On the island, the king summoned the first, second, and third guardians of the order. They gathered in a secret chamber within the royal palace, hidden even from the highest officials. The grand doors of the court opened, and the king entered, clad in royal garments heavy with golden symbols that spoke of centuries of power. He walked with solemnity to his throne and sat under the unwavering gaze of those present.
—The reason I have called you here —he began in a firm voice— is to receive detailed reports of the mission entrusted to you. You three are the strongest among the guardians, and the most loyal. Let us begin with you, Danes.
Danes' eyes widened. He still seemed shaken, as if his mind were trapped in another reality. The images of the masked man who had touched him, and everything he had experienced since that moment, continued to batter his consciousness relentlessly, haunting his nights and weakening his resolve.
—Your Majesty —he finally spoke, his voice heavy—. My mission led me to an unknown country in the far north, far beyond our lands. The spies who accompanied me were slain before they could even defend themselves. The enemy…
He paused. Tried to compose himself, swallowing hard under the tense stares of the others.
—He is strong. Terribly strong. I fought one of them. His power rivaled that of a supreme guardian. I managed to defeat him, but when I moved to deliver the final blow, seven more appeared.
Another pause. The atmosphere grew denser.
—One of them healed the one I had beaten completely. Restored him as if his wounds had never existed. The energy they radiated was overwhelming. I fought five of them at once… and somehow, I defeated them. But then… their leader appeared. He came to me with a power beyond description. He told me he would bring peace to the world, that he would change everything. I don't know how, but before I realized it, his hand was on my head… and after that, I remember nothing. I awoke at home, in my sister's care.
—To heal like that can only be done with absolute power —murmured the king, deep in thought.
—That is what terrifies me the most. Of them all, only he was human. He possessed abilities akin to those of a supreme guardian, class S. As for the others… I don't even know what they were. They did not seem human.
—And their leader? —the king asked, sensing Danes' hesitation.
Danes lifted his gaze.
—His power… was possibly class SS. Or higher, my lord.
Silence fell like a weight.
—Are you suggesting that man holds the power of a legendary? —snapped the third guardian.
Danes did not reply. His silence was answer enough.
—If he truly spoke of world peace, then it is highly likely his plan involves awakening the beasts —said the king gravely—. Only one with such overwhelming might could even contemplate it.
—I'm sure he's nothing but a braggart —interjected Garu, the first guardian—. Power of that scale hasn't been seen in centuries. Not even the oldest Arkanos have awakened anything close. I think Danes is exaggerating.
Danes did not react. His eyes remained downcast, distant.
—We live in dangerous times, Garu —the king replied sternly—. Anything could happen.
—His Majesty is right —added Maito, the third guardian, a man whose arms were covered in dark tattoos shaped like serpents. His presence alone unsettled most—. We all know Danes is not one to exaggerate. If he says this, there is truth in his words.
Many believed that Maito, by sheer power, should have claimed the second position. Yet fate had chosen two exceptional youths: Garu and Danes. Both wielders of supreme abilities. Though whispers said Danes had never wished to challenge Garu for the first rank.
—As you wish —Garu replied indifferently.
—Maito, your report —ordered the king, turning to him.
—Your Majesty, I bring good news. The enemy has retreated from the southern coast. Reports suggest they seek to establish a peace treaty.
—That is welcome —the king affirmed—. Easing tensions with the eastern nations will bring calm to our people. Garu, now you.
—I infiltrated the great eastern giant. What I discovered was far from encouraging. They are developing artificial soldiers… androids with strength and abilities akin to a guardian's. Some may even surpass a class B guardian.
—That is unacceptable. If what you say is true, we must act before such power falls into the wrong hands —the king declared severely—. Garu, destroy what they are building. Take a team, or go alone. But end it.
—As you command, Lord Nefro —Garu replied, his energy so dense it made the air itself tremble.
The meeting continued, though Danes seemed absent, tormented by the images still striking his mind. Visions of war, of meaningless deaths… voices whispering that it all had to end. That he could do something.
A young woman, dressed with quiet formality, entered abruptly. She walked quickly to the throne and whispered into the king's ear. His composure shifted from calm to unease.
—Garu, abort the mission —he ordered curtly.
—My lord? For what reason?
—Kironashi has petitioned for admission into the Silver Union. An assembly has been called to vote within a month. We cannot show hostility while their inclusion is being debated.
—Tch. They always ruin the fun —muttered Garu.
—That is all. This meeting is adjourned. I want no suspicions raised. I will send spies to gather more information on the masked ones who confronted Danes.
—They will be slaughtered —Danes spoke quietly.
—And what do you propose, then?
—Your Majesty, allow me to return. I know their movements now. I will face them again. This time, I will bring back detailed information.
The king studied him with suspicion. Garu, on the other hand, seemed to doubt his true intentions.
—Very well. Choose whatever group you wish. I leave it in your hands.
—Thank you, my lord.
As he left, Danes walked slowly, eyes fixed on the ground. He seemed to drag an unseen weight, as though something inside him was broken.
—Do you think it wise to go alone in search of them? —Garu's voice halted him. He stood in his path, staring with intensity.
Danes lifted his eyes, though they still looked vacant.
—I want to prevent others from dying —he answered, almost a whisper.
—Then tell me, why didn't they kill you if they are as powerful as you claim? Why are you still alive?
—I don't know. I've asked myself that every day since I awoke. I have no answer.
—You are the second strongest supreme guardian of this nation. The world needs you, Danes. Do not die —said Garu before moving on.
Danes nodded in silence and walked away, each step heavier than the last.