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 earlier hunch wasn't

the same

mean there are six other of these

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

Creak―!

my thoughts. When I raised my head, my eyes paused on a certain

'He looks familiar.'

thought when

unable to get a good look at who had just entered, but the moment I laid my eyes on them, I felt a

isn't our most

as I turned to see her rushing toward the man who had just entered the

I heard a certain voice, and my breath

nice

it isn't little Oliver. It's so nice that you visit us despite being so

what I

these gifts for

I picked up while coming here.

you

'Oliver? Waylan?'

a closer look at him, the man that stood before the nun was indeed Waylan. He looked exactly the same as

It looks like

smiled and waved his hand at me. I smiled back and waved

nice to meet

into

walked up to me while looking around the

that I come to visit, but it's usually just me and sister Viviana.

"Is that so?"

speech was the same as the Waylan that

past two decades, and you're

"Past two decades?"

looked at

coming here

yes. He's such a lovely young man. Each time he comes,

Viviana―patted Waylan on

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

flatter me

the back of

There was something unsettling about the current situation, but I couldn't tell what

with him. He was indeed 'normal', in the sense that his body did not

"If I may ask…"

of my neck while keeping my eyes

you're here? How

a question I'd like to

put the gifts

known orphanage. There are many out there, and I'm surprised you managed to find

"Technology advances quite fast."

I chuckled a little.

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

came for the

taking the gifts that were resting on the

"The Protector?"

strangely before looking toward the statue

you actually believe

smiled at Waylan. "It's

"It indeed is."

smiled and tidied his clothes. He then checked his

time is up. I have to leave now. My daughter will nag me if I'm late today. She seems adamant about making sure I came home today. Something about helping a friend

"You're leaving already?"

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

how Emma can be when

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

to

"Will do."

proceeded to put on a light brown coat