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 earlier

term 'Diligence' was truly the same Diligence

this mean there are six other of

One was already scary enough… six more? I

Creak―!

and I broke free from my thoughts. When I raised my

'He looks familiar.'

thing I thought when my gaze paused on

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

it isn't our most

surprised by the nun's words as I turned to see her rushing toward the man who

her back, I heard a certain voice, and

It's nice

nice

I must

these gifts for

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

you

'Oliver? Waylan?'

looked familiar. Upon casting a closer look at him, the man that stood before the nun was indeed Waylan. He

rare. It looks

waved his hand at me. I smiled

to

come into this rundown place

walked up to me while looking

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

"Is that so?"

way he carried himself and his speech was the

been coming here for the past two decades, and

"Past two decades?"

looked at Waylan in

coming here for the past

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

Waylan on

been in quite a lot of trouble if it weren't for him. I must say,

flatter me

back of his

at the sight. There was something unsettling about the current situation, but

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

"If I may ask…"

of my neck

is the reason you're here? How did you

like to ask you,

smiled as he put the gifts he brought

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

"Technology advances quite fast."

I chuckled a little.

hard to find. Plus, you can say

came for

suddenly said, happily taking the gifts

"The Protector?"

looked at me strangely before

tell me you actually believe

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

"It indeed is."

tidied his clothes. He then checked

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

"You're leaving already?"

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

Emma can be when

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

hi to her

"Will do."

to put on a light brown coat before turning his attention toward