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

the same Diligence

six other of these so called Protectors

One was already scary enough… six more? I

Creak―!

wooden door of the chapel creaked, and I broke free from my thoughts. When I

'He looks familiar.'

I thought when

who had just entered, but the moment I laid my eyes on them, I felt

it isn't

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

I heard a certain

Viviana. It's nice to see you

little Oliver. It's so nice that you visit us despite being

what I must

these gifts

just a little something I picked up while coming here. Don't mind it too

aren't you kind,

'Oliver? Waylan?'

I felt that he looked familiar. Upon casting a closer look at him, the man that stood before the nun was

It looks like

notice of me, Oliver smiled and waved his hand at me. I smiled back and

nice to

into this rundown place

up to me while looking

that I come to visit, but it's 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?"

himself and his speech was the same

two decades, and

"Past two decades?"

looked at Waylan

here for the past

He's such a lovely young man. Each time he comes, he always brings gifts for us and the

Waylan

if it weren't

flatter me too

of his head in

lips at the sight. There was something unsettling

felt that there was nothing wrong with him. He was indeed 'normal', in the sense

"If I may ask…"

my neck while keeping

is the reason you're here?

I'd like to ask you,

put the gifts he brought toward the nearby

There are many out there, and I'm surprised you managed

"Technology advances quite fast."

I chuckled a little.

wasn't really that hard to find. Plus, you can say

came for

suddenly said, happily taking the gifts that

"The Protector?"

before looking

actually believe the story behind the

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

"It indeed is."

his clothes. He then checked

me if I'm

"You're leaving already?"

that fact, but that was as far as it went. She didn't try to convince him to

You know how Emma can be when

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

to her

"Will do."

a light brown