The world didn't end with fire.
It ended in silence.
No explosions. No screams. Just the sudden hush that comes before the universe takes a breath—and never exhales again.
I stood on a broken rooftop, barefoot, a single step away from jumping.
Nobody would miss me.
Not in this new world ruled by awakened beasts, floating Towers, and people blessed by systems I never received.
I was a failure.
A reject.
Another powerless stray in a city swallowed by monsters and gods.
I took one step forward.
And then—
A flash of golden light tore through the sky.
A streak of warmth and flame crashed through the clouds like a comet.
And from it… fell a child.
A baby.
No, not just a baby.
She was glowing. Wrapped in swirls of divine light. Her hair shimmered silver. Her skin radiated soft warmth that chased away the death in my bones.
She landed in my arms.
Unburned. Untouched. Unafraid.
Her golden eyes locked onto mine. She didn't cry. She didn't scream.
She reached out with one tiny, trembling hand...
…touched my cheek…
And whispered, barely louder than a breath—
"Papa."
[System Detected: Soulbound Target Acquired]
[You have been chosen as the Guardian of the End.]
[Initializing: Parental Evolution Protocol]
[Warning: You are now responsible for the survival of the Final Goddess.]
[Failure will result in complete world annihilation.]
I didn't understand.
My hands were still shaking.
My legs were ready to jump.
And now… this? A child from the heavens?
"Papa," she said again, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, her tiny fingers wrapping around mine.
I should have run.
I should have doubted her.
I should have let her go.
But the warmth in her hand…
It felt like forgiveness.
It felt like I still had a reason to live.
And in that moment, I made a vow.
"I don't know who you are," I whispered, cradling her close as the wind howled and reality trembled around us. "But if you've chosen me… then I'll protect you. No matter what it costs."
Suddenly, the sky cracked again—this time in shadow.
A being descended.
Not a monster.
Not a man.
Something ancient.
Ten black wings stretched across the horizon. Its face was a swirling void. Its eyes were suns.
And it spoke one word—
"Mistake."
The baby in my arms trembled.
[Emergency Evolution Path Unlocked!]
[You have unlocked: "Shared Soul – Any power you gain, she gains."]
[Status: All stats multiplied when protecting Soulbound Target.]
[New Skill: Father's Wrath – Lv. 1]
The creature raised its hand—ready to erase us both from existence.
But I stepped forward, shielding her with my body.
"I don't care what you are," I said. "You won't lay a single finger on my daughter."
[Warning: Initiating First Trial – Tutorial Dungeon Countdown: 72 Hours]
[Failure to grow stronger will result in Target's death.]
[Good luck, Papa.]
The world changed around us. The city faded. The sky burned white.
And we fell… together.
Into the Tower.
Into the Trial.
Into the start of a new legend.