One hour.
That was all they had.
The crimson warning lights continued flashing throughout the palace as the countdown echoed across every chamber.
59:42...
59:41...
Kael looked at the glowing display.
"So they're really coming."
Orion nodded.
"They've waited thousands of years for this moment."
Lyra activated another crystal console.
A holographic map of the First World appeared above the throne room.
Dozens of red lights surrounded a single blue world.
The enemy fleet.
Even from a distance, the number was overwhelming.
"There are millions..." one of the scientists whispered.
"And those are only the ships we can detect."
Silence spread through the room.
Kael clenched his fists.
"Can we win?"
Nobody answered.
Until Aetherion finally spoke.
"Not alone."
The throne behind Kael suddenly began to glow once more.
Ancient symbols spread across the floor like rivers of starlight.
A deep voice echoed through the palace.
"Royal Authority recognized."
"Emergency Protocol activated."
The walls trembled.
Outside, the entire kingdom awakened.
Massive towers rose from beneath the ground.
Crystal cannons rotated toward the sky.
Ancient shields surrounded the city in shimmering blue light.
The sleeping capital was becoming a fortress.
Lyra smiled for the first time.
"The kingdom still remembers its king."
Kael shook his head.
"I'm not your king."
Lyra met his eyes.
"Perhaps not."
"But you are our hope."
Suddenly—
The palace doors burst open.
A young scout rushed inside, breathing heavily.
"My Lady!"
"The Guardians have answered!"
Everyone turned.
Outside the palace...
The sky was filled with movement.
From every mountain.
Every forest.
Every forgotten ruin...
Ancient Guardians emerged.
Crystal dragons soared through the clouds.
Colossal stone giants climbed from the valleys.
Beasts of light walked across the plains.
Hundreds of them.
All moving toward the capital.
Kael stepped onto the palace balcony.
The sight stole his breath.
An entire army had awakened.
The crystal-winged Guardian from the valley landed before the palace.
It lowered its head.
Then another Guardian did the same.
Then another.
Soon...
Thousands of ancient beings bowed together.
The earth itself seemed to tremble.
The lead Guardian spoke.
"The Throne has chosen."
"We recognize the Heir."
"We will stand beside you."
Kael felt the weight of their words.
Not pride.
Responsibility.
He looked across the endless army.
Then toward the distant stars, where the Devourer fleet was drawing ever closer.
He raised his hand.
White starlight burst into the sky.
"We fight together."
His voice echoed across the kingdom.
"For every world that still believes in tomorrow."
A deafening roar answered him.
The Guardians.
The hosts.
The survivors.
Every voice became one.
Far beyond the First World...
Veyrath stood upon the bridge of his flagship.
He watched the white light rising from the capital.
His smile slowly widened.
"So..."
"The Last War begins."
The stars themselves seemed to hold their breath.
Because after ten thousand years...
The war between the Cores and the Devourers had finally begun once again.