway and Zelanus had exposed it. The world was far weaker than anyone had dared admit.
And so, with solemn resolve, Varvatos prepared to depart on a journey only he could take.
The evening was cool and clear when Varvatos summoned his loyal generals to the grand hall of Nyvaris' palace. The great stone pillars loomed around them, their surfaces etched with ancient runes that glowed softly under the moonlight. The air was thick with anticipation.
One by one, they arrived.
Velzard, calm and collected, though her sharp blue eyes betrayed the tension she felt.
Veldora, full of blustering energy, his aura barely contained as he strode in.
Diablo, ever-smiling, but there was a rare flicker of unease in his eyes.
Benimaru, steadfast and serious, leading the others.
Ranga, padding silently beside him, ears flicking nervously.
Shion, Shuna, Souei, Hakuro, Rigur — each of them, pillars of Varvatos' reign, gathered with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
The hall was filled with the low hum of murmured conversations, speculation rippling through the ranks.
Something was happening. Something big.
When Varvatos finally entered, the room fell utterly silent.
He walked with an aura of finality, his every step echoing like a drumbeat. His black cloak trailed behind him, and his golden eyes gleamed with a purpose none had seen before.
He stood before them, silent for a long moment, surveying the faces of his trusted comrades.
Then, in a deep and steady voice, he spoke.
"I have called you all here for a reason."
His words cut through the air like a blade. The generals leaned in instinctively.
"I will be leaving."
The reaction was immediate.
Benimaru stiffened, his brows furrowing in shock.
Shuna gasped softly, covering her mouth.
Souei's normally impassive face flickered with a rare hint of disbelief.
Diablo's crimson eyes narrowed in suspicion, while Ranga whimpered lowly.
Veldora immediately took a step forward, throwing his hands up.
"What!? Leaving? Where?!"
The room erupted into murmurs and whispered questions, confusion and fear buzzing like angry bees.
Only Velzard remained calm, standing silently beside Varvatos, her presence like an icy mountain at his back.
Varvatos raised a hand, and the room immediately fell silent again.
"Listen carefully," he said, his voice gentle yet commanding. "This is something only I can do. There are... places in this world that none of you can reach. Secrets deeper than anything you have seen."
Veldora's face crumpled into a childlike frown. "But I can go too! Wherever it is, I'll smash through it!"
A faint smile tugged at Varvatos' lips.
"You cannot, Veldora. Not this time. Even your power cannot open the door I must walk through. Only I can go. Only I am... meant to go."
Veldora looked utterly crushed, like a puppy denied a treat.
He slumped back, grumbling under his breath.
Benimaru, ever the pragmatic, stepped forward with a sharp gaze.
"Forgive me, Lord Varvatos, but... are you abandoning us?"
The question was blunt, but there was no malice — only fear.
Fear of losing their guiding star.
Varvatos shook his head firmly.
"No. I would never abandon you. This world is precious to me — you are all precious to me. I will return. I promise you that."
He turned his gaze across the room, meeting the eyes of each and every one of them, imprinting their faces into his memory.
"Nyvaris will remain strong. The barriers I have woven will protect it. And with all of you here, there is nothing to fear. I have faith in you. You are my pride."
Shuna wiped away a tear that had slipped down her cheek, while Shion tried — and failed — to maintain her composure, crossing her arms tightly.
Ranga whined low in his throat and pressed his body against Benimaru's leg for comfort.
Hakuro bowed deeply, his weathered face solemn.
"Then we shall guard your kingdom with our very lives until your return."
Souei, quiet as ever, simply nodded, but the glint in his eye spoke volumes.
Still, despite Varvatos' reassurance, the uncertainty hung heavy.
Diablo stepped forward, his usual sly smile replaced by a more earnest expression.
"My lord... if you truly must go, then allow us to prepare more protections. Reinforcements, perhaps—"
Varvatos cut him off with a slight wave of his hand.
"It is unnecessary. The danger that could threaten you now... is not of this world. Until I return, no enemy shall breach these walls."
His voice carried the absolute certainty of a sovereign speaking prophecy.
There was a long silence.
Then Velzard spoke, for the first time.
"We must trust him," she said, voice like an ancient glacier shifting. "This is greater than any of us. Greater than any Demon Lord or Dragon. Only Varvatos can do what must be done."
The others, hearing the rare gravity in Velzard's words, finally began to understand.
This was not an ordinary journey.
It was a destiny being fulfilled.
Varvatos, in stepping forward, was about to fill the void left by Veldanava himself.
He would claim the abandoned throne.
He would seize the Keys of the Cardinal World — the ultimate authority — before some darker force could reach it first.
Because the universe was vast, and there were things hidden in the stars that would make even Feldway and Zelanus seem like fleeting shadows.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Varvatos spoke once more.
"I do not know how long I will be gone. It could be days, years, or longer. But know this — I will return."
He let the words settle, iron and unshakable.
The room felt charged, as if the world itself were holding its breath.
"Until then," he continued, "Live. Protect. Grow stronger. And when I return, we will build a world where none shall fear the dark."
One by one, his generals dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in absolute loyalty.
"We await your return, my lord," Benimaru said solemnly, speaking for them all.
Veldora grinned and pounded his chest with a fist.
"You better come back, Varvatos! Or I'll come drag you back myself!"
For the first time that night, Varvatos chuckled softly.
"I'd like to see you try."
And with that, the decision was sealed.
The journey had begun.
The last light of day faded from the windows as Varvatos turned and walked away from his gathered family, the weight of destiny upon his shoulders.
He was going to where none could follow.
To claim the power that would safeguard the world — or doom it if it fell into the wrong hands.
The Forgotten Throne awaited.