The roar of the Guardians echoed across the First World.
Crystal dragons circled above the capital.
Stone giants marched through the valleys.
Creatures of light emerged from forests that had not known footsteps for thousands of years.
The sleeping kingdom was alive once more.
Kael stood on the palace balcony, watching the ancient army assemble below.
It was breathtaking.
But also terrifying.
"They're all here because of me..."
Aetherion's voice answered quietly.
"No."
"They're here because they believe there is still something worth protecting."
Kael remained silent.
Lyra approached and handed him a crystal tablet.
"These are the records of the Guardians who answered the Throne's call."
The screen filled with names.
Thousands of them.
Some had fallen long ago.
Others had only recently awakened.
Orion studied the list.
"There are fewer than I hoped."
"But more than I feared."
A loud horn echoed across the city.
One by one, the Guardian leaders entered the palace.
The first was the crystal dragon Kael had seen in the valley.
The second was a towering stone giant whose footsteps shook the floor.
The third was a woman with silver wings and glowing emerald eyes.
She bowed respectfully.
"The Sky Guardians stand with the Last Core."
Soon more leaders arrived.
The Hall of Stars, empty for ages, was filled once again.
Kael looked around the chamber.
"So many..."
Lyra smiled.
"This is only the first wave."
Suddenly, the palace lights dimmed.
A crystal in the center of the hall projected a map of the surrounding star systems.
Red markers blinked across it.
Far more than before.
The Devourer fleet had crossed the outer border.
"They're accelerating," Orion said.
"They'll reach us sooner than expected."
Kael took a deep breath.
"Then we don't wait."
Every eye turned toward him.
"We prepare every Guardian."
"We strengthen the city."
"And we find every ally still willing to fight."
The Guardian leaders nodded.
For the first time...
They weren't looking at Kael as a frightened young man from Earth.
They were looking at someone willing to lead.
Outside the palace, bells rang across the capital.
The First World was preparing for war.
Far away, hidden beyond a shattered moon...
A lone figure watched the growing army.
Wrapped in a black cloak, they smiled beneath the hood.
"The Heir gathers his forces..."
A faint golden light flickered beneath the cloak.
"...Perhaps there is hope after all."
Then the mysterious observer disappeared into the stars.