Fractura Lux, Northern Edge
Several months after Luthar's betrayal
A greenish mist rolled between the shattered stones and the gaps of time that had not yet fully closed, creating an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of forgotten tales. Each drop of dew that fell upon the moss-covered rocks seemed to tell a story of hope and regret, carrying an unpredictable fate for those brave enough to listen and understand the weight of their choices.
Fractura Lux stood as a silent reminder—that even in a world of freedom, a wrong choice could shatter the future.
Joanna stood at the edge of the cliff.
Behind her, the flag of Custodes Mutatio fluttered gently, swept by the night wind that carried the scent of damp earth and white cotton from the low-hanging clouds.
"I will not let this mistake happen again," she whispered, her voice nearly drowned by the rustling wind. Deep within, she felt she was struggling against the shadows of the past that continually haunted her.
Since Luthar's trial, Joanna had been burdened heavily.
Many praised her for stopping the Nullborn.
But some scientists and progressive wizards felt disappointed, viewing Joanna's actions as restrictions on the very changes they deemed essential for progress. Anxiously, they gathered in the shadowy corners of the Sanctum, hoping to find the persuasive words that could alter the course of history and rekindle their vision for a transformative future.
"We want true freedom. Not freedom under surveillance."
Some began to leave the Custodes Mutatio.
However, amidst the noise and dissent, Joanna realized that every decision made could shape a future filled with uncertainty, presenting both risks and promising opportunities that required careful navigation.
Joanna understood: unguarded change could lead to destruction.
But overly restricted change would result in stagnation.
"I need guardians.
Not legal guardians...
But guardians of the meaning of change."
That night, Joanna visited Sanctum Aristeia, a place where her steps echoed down the shimmering corridors, where candlelight cast shadows that seemed to dance on the walls, tempting the imagination with countless possibilities.
Sheena awaited her on the highest balcony, where two moons shone in the sky, casting a light that exuded a mystical aura, as if foretelling the coming change and guiding every soul ready to embrace it.
"You want to establish a new group," Sheena stated bluntly.
Joanna nodded. "Not an army. Not a council. Not judges."
"I want to form the Guardians of Change.
Individuals unbound by the laws of Gaia or Earth,
who understand that change must be safeguarded, not monopolized."
Sheena looked at her daughter with a mix of pride and concern, feeling the weight of the responsibility that Joanna would bear. The image of the time gap etched softly in the night sky vibrated with a magical influence, casting an ethereal glow on the atmosphere. The sky, a deep purple, was adorned with twinkling stars that resembled watchful eyes, witnessing every hope and fear unveiled beneath them.
"It will be a tough road.
You will be suspected by both sides—those who fear change and those who desire chaos."
"I know," Joanna replied. "But I fear more a world that ceases to change."
Sheena smiled gently.
"I will support you.
Just as I once supported Jeanne in choosing order."
In the following month, Joanna sought out individuals from all across Gaia and Earth; in every corner of the places she visited, the atmosphere was infused with the scent of damp earth after rain, while the sounds of chirping night insects combined to create a symphony that inspired those brave enough to join the fight for progress.
Fluctuating Sorcerers who understood that change must be rooted in will, not power, gathered under the moonlight, where each passing second felt like a journey toward unity in the same vision, forming strong bonds among them.
Innovators who believe that technology should empower choices, not dictate them, stand with gleaming tools in hand, creating a sense of wonder and innovation among their loyal followers.
Free thinkers aware that freedom without responsibility is merely chaos, share visions and ideas around a campfire, their voices softened by the understanding that they are accountable for what they are building together.
Praetors of both human and non-human races, who have witnessed the dangers of stagnation and extremism, each representing invaluable experiences and lessons, bring forth a collection of soul-stirring stories.
Gathered at Fractura Lux, beneath the shadow of a time fracture that is nearly healed, they occupy a space where dimensions unite, compelling them to grasp the meaning behind every chosen movement.
"We will not be a force.
We will not be rulers.
We will not be a political faction."
"We will be witnesses and guardians.
If change is misused, we will stop it.
If change is suppressed, we will defend it fiercely, ensuring that every voice advocating for transformation is heard and respected.
"We are the Guardians of Change."
Before Joanna stood forty-seven individuals, creating a softly glowing circle beneath the full moon's light, their shadows black stains against the twinkling night sky. A gentle breeze rustled, carrying the scent of night-blooming flowers from the secret garden of Fractura Lux. They placed their hands on Prisma Mutatio—the crystal once wielded by Luthar but now purified by Joanna's fluctuating magic, radiating colorful light as if reflecting the hopes and fears of a future united in harmony.
The Proto-Speech Oath was recited:
"Vel'thar Mutare Custodia."
"We guard change."
"Non Dominatio, Non Negatio."
"Not to dominate. Not to deny."
"Vel'thar Flux Vitae."
"We protect the flow of life that chooses its own path."
The Guardians of Change were officially born.
A few days later, Joanna invited Jeanne to Fractura Lux, a place where time seemed to stand still, allowing wonder to permeate every corner. Soft light penetrated the drastic gaps, creating beautiful patterns reminiscent of celestial paintings. There, seated by the pond whose crystal-clear water reflected the light of the stars, Joanna and Jeanne shared thoughts and dreams, enveloped in a sense of peace that wrapped around them like an invisible warm blanket on the green grass dotted with morning dew.
Jeanne listened carefully to the philosophy of the Guardians, savoring each word as if pouring it into the cup of her soul. Within each idea lay profound wisdom—a weaving of a greater purpose.
"I know some people will consider you to be opposing the Codex Harmonia," Jeanne said. Her voice was gentle yet powerful, reminding them that change, too, comes at a price.
"I am ready for that accusation," Joanna replied.
"Because even harmony needs change to stay alive." As she spoke, the light of Prisma Mutatio shimmered, as if responding to the conviction that ignited their souls.
Jeanne gazed at the Prisma Mutatio, then at her sister, feeling her soul torn between responsibility and hope. Her eyes explored the beauty of this strange crystal, which served not only as a symbol but also as a silent witness to all that had happened and all that might happen in a changing world.
"I agree.
And I will ensure that the Codex Harmonia does not become a prison for freedom."
"Protect them, Jo.
Ensure that change does not become a reason for destruction."
"I swear," Joanna said, her voice firm and trembling, resonating in the mysterious silence of the night. All around them, the soft light of the stars appeared to shimmer, as if responding to every promise spoken.
"We will protect this world together, even if by different paths."
They embraced, feeling the warmth of each other against the chill of the cold night. In the sky, wispy clouds formed patterns reminiscent of the symbol of harmony between two forces, affirming that they stood at a crossroads. Two sisters, two philosophies, one purpose.
Joanna then made a Pactum Rahasia with Jeanne:
near them flowed a sparkling river, seemingly reflecting the light of hope and promise.
"If one day the change I protect becomes dangerous,
or the order you safeguard turns oppressive...
we will remember the oath of today."
"That free will must not be an excuse for tyranny,
whether it be the tyranny of change or the tyranny of order, which can destroy hope and limit freedom."
The Pact was signed with their blood, a deep red liquid mingling in mystical drops—wishing that each stroke would become a witness to history.
This symbol would later be inherited by a small faction within Arkanum Veritas during the Stones era, where each generation would study the profound implications of the choices made by these two transformative souls for the preservation of their society.
Shortly after standing, the Guardians of Change received reports:
within the layers of time colliding, news of a threat emerging from the shadows of Fractura Lux streamed in rapidly, demanding immediate attention.
A faction on the borders of Earth is attempting to develop will-control technology— inheriting part of Luthar's ideas.
Joanna leads the Guardians to dismantle the faction non-violently.
They offer a choice:
"Stop your steps or live in Fractura Lux, where your will is free yet without the right to disturb others, creating a balance between individual freedom and social responsibility."
Some accepted the offer.
Others felt isolated, believing that their choices would lead to unexpected consequences and potentially painful outcomes for others.
Guardians of Change proved themselves.
They established their role not only as overseers of change but also as guardians of the meaning of change, preserving the true significance of social and spiritual evolution.
In the Sanctum, a magical atmosphere enveloped the room, where the dim light from flickering lanterns danced on the walls, creating swirling shadows that seemed to narrate the heroic tales of the Guardians. Sheena noted in her journal:
Sheena noted in her journal: "Guardians of Change are borne not only from the exercise of powerbut from a profound philosophy deeply rooted in understanding the diverse perspectives that shape our society and the world around us."
I am proud of Joanna...
But I am also afraid."
"Because an unguarded philosophy can become dogma, and dogma can become a new force that limits creativity and innovation."
And dogma can become a new power."
"I can only hope that Joanna and Jeanne will continue to remember their Pactum."
"For the seeds of division, however small, have begun to sprout."
That night, at Fractura Lux, Joanna stood before the Guardians, surrounded by shadows that hinted at the struggle between freedom and control. The stars twinkled in the dark night sky, as if whispering to the souls present about the importance of the choices they made.
"We are not the guardians of the future."
"We are the guardians of choice, ensuring the future remains open."
"As long as we remember this,
this world will always have hope."
And the stars shone above them,
tiny lights piercing through the cracks of a once-shattered reality.