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 hunch

term 'Diligence' was truly the same Diligence as the one in

other of these so

One was already scary enough… six more? I could only shudder

Creak―!

wooden door of the chapel creaked, and I broke free from my thoughts. When I raised my head, my eyes paused on

'He looks familiar.'

I thought

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

it isn't

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

a certain

Viviana. It's nice to

it isn't little Oliver. It's so nice that you

what I

gifts

picked up while coming here. Don't

you kind,

'Oliver? Waylan?'

a closer look at him, the man that stood before the

how rare. It looks like

waved his hand at me. I

to

have you come into this

me while looking around

it's usually just me and sister Viviana. I've never seen anyone else

"Is that so?"

way he carried himself and his speech was

past two decades, and you're the first person I've seen come into this

"Past two decades?"

at Waylan in

coming here

a lovely young man. Each time he comes, he always brings gifts for us and

Viviana―patted Waylan on

it weren't for him. I must

flatter me too

of his head

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

with him. He was indeed 'normal', in

"If I may ask…"

neck

you're here? How

a question I'd like to ask you,

put the gifts he brought

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

for the

taking the gifts that

"The Protector?"

looked at me strangely before looking toward

believe the story behind

"It's a fascinating story, I'll

"It indeed is."

clothes. He then checked

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?"

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

how Emma can be when she's

"That's true."

Sister Viviana giggled.

to her for

"Will do."

light brown