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.

my

same Diligence as the one

are six other of these

at the thought. One was already scary enough… six more? I

Creak―!

chapel creaked, and I broke free from my thoughts. When I raised my

'He looks familiar.'

I thought when my gaze paused

good look at who had just entered, but the moment I laid my eyes on them, I felt a sense of

isn't our most

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

her back, I heard a

Viviana. It's nice

Oliver. It's so nice that you

what I must

gifts for

picked up

aren't you kind,

'Oliver? Waylan?'

at him, the man that stood before the nun was

how rare. It looks

waved his

to

into this rundown

walked up to me while looking around the

it's usually just me and sister Viviana. I've

"Is that so?"

way he carried himself and his speech was the same as the Waylan

the past two decades, and you're the

"Past two decades?"

at Waylan

been coming here

lovely young man. Each time he comes,

Viviana―patted Waylan

a lot of trouble if it weren't for him. I must say, he really is a

me too

scratched the back of

pursed my lips at the sight. There was something unsettling about the current situation, but I couldn't

'normal', in the

"If I may ask…"

my neck

is the reason you're here? How did you find this

I'd like to

gifts he brought toward the

isn't a very well known orphanage. There are many out there, and I'm surprised you

"Technology advances quite fast."

I chuckled a little.

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

came for the

happily taking the gifts that were resting on the

"The Protector?"

looked at me strangely before looking toward the statue behind

believe the story behind the

who knows." I smiled at Waylan. "It's a fascinating story, I'll

"It indeed is."

clothes. He then checked

if I'm late today. She seems adamant about making sure

"You're leaving already?"

looked rather saddened by that fact, but that was as far as it went. She didn't try

You know how Emma can be when she's

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

hi to her for

"Will do."

proceeded to put on a light brown coat before turning his