"There's something that doesn't make sense to me," I said. "Why did those bases have system protection in the first place? Hollow Star are traitors to the Prime Universe. Why would the System protect them?"
Xeron sighed softly.
"That… is a little complicated."
He folded his arms and leaned back slightly.
"The man who founded Hollow Star was something called a Defender. Do you know what that means?"
I shook my head.
Xeron continued.
"Defenders are the System's chosen champions. The closest thing the Prime Universe has to ultimate heroes. When the System identifies individuals with extraordinary potential and unwavering will to protect the universe, it raises them up and grants them authority and resources."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"They fight against the worst threats to existence. Rift incursions. Eternal invasions. Catastrophic entities. Things normal civilizations cannot even comprehend."
I listened silently.
