Point of View: Eldrin
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy—almost suffocating. The Guardian's words fell like massive stones upon our minds, filling the space with uncertainty and fear.
He continued, his voice dark and measured, each word deliberate.
"The universe laid a trap for us. And in that moment of weakness, the most powerful civilizations seized the opportunity… and attacked."
The images projected before us shifted. Our planet was surrounded by countless beings of different races, assaulting it mercilessly. Cities burned. The skies were filled with flying creatures. Beams of energy lashed across the land like whips of destruction.
Each scene tightened my chest further. A knot formed in my throat.
"The war was long," the Guardian went on. "In the end, the previous Guardian understood that we were doomed. None of us would survive. So… she chose to perform a forbidden art."
The image changed to a golden woman radiating blinding light, her brilliance standing against an overwhelming darkness. Around her, the invading forces were dragged away and scattered, unable to resist.
"With her life—and the lives of all the Ascended who aided her—she erased every trace of our existence from the universe and hid us in a secluded corner of reality."
The planet gradually faded from view, frozen in time. Its inhabitants were suspended in a limbo of pure energy.
A heavy silence filled the hall.
"With the last of her strength, she created the Genesis Records," the Guardian said, his eyes slowly scanning each of us to ensure we understood the magnitude of what had occurred.
Sylvanas frowned and asked tensely, "Is the universe still attacking us?"
The Guardian nodded, his expression grave.
"Yes. The Genesis Records protect us, but their full effect only activates once a planet reaches Level 2. Before that… they can fail."
Xyra tilted her head slightly, her voice calm but sharp.
"And how does that affect us directly?"
"Severely," the Guardian replied. "The universe has raised the difficulty of the Tribulation to absurd levels. Previously, the Tribulation was a price we paid to strengthen and protect ourselves. It was never meant to be this lethal."
Ragnar slammed his paw against the table, fury blazing in his eyes.
"How lethal?"
The Guardian exhaled deeply, resignation shadowing his face.
"To ascend to Level 2, the probability of death is eighty percent. For planetary leaders or key figures… like you, it rises to ninety-five percent."
Silence.
It pressed down on us like an invisible weight. A chill ran down my spine. My hands trembled slightly, and I could feel the tension in every controlled breath around me.
"But the worst part," the Guardian continued slowly, "is that to ascend to Level 3 or beyond… the probability of death is one hundred percent."
The silence deepened, so thick it almost seemed to vibrate in the air.
Sylvanas crossed her arms, steadying her breathing. Lysera remained composed, though concern flickered faintly in her crimson eyes.
The Guardian's gaze shifted between them.
"That is why I called you here. But I must confess… I am surprised that two of you managed to ascend despite a ninety-five percent mortality rate. I doubt the others would succeed under the same conditions…"
Ragnar was the first to break.
He rose with a roar that shook the walls of the hall.
"There has to be a solution, doesn't there?! Or did you summon us here just to deliver bad news?! Answer me!!"
His eyes burned with fury and indignation. I couldn't blame him. We all felt the same helplessness—he simply voiced it aloud.
The Guardian looked at us, weary yet resolute.
"Yes. There is a solution. But I need your help."
"What do you require?" I asked firmly. "Arcadia will commit all necessary resources. Just say the word."
The others nodded. Determination replaced hesitation. None of us were willing to accept death. None of us would surrender what we had built.
The Guardian extended his hands. Before us appeared stars and planets floating in space.
"Do not worry," he said calmly. "It is only an illusion. I will show you the solution."
He stepped forward and pointed toward one of the planets.
"We can reduce the difficulty of the Tribulation to a survivable level. But to do so… we must pay with Fortune and Destiny."
The planet enlarged before our eyes, its energy radiating outward.
"We must invade other civilizations and seize their Fortune and Destiny. Only then can we survive."
His voice grew colder. Heavier.
"Prepare yourselves. If you wish to live, we must wage war. I will give you one month to plan and gather everything you need."
He paused, then added,
"When the time comes, I will summon you again and transport you to the target planet. Bring whatever you require. For now… you may return."
With a simple gesture, the hall vanished.
I found myself back in Arcadia.
I stared out the window, clenched my fist, and drew a deep breath.
I will not allow this city—the one we built together—to fall.
Leaving my office, I summoned the entire council. We had no time to waste.
War loomed on the horizon.
And every second counted.