A few seconds after the incident, a faint smile appeared on Leon's face as he looked toward Yuta, who was slowly sipping his coffee while returning the gaze.
"So, Yuto, why did you invite us to join the Versalkin Academy? Is there something specific you want to accomplish?"
Leon's tone carried a hint of mockery as he leaned back in his seat, watching Yuta.
"Nothing of great importance. I simply wanted you all to get some rest—you are my friends, and at the same time, you are the 'Narratives' within the Path of the Ruler. Am I not correct?"
Yuta's voice remained calm as he set his coffee cup down on the table.
He then turned his attention to Inuyasha, who tilted his head slightly toward his left shoulder while observing Yuta.
"As for the Narratives, there are six that have yet to appear—among them Higumi Fatsee (Nour al-Din), known as the 'Master of Classifications.' Then there are the 'Master of Trials,' the 'Narrative of Time,' the 'Absolute Imagination,' and the 'Dao of Origin'—all of whom remain unidentified."
"In every path, there are two individuals who hold the primary 'wings': the 'Descendant' and the 'Fragment of the Narrative.' We are the Fragments. As for the secondary and external wings, no two people share the same type, right? The 'True Origin,' meanwhile, exists somewhere unknown. That said, the true 'Master of Trials' has appeared several times—within those trials and secret tunnels—when addressing Zhao Li and Alessandra. Yet, it was only during the third trial that he revealed his true form, wasn't it?" Inuyasha's tone was calm, a confident smile gracing his face as he looked toward Yuta, who began to applaud.
*Clap... clap... clap...*
"Indeed, you are correct. There remain five unknown narrative fragments—the Master of Trials, Narrative Time, Absolute Imagination, and the Dao of Origin—whose identities are still a mystery. But do not worry; they will reveal themselves in due time.
For now, use the next 504 years to rest—though, for you, this will effectively amount to only 42 years of respite and strengthening—because things will become extremely dangerous thereafter. It is best to prepare thoroughly; peace does not last forever."
"These coming 504 years are to be spent preparing for the impending catastrophe. Everything we have faced—or will face—in the years ahead is merely a prelude, a tiny appetizer. Each of you must prepare well, starting now.
We are currently in the fifteenth era of the 'First Beginning' chronology—the 'Era of Beginning and End.' We will soon transition into the first era of the 'First End' chronology—the 'End of the Original Beginning'—which has only 600 years left before its conclusion. The final 96 years of this period will be consumed by 'Narrative Wars,' also known as the 'Wars of the Paths.'"
"These wars occur whenever the end of an era draws near. Yet, out of the 44 eras spanning three distinct phases, the events of only 12 are known; everything else—the very existence and narrative history of the other 32 eras—has been completely erased from the world." "No beings who lived through those eras remain—save for the guardians of the Tree of Existence and the keepers of the 27 Paths. Yet, even they do not necessarily recall what transpired back then."
Yuta's tone was calm. Furthermore, he had erected a barrier to prevent sensitive information from reaching the ears of anyone else inside the 'Ain al-Sultan' restaurant.
"So, you're saying there's something dangerous lurking in the shadows—something we are no match for? Is there any mention of this in that book—the one once known as 'The Great Outcast,' or what is now called *Between Creation and Dissolution*?"
Kazuhiro's voice was steady, laced with curiosity and other, less definable emotions.
Hearing this, Yuta turned his gaze toward the group—whose eyes were filled with skepticism—and tore the fabric of reality in two. From the rift, he drew forth a book bound in a darkness so profound it seemed to absorb all light.
Across its cover ran golden, vein-like patterns, as if blood were coursing through them. The title was inscribed in three distinct hues: a blackened violet, a bleached gold, and a deep, crimson red.
[*Between Creation and Dissolution*]
Yuta opened the book and began to read the first page in a calm, measured voice, paying no heed to the gazes fixed upon him.
"Between reality and illusion, between existence and non-existence, lies a thread as fine as a single hair—yet once crossed, there is no turning back. Life is beautiful, and existence is a treasure to those who have lost it; for one never truly grasps the value of a thing until it is gone. Absolute power—the pinnacle of strength—is neither static nor easily attained. Everything has its price—even dreams." [And to attain it, one must pay a heavy price.]
[Sometimes, the most beautiful things are the shortest-lived, not the longest. Whoever seeks power must bear its cost; whoever seeks knowledge must shoulder its burden; whoever seeks authority must carry the weight of its responsibility; and whoever seeks adventure must endure its risks. Indeed, anyone who chooses to do anything at all must accept the consequences—whether good or bad—and face the risks that follow.]
[Yet, power can sometimes be more of a punishment than a blessing, and authority more of a curse than an advantage. Nothing is entirely good, nor is anything entirely bad. The world is neither black nor white, neither harsh nor gentle; rather, it is a blend of soft white and stark black—a muted, neutral gray.]
[In this world, there is the known and the hidden, the good and the bad, the beneficial and the dangerous. Everything complements everything else: the sacred scribe, the supreme observer, the cosmic judge—the writer, the auditor, and the critic—all complete one another. The writer writes, the observer watches, and the judge declares who shall remain and who shall be erased. As for the book of infinite stories, it resides in a higher palace, where the fifteen origins—known as the "Great Outcasts" and the "Supreme Narratives"—converge.]
Yuta closed the book slowly, then returned it to its secure resting place within a dimension apart from both existence and non-existence.
He then turned his gaze toward Gowther, Leon, Nicholas, Kazuhiro, Christian, and Inuyasha.
"Hasn't what was written on the first page changed?" I recall that it was written therein: the Sacred Scribe, the Supreme Observer, and the Universal Judge—each one complementing the others. The Scribe writes existence, crafting its laws, concepts, and narrative; the Observer monitors the stories penned by the Sacred Scribe and compiles a detailed report regarding the events that unfold in each story, and then hands it over to the Universal Judge, who examines it and delivers a verdict with absolute transparency. Such is the role of the writer who pens the tale, the observer who watches, and the judge who decides—determining who shall remain and who shall be erased."
"But why did the writing on the first page change like that?"
Gauther's tone was laced with bewilderment as he looked toward Yuta, who wore a faint smile, sipping his coffee with an air of aristocratic refinement.
"Well, as for why the writing on the first page changed, and why the second page opened…"
The expressions of Gauther and his companions shifted, revealing a mix of intense curiosity and a desperate desire to uncover the secret of the book.
"I do not know why the writing changed. As for the second page opening—that happened because I completed a task assigned to me by the book's owner: the Great Outcast, the creator and founder of this fictional world."
Yuta's expression remained calm, in stark contrast to the others, who showed clear signs of frustration. Ignoring their disappointment, he turned his gaze toward the waiter.
"Waiter, I'd like to settle the bill."
Yuta's voice was steady as he watched the waiter approach.
A few minutes later, the waiter stood directly before him. Though his face betrayed fear and trepidation, he managed to maintain his composure as best he could.
"The cost for the cup of coffee, the two dumplings, the avocado juice, and the chocolate cake comes to five gold coins, sir." The waiter's tone was full of respect. Yuta paid for the meal, and the waiter, after thanking him for his visit, took his leave.
Following this, Yuta rose from his seat, settled the bill, and departed from the Ain al-Sultan restaurant.
"Enjoy exploring the city of Kasmburg. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll be heading off. Have a good day."
Yuta left immediately, leaving his companions to exchange glances.
"It seems the real fun hasn't even begun yet, has it, guys?"
Christian's tone carried a hint of excitement as he gazed toward the restaurant entrance.
"It looks like we need to become stronger than we are now—wouldn't you agree?"
Kazuhiro spoke in a calm, steady voice, holding an empty glass.
"Yes, you're right. We must grow stronger. As for you, Gowther, we'll train you to master your 'Concept of Assassination' Aspect. But first, you'll need to break through to the 'Boundless' rank; once that's done, we'll help you master the first level of your Aspect."
Leon spoke calmly, his eyes fixed on Gowther, who was reviewing his own statistics with a composed expression.
[Name: Gowther
Surname: MacTire
Age: 6 years old
Gender: Male
Race: Pure Human
Primary Aspect: Concept of Assassination
Aspect Type: Primary Aspect
Level: 1 — Early Stage
Secondary Aspect: Blessing
Synchronization Rate: 60%
Talent: ???????] Profession: Assassin
Rank: Quasi-Boundless
Merit Points: ??????
Statistics
- Strength: ∞
- Speed: ∞
- Endurance: ∞
- Durability: ∞
- Mana: ∞
- Aura: ∞
- Qi: Ninth Stage — Beyond Immortality
Type: Transcendent Entity
Intelligence: Quasi-Omniscient
Charisma: SSS
Luck: SSS
Abilities
- Omnipotence
Core Abilities
- Space Manipulation — Absolute Level
- Spacetime Concept Manipulation — Absolute Level
- Temporal Armament
- Ability Copying
- Ability Theft
- Infinite Evolution
- Devouring
- Mastery of All Things
Gowther let out a deep sigh as he gazed at his companions—those with whom he had shared many long years of acquaintance in his previous life.
"Right. I must first ascend to the 'Boundless' rank, then progress through the subsequent tiers until I reach the 'Omni-Transcendent Singularity' rank. Things will become much easier after that."
Gowther's tone remained calm as he looked toward his companions.
A faint smile appeared on the faces of Inuyasha, Nicholas, Christian, Kazuhiro, and Leon, and they rose from their seats.
"Gowther, why don't you take us on a tour of the city of Kasmburg and fill us in on what happened while we were away?"
Leon's voice carried a hint of excitement. He then placed the payment for their meal on the table before they all departed from the 'Eye of the Sultan' restaurant. .............
A few kilometers from the city of Kasumburg, Yuta stood in the company of five individuals.
"Well then, everyone—how have you been? Shadwa, Michael Kaiser, Ricardo, Haruto Ryota, and Sky Forest. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
A faint smile appeared on Yuta's face as he looked toward them.
Haruto returned the smile, looking back at Yuta.
"Well, well—it seems you're enjoying your time here. That said, there's a lot of suspicious activity going on lately throughout the territory we inhabit."
Haruto cast his gaze toward the city of Kasumburg for a few seconds before turning his attention back to his companions.
Ricardo had short white hair and light red eyes, dressed in functional attire that blended shades of light and dark blue.
Sky Forest had black hair and dark, obsidian-like eyes, wearing practical black clothing.
Shadwa had wavy brown hair and light brown eyes, while Michael Kaiser had light silver hair and crystal-sky-blue eyes.
"Yuta, I have a request for you."
Shadwa's tone was brimming with excitement as he looked at Yuta.
"You want to fight me, don't you, Shadwa? Very well—as you wish. I, too, enjoy battling strong opponents like you." Yuta's tone carried a blend of strength, confidence, and a hint of enthusiasm.
A purplish-black aura erupted from Yuta's body, while a coal-black aura, tinged with deep violet, surged from Shadow's. The force of these auras transformed the ground beneath them into a massive crater—roughly the size of three ordinary houses.
Michael Kaiser, Sky Forest, Ricardo, and Haruto Ryota—who were hovering 34 centimeters above the crater—all wore expressions of mild annoyance.
"Hey, hold on a second! Are you two planning to wipe out this entire fantasy world before you even land a single punch on each other? Are you a bunch of idiots?"
Michael Kaiser's voice dripped with sarcasm as he looked toward Yuta and Shadow.
And yet A faint smile played on his lips; he understood why they hadn't fought each other directly.
A subtle smile appeared on Yuta's face as he looked toward Michael Kaiser.
"So, what will you do, Michael Kaiser—or should I say, Riad?"
Yuta spoke to Michael Kaiser, while he and Shadow dispelled their auras.
Michael Kaiser cast his gaze toward the sky; his crystalline, celestial-blue eyes glowed with a cold, azure light, and a faint, sinister smile spread across his face.
"We're going to teach some brats a lesson in manners—wouldn't you agree?"
Michael Kaiser's tone was calm, yet imbued with absolute power and confidence, as he stared up at the sky, which seemed to be splitting in two.
"You're right. It's been a long time since I last thrashed those fools."
Ricardo stretched his arms, speaking to Michael Kaiser, Sky Forest, and Haruto Ryota—all of whom wore expressions of calm indifference.
The approaching enemies were specifically those of Michael Kaiser and Ricardo, which is why the others showed no interest. As for Michael Kaiser and Ricardo themselves, they felt not a shred of fear; they regarded the situation with complete apathy.
They viewed the incoming individuals as nothing more than trash—mere fodder for a warm-up. That was the only reason they had been left alive until now, despite their attempts to betray the Fantasy Empire—the realm that governs the entire "Path of the Ruler" under Yuta's dominion. As rulers of the fourteen Trees of Existence, the very notion of betrayal posed a threat to their present and future interests.
The expressions of both Michael Kaiser and Ricardo shifted to unease at the presence of Yuta—a ruler known for his strict, dictatorial style.
Any thought of rebellion was a crime punishable by total erasure from existence. Although Yuta operated under the principle of "if I don't see it, there's no rule against it," he was, in fact, aware of everything transpiring within the "Ruler's Path"—the existential domain under his jurisdiction. From major upheavals like rebellions down to the most minute, nanometer-scale details, nothing escaped his notice, thanks to the "Ruler's Eyes," which observed everything within his realm.
Moments later, hundreds of thousands of spacecraft—highly advanced, technologically sophisticated warships—emerged.
Above the flagship—a vessel of grand and imposing design—a translucent, blue-hued 3D display materialized.
"Michael Kaiser, of Tree of Existence No. 8, and Ricardo, of Tree of Existence No. 7: surrender. We shall seize control of this world, and then, we shall execute you both. Surrender is your best option; you are already facing the death penalty for the destruction of our colonies across the fourteen Trees of Existence. Is that clear?"
The voice of the military expedition's commander, Cheng Yu-jung, was as cold as frost as he gazed toward Yuta, Michael Kaiser, Ricardo, Shadow, Haruto Ryota, and Sky Forest. Yuta ascended into the sky with a calm expression, then snapped his fingers—and his appearance shifted. He grew to a height of 1.85 meters, and his short black hair transformed into long, white locks that reached down his back.
His deep violet eyes turned a vivid crimson, and his school uniform shifted into a charcoal-black ensemble adorned with bright red patterns, exuding an aura of absolute power and authority.
The moment Yuta appeared, the expression on Xing Yu-jung's face shifted entirely—a complex blend of rage, hatred, anxiety, and a flicker of tension.
"So, a group of traitors attempting to kill their own masters? Or is it merely your own ignorance that has led you to this, Xing Yu-jung?"
"In truth, I have no desire to kill you. You are a highly useful pawn for my plans; your survival serves my interests. Therefore, I shall grant you a chance: if you kill that wretch—the leader of the renegade faction—I will reveal the identity of the one who murdered your family."
"Isn't that the very reason you joined them? Am I wrong? You know full well the extent of my power and the depth of your own weakness. I could erase you all from existence with barely a thought."
"So, make your choice. Which is better: to die without ever avenging your family, or to protect everyone you know and love from such a fate? Boy, even if I hadn't killed them, the likelihood of them perishing when that catastrophe arrives is extremely high."
"The world you learned about from that fool, Ji Tu-yan—it is nothing but a lie." "Choose the better option: seek revenge and protect those you hold dear—your sister, your beloved, and your newborn children.
I'll give you ten minutes to think it over. Remember my words well; ten minutes from now, I will wipe you—and everyone you know—out of existence."
Yuta's tone was as cold as frost, devoid of any emotion save for malice and a clear intent to kill, as he fixed his gaze upon Cheng Yu-jung, who appeared mentally unstable.
Yet, Yuta's expression did not flicker in the slightest. Cheng Yu-jung spoke in a calm tone that masked an inner turmoil; he knew Yuta's character and mindset all too well—he knew Yuta wasn't joking. He also knew that Yuta possessed an intimate, exhaustive knowledge of every detail within the existential path they inhabited.
Consequently, he was certain that every word Yuta uttered was 100% accurate, which placed an immense weight upon him.
"Very well, we shall give your words serious consideration. As for killing Commander Ji Tu-yan—that is simply impossible."
Cheng Yu-jung's voice remained steady. He looked toward Yuta, his eyes glowing with a faint blue light that lent him an overwhelming, impossible-to-ignore presence—a presence further amplified by his military uniform, which marked him as the commander of the 'Tiger' battalion; it was coal-black, adorned with intricate golden patterns.
A faint, malicious smile spread across Yuta's face as he watched Cheng Yu-jung.
"You won't kill him—even though he had a hand in the death of your family. Remember my words..." "Sometimes, knowledge is more of a curse than a blessing. So, take my words to heart: you remain weak—not because you lack the necessary talent, but because you have never been given the chance to unleash it at its true, full potential."
Xing Yu-jong's expression shifted to one of shock; he then turned his gaze toward Ji Tu-yan, who was drenched in sweat.
Xing Yu-jong and the commanders of the 'Tiger' military battalion were counted among the most formidable figures within the rebel army.
"Xing Yu-jong—he's a vile scoundrel! He's just lying!"
Ji Tu-yan's voice was thick with the fear of death as he looked toward Xing Yu-jong.
Xing Yuzhong and his companions radiated an unbridled intent to kill; they regarded him as one of their own, and upon learning that Ji Tuyan had played a part in his suffering, it was only natural that they should harbor such a fierce desire to end his life.