ARC 2
The skies over Aryavarta were clearer than they had been in decades. With Fernando and his most powerful generals defeated, a palpable sense of peace had settled over the land. The corrupt monarchy was dismantled, and in its place, the people sought to build a republic. The question on everyone's lips was: who would lead?
The popular choice was undeniable: Nero. The savior. The liberator.
But when Nero stood before the gathered masses, he surprised them all. "The people have spoken, and I hear you. But the leader I propose is Prince Rei."
A wave of shock and discontent rippled through the crowd. "Fernando's son?!" someone shouted. "He'll be just as cruel!"
Nero raised a hand, his voice calm but firm, cutting through the noise. "Listen! At this moment, who among us has the knowledge to steer a kingdom? The news of Fernando's death is a beacon for our enemies. They see us as weak, ripe for conquest. Rei understands statecraft. More importantly, he has a kind heart. He will not betray your welfare. See my trust in him as your guarantee. And remember—he is a representative, not a permanent ruler. From this day forward, every five years, you will hold an election and choose your leader."
The logic, backed by Nero's unwavering credibility, won them over. Cheers replaced doubts. The new era had begun.
Soon after, it was time for Nero to depart. A crowd gathered to see him off—Sayuri, Kenta, Daiki, Ayumi, Rei, and all his friends.
"Leaving so soon?" Sayuri said, a competitive glint in her eye. "I was hoping to test my Resurrection State on you."
Daiki elbowed her playfully. "You're always looking for a fight, you scary woman. But she's right, buddy. Isn't it too early to go?"
Nero smiled warmly at the chorus of agreement. "I wish I could stay. But I have an urgent matter. I must report to the Spiritual Council to answer for my... reckless use of power."
Kenta looked stunned. "Even Gate Users are bound by laws?"
After final farewells, Nero stepped through a shimmering portal, leaving the world he saved behind.
The Spiritual Realm was a place of breathtaking beauty. The air hummed with serene energy, and landscapes of light and crystal stretched into infinity. Obsidian was waiting for him.
"Of course it's beautiful," Obsidian said, noting Nero's awe. "But save your wonder. The council is not to be trifled with."
At Obsidian's residence, the tone turned serious. "Nero, you're smart. But be careful in there. Do nothing funny. Saving you from a Seventh Gate user was one thing. The council members, the Celestians, hold a status and power far beyond mine."
Nero and Eri (listening through their bond) absorbed the warning. The time for judgment had come.
They stood in the center of a vast, celestial chamber. Before them sat the council, beings of immense and ancient power. The leader, Mesenor, spoke, his voice echoing with finality.
"Nero Almik. Eri. You stand accused of crimes against the Law of the Multiverse."
He listed the charges, each one a heavy weight:
Dimensional Violation: Eri's use of Gate power in another dimension caused massive destruction and loss of innocent life.
Containment Breach: Through carelessness during the battle with Tues, the fight was allowed to spill out from the Plain of Infinity.
Cosmic Destruction: The ensuing battle resulted in the annihilation of an entire solar system. (As Tues was deceased, sole responsibility fell on Nero).
Summoning Prohibition: Unleashing Disaster-Level Calamities upon the human world.
Deicide: The slaughter of deities and mid-rank gods.
"Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Mesenor asked, his gaze impassive.
Nero accepted responsibility for his recklessness but argued the final point. "The gods came to Earth of their own will. In battle, it is 'do or die.' I cannot be held accountable for their choice to fight."
The council deliberated. The verdict was swift.
Mesenor announced, "Nero, you are largely innocent, acting against a corrupt system. However, your recklessness in challenging a higher Gate User and breaching containment cannot be ignored. Your punishment: All Gate powers will be sealed for one year."
Nero's heart sank. A year without his power?
"However," Mesenor continued, "during this seal, you may still transcend to a higher Gate. That new power will only be accessible once the year is complete."
Obsidian stepped forward. "My Lord, permission to speak?" Granted, he pleaded Nero's case. "A full year is too harsh for such a young talent! It will stunt his growth!"
Mesenor considered this, his eyes shifting between the Seventh Gate User and the defiant young man. "Very well. If I reduce the time, I must raise the difficulty." He turned his gaze to Nero. "Nero Almik, you will go to the Hunter's World, the very dimension where your partner caused destruction. Your mission: free two individuals from their Karmic Effects. Succeed, and your powers will be unlocked instantly."
The judgment was final.
Outside the chamber, a lazy-looking man leaning against a pillar greeted them. "So, you got off easy. Obsidian's favor goes a long way." Obsidian introduced him as Ryusei, a Fourth Gate User and one of his disciples.
"But this mission..." Nero frowned. "Freeing someone from their Karma? That sounds harder than a year-long seal."
Ryusei whistled. "You have no idea. Manipulating Karma is one of the most fundamental and difficult tasks for a Gate User. That condition is hellish."
Back at the residence, Obsidian revealed the truth. "Nero, the punishment is a cover. The place you're going, Earth, is inside the 'Samgaeuma Dome.' Don't worry about the name. Just know another Eternal Fragment is hidden there."
"Wait," Nero interrupted. "What are these fragments?"
"Do you remember the leader of the army that destroyed your Earth? The Seventh Gate User? His name is Aekai, leader of the Fatebreakers. The Eternal Fragments are keys. Collect all seven, and one can manipulate the past and future—irreversibly. It would shatter the balance of the multiverse. Mesenor and I added charges to your record to give you a legitimate reason to be sent there. To stop Aekai. He already has two fragments."
"So the punishment is fake?" Nero asked.
"The power seal is real," Obsidian corrected. "You cannot use your Gates. This is to keep you from drawing attention. We need you to operate in the shadows."
"Why me?"
"Because," Obsidian said simply, "you can wield the power of both Gates. You are unique."
Nero had one last question. "Why did my Plain of Infinity crack during the battle? I thought it was indestructible."
Obsidian's face grew grim. "It is. Even a million Gate Users clashing couldn't fracture it. This... was Aekai's doing. He's making his move."
Eri's voice echoed in their shared mind. "Won't the people in that world recognize us? We caused quite a scene."
"Don't worry," Obsidian assured them. "I've already erased the memories of every person on that Earth regarding the incident."
Nero blinked. "You can do that?"
"Of course," Obsidian said with a wink.
Ryusei, who had been listening while half-dozing on a couch, groaned. "Hurry up with the chit-chat. I'm bored."
With a final nod of understanding, Nero and Eri stepped toward the new portal. Their destination: the Hunter's World, a place of hidden fragments, karmic debts, and a threat that could unravel all of reality.
Arc 2 had begun.