Chapter 337 Battle at the Gates of Aristeia
Sanctum Aristeia, Cracked Mountain Peaks
End of the Chaos Era, Year 990
The sky above Sanctum Aristeia defies the long-established laws of nature known to mankind.
Dark clouds swirl ominously, reflecting the light of the Black Sun off crystalline pillars, casting a faint blue hue that evokes an unsettling chill. The rumbling sounds of nature seem to lament the helplessness birthed between two worlds, seeking a path to seep through. A sharp breeze whispers warnings of destruction to anyone brave enough to approach.
Before the colossal gate stands beings that are not entirely human.
Their piercing gazes seem to measure every blink of the eye and every heartbeat, indicating that time is not merely a conceptual framework but a potent weapon in its own right, wielding influence over the fates of all present.
They wear grey cloaks, their faces concealed by cracked clock masks. In their hands, staffs tipped like time pointers.
They are the Severants of Threads — the cutters of fate. Every movement they make, every tap of their staffs against the ground, seems to tear the fabric of time, inviting the winds to dance to the rhythm of a new destiny. With a subtle gesture, they transform moments into webs, weaving opportunities and possibilities.
"They are ahead of us," whispered Cosmo. His voice was soft yet heavy with panic. Each word that slipped from his lips seemed to walk a tightrope of apprehension, as he felt the weight of responsibility bearing down on his shoulders. In the encroaching darkness, his hope flickered like a small light on the verge of extinguishing, but he knew that for every shadow that moved, he had to step further forward.
"Their numbers... dozens," added Erina, furrowing her brow as she felt a wave of tension enveloping the atmosphere.
Sofia looked toward Sheena, her eyes quivering with profound anxiety. "Get ready. If they reach Maria first, all threads of fate—including the timeline connecting you and your child—will be erased," she declared, her voice imbued with determination, as if clutching the last remnants of hope in her grasp. Her heartbeat resonated with the looming threat, watching the silhouettes of the Severants begin to move closer with sinister intent.