They moved deeper into the hall, the crushing atmosphere pressing down on them, when Viras suddenly leapt onto the marble table, his eyes blazing with madness.
"So you're the one who killed Karmas?! HA-HA-HA!" he laughed, clenching his fist. "I like you! Let's fight sometime!"
As the echoes of his laughter faded, a cold, contemptuous voice rose from the far end of the hall:
"He should be destroyed. He entered here without respect. Kneel," said Grarrel without even glancing at Akito.
"Poor child…" murmured Lament softly, his eyes filled with sorrow. "They want to destroy you because of fate. I pity you…"
"You must repent," said Kaenon, pressing his hands together in a prayerful gesture. "Only then will you find forgiveness."
"Why you?" roared Zemok, slamming his thick hand against the table. "You broke the rules! I want to be better!"
And at that moment, he entered the hall.
A figure wrapped in radiance so bright that no one could see its face. A tall silhouette with no features, no voice—only light and power.
The Creator.
"Kronoran, thank you." His voice came from everywhere and nowhere, as though it entered each mind directly. "Akito Kurosawa. I've been waiting for this meeting. Since the moment you died at Zalgroom's hand, you've changed. I am pleased."
Akito froze. Memories rushed back—the white light after death… Yes. He'd met the Creator before, but had forgotten.
The Creator floated upward, hovered over the table, then slowly descended and turned toward him:
"Do you wish to become the new Commander of the Guardians?"
Instantly, nearly everyone's eyes went wide. Even Mirton, who had been sitting calmly all this time, tensed ever so slightly.
"That's… against the rules!" Ontas blurted out.
"I already hate you, Kurosawa!" snarled Haegar, the four-armed man whose fists clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked.
"Silence," came a calm voice. Kianir, the Guardian of Tranquility, spoke without opening his eyes. Above his head, as always, three bowls floated, crystal water spilling endlessly from one to the next. "Let tranquility flow into your body… and mind."
Akito clenched his fists. His heart pounded in his chest.
"They're… monsters. Even Kronoran would have trouble fighting them," flashed through his mind.
He drew a deep breath, looked at the Creator—or at the void where a face should be—and said:
"No, thank you. I don't want that."
"So be it," said the Creator. His voice sounded as though the decision had been made long ago. "The next Commander of the Guardians will be Mirton—the Guardian of Cunning."
"But you said you'd announce it later… Why now?" Ontas demanded, fists trembling.
"I decided the moment Akito refused," the Creator replied calmly. "For now, Mirton is the best choice. I'm confident he will handle it."
He turned to the young Guardian of Honor. "And you, Ontas, one day you too may stand in this place—if you gain experience and clear your mind."
The Creator looked back at Akito.
"And now, Akito Kurosawa. Come with me."
One by one, the Guardians vanished from their seats like candles snuffed out by the wind. A moment later, Akito and the Creator were standing in another chamber—an enormous throne hall of marble walls, stained-glass windows, and a golden throne at the far end.
"Akito… Now I will show you something."
A flash of light—and before him stood… a man. Not just any man—an exact replica of Akito himself. Same height, same features. Only the hair was white, woven of light.
"You… you look so much like me," Akito managed.
"Yes. When I first saw you… I was shocked. You're like a reflection of myself."
The Creator waved his hand—and a long table appeared before them, laden with countless dishes and drinks. Warm light bathed every piece of food, every pitcher.
"Sit."
They sat. The Creator looked off into the distance, as if recalling something far away:
"When I appeared… there was nothing here. Only this palace. No people. No Guardians. No kings. Only me."
"So you can do anything?" Akito asked quietly. "Then why me? What could you possibly need me for?"
The Creator smiled and looked him directly in the eyes:
"I want you to become my right hand. This system—it was created only for you. Everything you've received… everyone by your side—it's no accident. Even the Guardians—their forms were taken from things you loved."
He began listing them:
"Arden—the fox you wanted to have as a child but your parents wouldn't allow.
Targus—your grandfather, whom you lost long ago.
Elian—the actor whose movies inspired you.
Kenshi—the older brother fate separated you from.
Aurelia—the girl you had a crush on in middle school.
Kasumi—the bird you fed every day in the park.
And finally, Drakzir—the dragon from that movie you watched dozens of times."
Akito froze. A wave of memories surged through his mind.
"He's… right. They really do resemble…" he thought.
He still sat at the lavish table when the Creator leaned forward and asked calmly:
"So what have you decided?"
"I… don't know yet," Akito admitted honestly. "Can I postpone the choice?"
"Of course," the Creator nodded with a faint smile. "When you're ready—just tell me. For now, go to Kronoran. He'll take you back to Earth."
Akito slowly rose. As he approached the massive door, it began to open on its own, sensing his intent. He stepped into the corridor—and stopped.
Empty.
Not a soul.
All the people who had been there minutes ago were gone, like a mirage. He walked through the endless corridor of marble and gold, and with every step his thoughts churned:
"Why all this? Commander of the Guardians? The Creator's right hand? Mirton, who framed me… But of course he's the Guardian of Cunning. Everything's changing too fast."
He was about to turn down the next staircase when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw—a grand hall opened to the left.
Its ceiling was completely transparent, like glass. Beyond it—black, lifeless stars and a cold, white sky. The place was dark and beautiful at once.
In the center of the hall, hands clasped behind his back, stood Kronoran.
Akito stepped inside. At once he heard his voice:
"Akito…
I've realized one truth.
Humans must be destroyed.
They are the true parasites of this world."
[Noxveil]
Hey there, reader!
If you've made it this far, thank you so much. I'm writing this story in Russian and translating it into English — so I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Even one small comment gives me huge motivation 💬💙
Let me know who your favorite character is so far!