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.

like my

was truly the same Diligence as the one

six other

was already scary enough… six more? I could

Creak―!

creaked, and I broke free from my thoughts.

'He looks familiar.'

was the first thing I thought when my gaze paused

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

it isn't

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

I heard a certain voice,

Viviana. It's nice to

Oliver. It's so nice that

what I must

these gifts for

something I picked up while coming here. Don't mind it

you

'Oliver? Waylan?'

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

looks like you

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

to

you come into this rundown place

walked up to me

I come to visit, but it's usually just me and sister Viviana. I've never seen anyone else here…

"Is that so?"

he 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 come into this

"Past two decades?"

looked at Waylan in

been coming here

young man. Each time he comes, he

Waylan on

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

me

of his

the sight. There was something unsettling about

He was indeed 'normal', in the sense that his body did

"If I may ask…"

of my neck while keeping my

is the reason you're here? How did you

I'd like

put the gifts he brought toward

out

"Technology advances quite fast."

I chuckled a little.

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

for the

Viviana suddenly said, happily taking the gifts that were resting

"The Protector?"

me strangely before looking

believe the

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

"It indeed is."

tidied his clothes. He

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

"You're leaving already?"

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

Emma can be when she's angry…

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

hi to her

"Will do."

light brown coat before turning his attention toward