Sanctum Aristeia, a sacred place known as The Supreme Hall, serves as the central meeting point for the primary powers of the realm, embodying their collective wisdom and intentions.
Two months after the Beyond Time Invasion
The winds that usually sweep through the valley now carry the distinct scent of metal intertwined with earthy roots, creating an atmosphere that signals an impending and transformative change.
A blend of earth and technology aromas.
In the magnificent hall, soft light radiates from a shimmering prism, casting mysterious shadows that dance on the walls and enveloping all present in a magical ambiance. Jeanne, her steadfast and determined gaze reflecting her inner strength, adjusts her shimmering robe, affirming the power and responsibility she possesses. Beside her, Joanna clenches her fists, the fire of her faith in Gaia blazing within her chest, symbolizing her unwavering strength and commitment to the impending battle for their world.
Gathered in The Supreme Hall are Jeanne, Joanna, Saint Maria, Sheena, and representatives of Gaia and Earth.
Before them stand two forces that they previously could only imagine:
Gaia Primordia — the will of the earth, stability, and the cycle of life.
Tekhnos — the will of evolution, change, and the calculations of the future.
In the center of the hall stood a large prism.
It contained the remnants of the magic from the Pactum of the First Will.
As Sheena approached the prism, she was captivated by its beauty and elegance, reminding her vividly of the memories of nature's resurgence amidst disaster—when vibrant life emerged triumphantly from the depths of destruction. Meanwhile, Saint Maria, exuding a profound calmness, surveyed the surroundings, feeling the pulse of energy vibrating in the air, as if she were attuned to the whispers of nature calling out for attention and action.
Today, a new Pactum would be created.
Jeanne initiated the conversation.
"The Beyond Time invasion proves that external wills can threaten this world without warning."
"If we do not establish new laws to protect our reality, future generations will be faced with an inevitable destruction they cannot fight against—echoing the grave lessons witnessed throughout history when external forces seized control of their fate."
Joanna added:
Standing tall, her armor reflecting the radiant light of the prism, Joanna presented an impressive and mystical aura to all who beheld her. Her voice was firm yet gentle, embodying the heavy burden she carried—as both a guardian of will and a shaper of an uncertain future.
"This Pactum is not to bind the future.
It is to ensure that the future remains a choice."
Saint Maria stood beside Sheena's two daughters.
With hopeful eyes, Saint Maria held the hands of the girls, feeling a vibrant flow of energy moving forward—a tangible reminder of the potent potential that lay within them, capable of creating unimaginable miracles that could influence the very fabric of their reality.
"Today, we shall write the Second Pact.
Not just between humans and the will of the world...
But between all beings who wish to uphold the right to choose."
Seven pillars were placed around the prism:
Vita — The Will of Life
Mutatio — Change
Memoria — Memory
Concordia — Agreement
Custodia — Protection
Sufficientia — Balance
Revelatio — Revealed Truth
Each pillar was inscribed with Proto-Speech.
Threads of light connected all seven to the central prism.
In the midst of this sacred moment, the power of the pillars vibrated, resonating throughout the room as if they were alive. Each meaning carved upon their surfaces created a rich tapestry of fate, waiting for the pivotal moment to unite.
"A symbol that life, change, memory, agreement, protection, balance, and truth must coexist, supporting one another in the creation of harmony.
"If one pillar collapses, the Pactum will collapse as well."
Gaia Primordia raised her voice with authority, her words resonating like the echo of a towering mountain, channeling the profound power originating from the earth's core. As the steadfast guardian of harmony, she stood resolute, her aura radiating profound wisdom and an unwavering commitment to balance.
"I will support this Pactum...
If humanity promises not to create technology or magic that disrupts the balance of nature, so we can live in harmony with our environment, then I am willing to support this Pactum.
"Gaia will guide the changes that respect the roots of life."
Joanna and Jeanne exchanged glances. They nodded, trust reflected in their eyes. Their hearts raced with the weight of newfound responsibility, recalling the choices faced by living beings in a world subject to two great powers: technology and nature.
Earth and Gaia will collaborate to create a balanced oversight that honors the delicate interplay between nature and technological advancement.
Codex Custodia — the code of magic and technology that regulates development to avoid violating nature.
Tekhnos spoke with a resonant voice that carried far beyond the present, embodying the space between innovation and harmony; he stood as the guardian of unprecedented progress. His physical appearance skillfully reflected a perfect balance between rigid logic and intuitive foresight, instilling a sense of comfort yet mystery for all who listened. With a captivating presence, Tekhnos invited them to collectively envision and strive towards a sustainable future.
"I will support this Pactum...
If humanity promises not to limit the development of thought and innovation that fosters free advancement."
"Tekhnos will provide a network of calculations and possibilities,
but the choices will remain in the hands of living beings."
"I will support this Pactum...
If humanity promises not to limit the development of thought and innovation that fosters free advancement."
In the dim space surrounded by the shimmering light of harmonious technology, a sense of responsibility radiated from Joanna's face. Her sharp eyes gazed at the audience, emphasizing the weight of the burden she bore. Every word spoken was a promise, a hope, and a tension that hung in the air.
"Tekhnos will provide a network of calculations and possibilities,
but the choices will remain in the hands of living beings."
As Tekhnos's voice resonated, the room filled with an energy that seemed alive. Jeanne felt the magical vibrations flowing from every particle of air, elevating the intensity of the battle between progress and freedom. She straightened her back, striving to grasp the meaning behind the words, tightly clutching the deep sense of warning within her.
Joanna smiled.
"Custodes Mutatio will oversee that the Codex Innovatio — the code for the development of technology and magic — always respects the freedom of thought."
With a warm smile, yet cloaked in firmness, Joanna earned the trust of those around her; she understood the monumental weight of oversight and the hidden risks that lurked in the shadows. The bond between innovation and ethics was not merely an ideal but a sacred goal they must uphold, even if it meant challenging the currents of change that often proved unfriendly.
Jeanne nodded.
"We will not remain stagnant like in the past.
But we also will not rush into a meaningless destruction."
Amidst these fervent statements, Jeanne's spirit of courage shone luminously. Deep within, she screamed for decisive action, steadfastly refusing to be ensnared by the same cyclical traps of the past. With a voice vibrating with resolute conviction, she turned her gaze toward the others, reminding them of the significant responsibility placed upon their shoulders. A statement such as theirs would not merely be a thought; it would be an action guiding them toward a brighter, more empowered future.
Saint Maria and Sofia began drafting the Second Pact.
Jeanne and Joanna stood at the center of a prism.
Proto-Speech flowed in the air:
"Vel'thar Vitae Concordium."
"The will of life united."
"Thal'Ven Custodia Mutare."
"Protection for change."
"Saphrae-Tor Realitatis."
"Gate to safeguard reality."
The Second Pact was created.
Gaia Primordia and Tekhnos spoke in unison:
"Jeanne Fate and Joanna Fate...
Today, you are recognized as Custodes Realitatis."
"Guardians of Reality.
Guardians of living beings' right to choose their own future."
"Not as rulers. But as witnesses."
Sheena shed tears.
"They have grown beyond my hopes."
With eyes shining full of hope, Sheena felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. Her soul, once restless, was now filled with pride. She knew that the legacy they were creating would transcend mere agreements; it would become a beacon in the darkness.
Maria bowed her head respectfully.
"But a legacy that will transcend time and impact generations yet to come."
But a legacy that will outlive time."
Every word spoken by Maria flowed gently, like a peaceful river navigating through the heart of their gathering, while her mind was filled with vivid visions of the future—a world where all living beings would experience justice, equity, and freedom from oppression. In her heart, she fervently prayed that the Codex they forged would empower the vulnerable and advocate for the voiceless.
As part of the Pactum, two Codex were born:
Codex Harmonia: Governing the use of magic, maintaining the balance of nature, and the cycles of life. Led by Jeanne and the Vita Harmonia faction.
Codex Innovatio: Regulating the development of technology and fluctuating magic. Led by Joanna and Custodes Mutatio.
This Codex would serve as the robust legal foundation governing the intricate relationship between magic and technology on both Gaia and Earth, ensuring thoughtful regulation and conscious development.
"If free will is a right,
then the Codex is the guardian of that right."
Jeanne and Joanna added a new entry in the Genesis Archive.
In the silence that enveloped the room, the rise of their words ignited like a flame, uplifting the oppressed spirits and radiating new hope. The sanctity of the moment rekindled a deep love for all who had fought for freedom.
"We are Jeanne and Joanna Fate,
the first Custodes Realitatis."
With unwavering gazes, these two guardians stood firm, symbols of hope and courage against the forces seeking to disrupt the world's order. They were a light in the darkness, the roots of a deeper power.
"The Second Pact has been written to protect free will from extraneous wills."
As those words reverberated, the trace of magical power flowed through the air, marking the formation of a sacred agreement. In an unseen dimension, ancient energy permeated, strengthening the expressed intentions.
"If the future finds this record,
know that the choices you make remain significant, and no matter how great the challenges to come, your voices must be heard.
Your choices still matter.
Even if older powers attempt to take them."
In the stillness, their voices seemed to vibrate through time, conveying a message to the souls yet to come—a reaffirmation that human actions retain meaning, regardless of the challenges faced.
"Guard your world—this is not just a responsibility, but also your right.
And choose with courage."
Every phrase spoken carried an immense weight of hope and strength, transforming their words into a powerful mantra capable of restoring the faith of wanderers in a turbulent world. It rekindled the collective spirit to actively resist all forms of oppression.
Before departing, Gaia Primordia and Tekhnos made a pact with each other.
"We will no longer attempt to dominate the will of humanity."
"We will be witnesses, not rulers."
In silence, their fingers touched, creating a soft glow. An energy flowed between them, signifying an agreement that would reshape the relationship between will and humankind.
"If the creatures Beyond Time return,
we will work together once again."
These words, rich with profound meaning, echoed across limitless dimensions, seamlessly connecting the rich tapestry of the past with the unfolding narrative of the future, bridging the known world and the realms of the unimaginable.
This pact will be known as the Accord of Eternal Witness.
In time, the generations of Arkanum Veritas and Stones will inherit it as the highest law.
Under the light of the full moon illuminating the Sanctum, these guardians understood that their legacy would continue to thrive, serving as a guarantee for future generations to uphold free will.
That night, Sheena stood on the balcony of Sanctum Aristeia, with two full moons shining in the sky.
These two symbols reflected her daughters.
"I have chosen to stay."
"And today I see... my choice births a world worth fighting for."
With renewed conviction, Sheena felt every vein in her body pulse in harmony with hope and courage. In that moment, she sensed a connection with every being striving for a better future.
"I do not know how long I will remain in this world.
But I know Jeanne and Joanna will continue to bring light to the future."
They had vowed to uphold this struggle, and within Sheena's heart, there was a belief that though this journey was fraught with challenges, they would never walk alone. The world awaited, and they were part of a greater destiny.