The golden light covered the sky.
It shone so brightly that night itself seemed to disappear.
Every Guardian in the capital looked upward.
No one dared to attack.
The stranger floated above the palace, his white-and-gold robes moving gently in the wind. His calm expression never changed.
Kael stepped onto the highest balcony.
"You've been looking for me?"
The man smiled.
"For a very long time."
"Who are you?"
The man's golden eyes met Kael's.
"I have been called many names."
He paused.
"But once..."
"...I was known as Solis."
The name struck the Hall of Stars like thunder.
Lyra's face turned pale.
Orion lowered his head.
"So you truly survived."
Solis spread his arms.
"I never died."
"I simply waited for the universe to prove me right."
Kael frowned.
"Prove what?"
Solis looked toward the stars.
"For ten thousand years I have watched worlds burn."
"I have watched kingdoms rise only to destroy themselves."
"I have watched heroes become monsters."
His gaze returned to Kael.
"The universe will never know peace while everyone is free to choose."
Silence filled the air.
Kael shook his head.
"So your answer is to control everyone?"
"My answer is order."
Solis raised a hand.
Golden light gathered above his palm.
Within it appeared countless tiny worlds.
"They suffer because they are divided."
The worlds merged into one.
"They fight because they desire different futures."
The light became perfectly still.
"I will give them one future."
Kael took a step forward.
"A future they never chose."
Solis sighed.
"I expected that answer."
Aetherion finally spoke.
"Nothing has changed."
Solis looked toward the glowing Core within Kael.
"No."
"It has."
His smile faded.
"I no longer seek permission."
Without warning, the golden light spread across the capital.
The Guardians immediately drew their weapons.
Crystal dragons took to the sky.
Stone giants formed a defensive line around the palace.
But Solis ignored them.
He looked only at Kael.
"You have inherited the Last Core."
"You carry the final chance to reshape existence."
He extended his hand.
"Come with me."
"I will teach you how to end this war forever."
Kael stared at the outstretched hand.
He thought of Earth.
Of the people he had lost.
Of Orion.
Lyra.
Aetherion.
The Guardians.
Then he slowly shook his head.
"No."
The single word echoed through the silent city.
Solis closed his eyes.
For a brief moment...
He looked disappointed.
"I hoped you would choose differently."
He opened his eyes once more.
Their golden glow had become cold.
"Then the universe will witness why the Eighth Throne was feared."
The sky cracked.
Golden lightning tore across the heavens.
Ancient seals surrounding the First World shattered one after another.
Far beyond the planet...
The approaching Devourer fleet stopped.
Even Veyrath watched in silence.
He smiled.
"So the False Savior has made his move."
The war had just gained a third side.
And for the first time...
Kael realized that defeating the Devourers alone would not be enough.