Sanctum Aristeia
One Month After the Thunder and Time Battle
The skies over Aristeia have finally changed.
Black Sun, though still hanging in the horizon, has fractured.
Beneath this gloomy sky, the people of Aristeia feel the weight of uncertainty, as if every breath carries the consequences of the recent battle. Each of their past actions resonates within the unspoken scenarios of the future, emphasizing the profound impact of the conflict that has transpired.
Yet, the stagnation of Chronos has been shaken.
Time is beginning to move forward again.
Saint Maria, a wise leader, summoned Sheena and the principal Saints to the Inner Sanctum Hall, a place revered as the center of knowledge and power.
Though Zeus was not always present, he left the power of his voice in the lightning crystal that hung in the center of the hall. The crystal shimmered with energy, as if it held echoes from battles that had shaken the universe. An atmosphere of respect and admiration enveloped the room, instilling a spirit to create something greater than themselves.
"Today, we must prepare our legacy," Maria stated.
"Not merely a vow, but a foundation that allows future generations to emerge free from the shadows of Chronos's will."
She raised her staff.
"Vel'thar Vitae In Tempore."
"The Will of Life in Time."
"We will create a Legacy Pact. A contract that binds not individuals, but reality itself, preventing any external will from severing the legitimate lines of life."
Sheena nodded slowly.
"I am ready."
Silently, the atmosphere in the hall was filled with an energy reinforcing the highest promises. Each Saint now understood the great responsibility that awaited them and felt the weight of a burden not only to be shouldered but also passed on to future generations. The sparks of fate among them had intertwined, a new glimmer of light bringing hope for balance.
Maria continued:
"However, to ensure this Pact does not crumble after we are gone, we need to establish two lines of civilization that will serve as guardians of the legacy of will."
With a firm voice, Maria elaborated on her explanation. In a fleeting moment, a flash of blue light traversed the hall, as if answering her words, creating a magical ambiance that captured the attention of the Saints and evoked the very essence of their hopes and fears. Amidst the hopeful air, Maria felt a strong connection among all present, sensing the magical power flowing within each thread of their lives, binding them together.
First Nation:
"Gaia."
"A nation that honors free will, connection to nature, and balance between magic and life."
"They know how to harness the energy of the elements and can summon the forces of nature to protect themselves," Sheena added, gripping the sleeve of her shirt. "The power radiating from nature will always serve as their shield, protecting them from impending threats."
All the Saints listened attentively, envisioning the immense energy flowing through these nature lovers. "They know how to harness the energy of the elements and can summon the forces of nature to protect themselves," Sheena reiterated, emphasizing the strength that underlies their connection to the earth. "The power radiating from nature will always serve as their shield."
Second Nation:
"Earth."
"A nation rooted in human perseverance, evolving knowledge, and future technologies."
"They will carry the aspirations of humanity beyond the confines of time."
"By integrating technology and magic, they can create innovations that will transform how humanity interacts with the world," Maria continued, highlighting the significance of these two nations for the future. The Saints began to envision groundbreaking devices and tools that could emerge through the synergy of magic and science, ushering humanity into an unprecedented era where innovation complemented tradition.
"Gaia and Earth will be the two hands of the world. One nurtures the roots, while the other builds the sky."
The Saints exchanged silent glances.
No objections were raised.
Everyone understood — this was not merely a plan.
This was the answer to Chronos's will, who sought to freeze humanity.
In the center of the Hall, Maria and Sheena began to arrange symbols:
A blue crystal pillar representing Gaia.
A glimmering black metal pillar representing Earth.
Between them, a small Tree of Life planted from the roots of the Sanctum Aristeia.
In the silence, the magical energy started to flow around them. The soft light from the crystal pillar danced as if responding to the great spirits present. Maria felt an ancient power enveloping the Hall, streaming from every corner, reminiscent of the long tradition of Saints who had come before.
"This is not just a pact." Maria explained.
"It is the seed for a new world."
Her voice was firm yet resonant with a mixture of hope and tension that enveloped the room. As she spoke, she could hear the heartbeat of every Saint present, each filled with anticipation and fear over the outcome of the Ritual. They all understood that the fate of the world was being determined here tonight.
The Three Oaths of the Legacy Pact
Maria began to recite the Three Oaths of Will:
1. Oath of Life
"We pledge to protect the right of every being to be born, to live, and to choose their own path."
Some Saints began to nod, recalling the sacrifices they had made to protect the world from darkness. This oath was more than mere words; it was a magical bond among all living beings and the forces that maintain the balance of the universe.
2. Oath of Truth
"We swear to record the truths of this era so that the future does not forget our sacrifices."
As those words were spoken, a peaceful window opened between the presence of magical beings and humans. Maria could feel ancient knowledge flowing between them, a reminder of the importance of the truths preserved within the books written by their ancestors.
3. Legacy Oath
"We pledge to teach future generations that strength does not lie merely in domination, but in the ability to carry meanings that cannot be shared with anyone else, instilling in them the values of justice and empathy."
As the oath concluded, silence once again enveloped the Hall, penetrating the souls of all present. The power of this oath created vibrations that transcended the limits of physicality, evoking a shared vision of a future where all beings respect and understand one another — a future guided by the principles of the Legacy Pact.
All the Saints, Sheena, and the representatives of the refugees placed their hands upon the Pact crystal.
Zeus — though his voice alone — echoed through the hall:
"I, Zeus, witness to this will. Anyone who attempts to violate the Legacy Pact will face the will of the world itself."
As the oath was completed, a unique symbol formed upon the crystal:
Vibrating at a frequency felt only by those connected to magic, the light from the crystal emanated a soothing aura of harmony. Each participant felt this vibration, as if the earth and sky united in a single voice.
Two golden threads intertwined around a small tree.
Maria whispered, "This is a sign that time has accepted their presence. They are no longer anomalies. They are the foundation of the future."
Slowly, the aura created by the Pact crystals illuminated their faces, awakening long-buried hopes. Each flickering light seemed to represent beautiful memories etched in history, as well as the journeys yet to begin.
Sheena closed her eyes.
Her tears fell, marking the decision she had made with all her heart and soul.
"I have chosen my path. I will not turn back again."
In the weeks that followed, Sanctum Aristeia became the birthplace of Two Founding Clans. This sacred space, with its magnificent architecture made of ancient stones and adorned with symbols of magic, bore silent witness to a new awakening.
Clan Gaia
Led by Erina, Sofia, and several other Saints.
They carried the teachings of harmony, magic, and balance with nature.
From the very beginning, they believed that true strength lies in the ability to understand and respect the natural cycles of life. Their bond with plants and animals deepened after the ritual, and they were determined to protect every creature that dwelled under the sky of Gaia.
Their first location would become the area that would one day be called Weitesten Gotteshaus — the spiritual center of Gaia.
Klan Earth
Led by Cosmo, Crystal, and survivors skilled in technology and magical research, they designed a civilization that honors hard work, logic, and the advancement of knowledge.
By combining technology and magic, they created innovations that pushed the boundaries of the impossible, including various tools and instruments that enhance the quality of life, such as machines capable of filtering magical energy from nature.
They headed toward a stable plain in the north, which would eventually become Prime Concordia.
Maria sent a message:
"The Gaia nation will safeguard the seeds of free will."
"The Earth nation will uphold the flame of knowledge and choice."
Sheena decided to stay with Gaia so that her child could grow close to the roots of magic and nature, where she could learn to embody the balance between both worlds. However, she also wrote a letter to Earth:
"Bring the teachings of determination and freedom. Teach that magic and knowledge are not tools of domination, but instruments for understanding the world."
In the stillness of the night, the wind whispered among the leaves of the Tree of Life, as if safeguarding every word and promise spoken. The result of many generations standing on the shoulders of giants, a legacy of the interaction between magic and technology that had shaped their fate. The moonlight cast a gentle glow, creating an atmosphere of wonder and tranquility.
A few nights before the nations parted ways, Sheena stood beneath the small Tree of Life.
Lightning flashed across the sky.
The voice of Zeus spoke through the crystal light, resonating with authority and wisdom:
"You have chosen not just to survive, Sheena Fate. You have chosen to give the world a chance to choose as well."
"Chronos will try again. Not today. Not tomorrow. But in the future, he will return with a different face. However, the world will have the power to say: No."
"For today, you have taught the world the meaning of will."
Sheena looked down.
"I have no regrets. I do not regret letting Fitran go. I do not regret staying in this time."
"You have become more than a time traveler. You are the Genesis Mother."
The day of parting has arrived.
Two nations left Aristeia to forge their new world.
Gaia headed southwest, while Earth moved north, marking their first steps in building a hopeful new civilization.
Saint Maria stood atop the Sanctum, watching them depart. Beneath the sky painted with the magenta light of the Black Sun, she felt a surge of emotions—courage and hope intertwined within the souls of the new leaders as they stepped toward their respective destinies.
Beside her stood Sheena, now recognized not only as Sheena Fate.
But as Sheena the Genesis Mother.
"The future has begun to be rewritten," Maria whispered.
"And time will never be a prison again."
Above, the Black Sun cracked wider. Its light no longer brought destruction, but instead served as a symbol that stagnation could be resisted — by the will choosing to live, illustrating that the future could still be altered.
With every heartbeat, the magical power flowing from the time travelers strengthened the threads of new life. This flow of energy penetrated the earth and spread around, giving life to ideas and new hopes embedded in the hearts of humanity, creating a synergy among all living beings. Aristeia, born from a series of conflicts and disputes, finally found a path toward the harmony it had long sought.
As if responding to the calls in their blood, the younger generations vowed to protect this world, promising to transcend boundaries and discover the interconnected elements of nature, magic, and technology. In this interweaving, their new world would reflect boundless creativity, unwavering determination, and the spirit of unity forged in the fires of conflict.