The Author's POV

It first started with the first cataclysm.

A shift in tectonic plates all over earth. Moving countries from where they previously were, and producing tsunamis and earthquakes in the process. By the end of the first cataclysm, the world map changed completely creating one supercontinent.

Many hypothesized that the first cataclysm occurred so the earth could acclimate to the mana that would soon enter the planet.

It made sense, and I also believed it was the case.

I was wrong.

"So you're telling me the first cataclysm wasn't something that occurred naturally but was instead done by this so called Protector?"

"The First Cataclysm, as the world named it as such, was the day that the Protector blessed this world with his presence." The nun looked at the statue with reverence. "His mere presence brought change to this world."

"What?"

The more she spoke, the more confused I become. Despite that, I somewhat understood some of her words.

'Is she implying that the first cataclysm happened because he came to this world?'

…How powerful was that?

"Mana was a gift that the Protector bestowed upon us from the goodness of their heart." The nun paused, looking at me with a clear smile. "Since they bestowed upon us this power, it is only fitting that the Protect decides who should keep the power and who shan't. Am I right?"

'I think I've heard enough.'

What she said… It was enough to make me understand what was going on.

"Why did the protector 'bless' us with mana?"

If they were too afraid of us getting too much power, why even give us the power in the first place?

It made no sense.

"The motives of the Protector aren't things that the likes of us can understand."

The nun replied.

"We must appreciate what they have already blessed us with."

"Right."

I found myself tearing my gaze away from her and focusing it on the statue.

'Is this what you were trying to show me, Kevin? This so called Protector?'

While I wasn't sure about the specifics behind this so called 'blessing', I knew for a fact that it had something to do with the records.

The clues were there. The Laws in Octavious's body, Matthew's words, the Nun's words… Everything linked to the Records.

Whoever this protector was… they were most likely with the Records, perhaps even their creation.

"This Protector of yours…"

I looked at the nun. There was something else I was curious about.

"…Do they have a name?"

Protector of the seat of Diligence. That was more of a title than a name.

'I'm sure, whoever this Protector is, they must have a name, right? ... Or do they just go by titles?'

"Name?"

The nurse looked at me incredulously.

"How would the likes of me know? The true name of the Protector is not something we can know. Only Protectors can know the name of other Protectors."

"There are others?"

This… how should I say… I somewhat expected it.

looks like my earlier

the term 'Diligence' was truly the same Diligence

six other of

scary

Creak―!

chapel creaked, and I broke free from my thoughts.

'He looks familiar.'

the first thing I thought when

was so dimly lit that I was unable to get a good look at who had just entered,

it isn't our

the nun's words as I turned to see her rushing

heard a

nice to

it isn't little Oliver. It's so nice that you

I

gifts for

something I picked up while coming

aren't you kind,

'Oliver? Waylan?'

him, the man that stood before the

rare. It looks like you have

waved his hand at me.

to

you come into this rundown place

to me

usually just me and sister Viviana. I've never seen anyone else here… You can say it's a breath of fresh

"Is that so?"

carried himself and his speech was the

I've been coming here for the past two decades, and you're the first person I've seen

"Past two decades?"

at

been coming here

Each time he comes, he always brings gifts for

Viviana―patted Waylan on the

would've been in quite a lot of trouble if it weren't for him. I must say, he really is

flatter me

scratched the back of his head in

my lips at the sight. There was something unsettling about the

indeed 'normal', in the sense that his body did not contain Akashic Laws… but

"If I may ask…"

neck while keeping my eyes focused

the reason you're here? How did

question I'd like to ask you,

as he put the gifts

a very well known orphanage. There are many out there, and I'm

"Technology advances quite fast."

I chuckled a little.

really that hard to find. Plus, you can say that I came here for

came for the

taking the gifts

"The Protector?"

looked at me strangely before looking toward the statue behind

actually believe

smiled at Waylan. "It's a fascinating

"It indeed is."

clothes.

daughter will nag me if I'm late today. She seems adamant about making sure I came home today. Something

"You're leaving already?"

was as far as it went. She didn't try to convince

know how Emma can be

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

hi to

"Will do."

to put on a light brown coat before turning