Chapter 74 - Guardian of the World Tree
The earth trembled.
Not from the Void Apostle.
Not from the battle.
But from deep beneath the roots of the World Tree Sapling.
An ancient heartbeat echoed through the Labyrinth.
THUMP...
THUMP...
Every beast within the forest fell silent.
The Moonfang Wolves lowered their heads.
The Emerald Sky Hummingbird perched quietly upon Aria's shoulder.
Even the corrupted Shadow Silver Wolf stopped growling.
It looked toward the colossal tree with eyes filled with awe.
---
The Book of Infinite Beasts opened by itself.
Divine Resonance
Unknown Guardian Awakening...
Star Fragment Resonance:
3/7
Synchronisation:
58%
---
The gigantic crystal hand of the Void Apostle froze.
Its fingers trembled.
A deep voice echoed from within the darkness.
"Impossible..."
"The Guardian is waking."
The hand immediately reached toward the World Tree instead of Darius.
---
Kai understood instantly.
"It was never after Darius."
"It wanted the Fourth Star Fragment."
---
"Spirit Step!"
Kai shot through the air.
The Crimson Flame Fox followed, cloaked in blazing crimson-gold fire.
The Void Apostle's enormous hand descended.
Its shadow covered the entire forest.
Before it could touch the World Tree—
A single green leaf drifted gently downward.
It landed upon one crystal finger.
Crack.
A tiny fracture appeared.
Then another.
Within seconds...
The enormous crystal hand shattered into millions of glittering fragments.
Silence filled the forest.
---
From beneath the World Tree...
A young woman slowly emerged.
She wore robes woven from emerald vines.
Silver flowers bloomed wherever she stepped.
Long emerald-green hair flowed behind her.
Resting upon her shoulder was a tiny white squirrel with golden eyes.
The creature looked harmless.
Yet every Divine Beast instinctively bowed.
The Book trembled violently.
---
Guardian Identified
Name: Elaria
Title: Guardian of the World Tree
Guardian Number:
Fourth Guardian
Status:
Awakened
Contract Beast:
Yggdrasil Spirit
Classification:
Primordial Nature Beast
Threat Level:
Beyond Measurement
---
Kai stared.
"...A squirrel?"
Ignis chuckled.
"You've learned nothing."
"The smallest beasts often hide the greatest power."
The tiny squirrel yawned.
A dozen giant vines burst from the ground, effortlessly crushing the remaining crystal fragments.
The Labyrinth immediately began repairing itself.
Broken trees stood once more.
Withered flowers bloomed again.
The forest healed before everyone's eyes.
---
Elaria looked toward Kai.
"So..."
"The Ninth Beast Sovereign has finally arrived."
Kai bowed respectfully.
"It is an honour."
She smiled warmly.
"You're more polite than the last one."
Darius blinked.
"The last one?"
"The Eighth Beast Sovereign."
She replied softly.
"He came seeking power."
"You came seeking lives."
"There is a difference."
---
The Book updated.
Archive Restoration
Progress:
6% → 9%
Historical Record Restored:
The Fourth Guardian
---
Suddenly—
The sky darkened again.
Not because of the Void Apostle.
Because seven enormous portals opened above Aetherion.
From each portal descended countless black-armoured Beast Tamers.
Thousands.
Their beasts filled the heavens.
Dragons.
Manticores.
Shadow Wyverns.
Crystal Serpents.
The Eclipse Court had launched a full-scale invasion.
Contestants across the Labyrinth looked up in horror.
Bjorn tightened his fists.
"This isn't part of the tournament."
Aria whispered,
"No..."
"It's war."
---
High above the floating continent...
The crystal towers of the Celestial Citadel began sounding ancient alarm bells.
BOOOONG!
BOOOONG!
Grand Sage Orion appeared in the sky.
His usually calm face had become grim.
"All contestants."
"All citizens."
"This is not a drill."
"The Eclipse Court has breached the Celestial Barrier."
---
The Book of Infinite Beasts flashed crimson.
World Event
Siege of Aetherion
Status:
Active
Primary Objectives:
- Protect the World Tree.
- Defend the Fourth Guardian.
- Prevent the Eclipse Court from obtaining the Fourth Star Fragment.
---
Far above the battlefield...
A colossal floating fortress emerged from the largest portal.
It eclipsed the sun.
Upon its highest balcony stood a man wearing obsidian armour.
A black crown rested upon his head.
Behind him hovered a majestic dragon made entirely of living darkness.
The pressure from its presence alone caused the clouds to disperse.
The Book attempted an analysis.
---
Enemy Identified
Name: Lucien Noctis
Title: First Commander of the Eclipse Court
Rank:
Unknown
Contract Beast:
Void Emperor Dragon
Danger Level:
Catastrophic
---
Lucien looked down upon Kai.
Then he smiled.
"So..."
"The Beast Sovereign."
"Our Master has waited a very long time to meet you."
Behind Lucien...
A seventh shadow slowly stepped onto the balcony.
Unlike the others...
Its face remained hidden.
Yet the moment it appeared...
The three Star Fragments surrounding Kai began trembling violently.
The Book displayed only one line.
Warning
The Fourth Star Fragment has begun to resonate...
...with someone other than the Beast Sovereign.