IS IT JUST A DREAM?

As the envoy disappeared into the castle, Jen led Nova to meet someone important. They entered the guild, and in a corner, a confident woman with a pointy ears and golden eyes awaited them.

Jen introduced her as 'Emily - Long rose,' but everyone called her 'Em'. Em, the branch leader of the guild in the Arkose Country, observed Nova with keen eyes.

Em noticed Nova's striking looks and the subtle aura of gentleness that clung to him. It struck her as a waste to assign someone with such presence to a lowly gate-guard duty. With a sly smile, Em proposed, "How about you be my personal assistant instead? You won't have to deal with gate-guard duties, and there's potential for you to make more money."

Nova, appreciating the prospect of avoiding mundane guard duties, agreed without hesitation. The role of a personal assistant sounded much more appealing.

Em then took Nova on a tour of the guild, explaining its functions. The guild received quests from various sources, and these quests were posted on a notice board. Guild members could pick up these quests, complete them, and then collect their rewards. It was a bustling hub of activity, with adventurers and mercenaries coming and going, exchanging information, and preparing for their quests.

As they strolled through the guild's lively corridors, Em shared stories of successful quests, highlighted the importance of teamwork, and emphasized the camaraderie among guild members. Nova absorbed the information, realizing that the guild played a crucial role in maintaining balance and order in El-Kiin.

Em's proposal had not only spared him from mundane tasks but also opened a gateway to a world of opportunities within the guild. Nova, now entrusted with the role of a personal assistant.

As Nova settled into his role as Em's personal assistant, his curiosity about the mysterious envoy lingered. During a break in their duties, he decided to ask Em about the visitors from earlier.

"Ms. Emily, about those people from earlier, what brings them here? And who are they, anyway?" Nova inquired.

Emily, always willing to share information, leaned against a nearby table and began, "They're from the Arian planet, ruled by Loki, God of Illusion. He is the only ones known for using those mythical horses and riders. I reckon they're here for the conference scheduled this month. It's a big deal."

Nova furrowed his brows, "Conference? What's that about?"

Emily chuckled and explained, "It's like a century-old tradition. Rulers gather to rank themselves in the Akashic Records. The higher the rank, the higher their status in the Upper realm. El-Kiin lost twice in a row, and Lord Gabriel is dead set on changing that this time. He's been specially training the knights to participate in the upcoming conference."

Nova nodded, absorbing the weight of the information.

Em continued, "The envoy from Arian is probably here to announce their representatives for the conference. It's a big deal for them too. Lord Gabriel is determined to secure a better ranking for El-Kiin this time around. Losing isn't an option."

As Nova processed the details, he couldn't help but feel the tension building around the guild. The fate of El-Kiin seemed to hinge on the outcome of this conference, and the carefully trained knights were the key players in the planet's bid for a higher status in the upper realm.

Nova completed his tasks and retired for the day.

After finishing his work at the guild, Nova returned home and retired for the night. As he slipped into his sleep, a mysterious figure appeared into his dreams. The figure addressed him as "father" and questioned, "Father? You're alive? Where are you?" The cryptic words lingered in Nova's mind as he abruptly woke up.

Confusion enveloped him as he grappled with the information that he might be a father. The dream left him in a state of bewilderment, and various thoughts raced through his mind. Am I really a father? Who could this figure be? The faceless presence in his dream left him in a dilemma, and Nova found himself yearning for answers.

Despite the lingering confusion, Nova approached the day with a sense of normalcy. Eager to understand the meaning behind the dream, he went about his work at the guild as if nothing had happened. The guild's bustling atmosphere provided a distraction, but the lingering question about his potential fatherhood lingered beneath the surface.

As Nova delved into his responsibilities, the leader of Night Riders mercenary group approached him. The leader, a unique combination of human and reptilian features, sought information on quests that promised the highest rewards.

Nova marveled at the diverse array of species living on El-Kiin.

Determined to assist, Nova delved into the guild's archives and uncovered a quest worth 200-star energy (Money). The mercenary leader, introduced himself as Ra'ah, appeared satisfied with the find. Nova couldn't help but notice the intriguing combination of human and reptilian features in Ra'ah's appearance.

Intrigued, Nova decided to inquire more about the Night Riders and their leader. Ra'ah, the half-human and half-reptilian, shared insights into their mercenary group and the challenges they faced in El-Kiin. As the conversation unfolded, Nova couldn't shake the mystery of the dream and the potential connection to the figure who addressed him as "Father."

-In a distant Universe-

In a distinct universe, far from the reaches where Even gods and Demons never dared to venture, a castle made of star jade stood, and within it, an existence sat upon a throne. Seven thrones adorned the expansive chamber, and the figure on the central throne unfolded magnificent three pairs of wings with red and golden white colors. A halo in the shape of a crown hovered above, and as the existence opened his golden-silver eyes, he muttered, "I can feel it, this presence... it's his."(*) With a resounding shout, he declared, "It's time! Call back the kings."(*)

-on El-Kiin-

Meanwhile, on El-Kiin, life continued its usual rhythm, but an impending conference cast a shadow over the planet. Visitors from various realms arrived, creating an atmosphere of tension. Em, recognizing the gravity of the situation, advised Nova, "It's going to be very busy here. Many important people come to the guild to register for the conference. Treat everyone respectfully."

As the days passed, the guild buzzed with activity. People from diverse planets registered for the event, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. Minor disturbances occurred, but overall, things remained peaceful.

Next day, Jen, the personal servant of the ruler, arrived at the guild to register. Curious, Nova questioned Jen's presence. Jen calmly replied, "Lord Gabriel ordered me to be part of the reserve knights in case of any disturbances in the arena."

Nova, perplexed, wondered how a servant like Jen could contribute to the knights. Em intervened, explaining, "Jen used to be a veteran who participated in the holy war. He survived, and Lord Gabriel recognized his prowess. Despite his role as a servant, Jen holds authority and experience older than many planets. He is not to be underestimated."

As the conference drew nearer, El-Kiin braced itself for the arrival of rulers and delegates from across the cosmos. The guild, a central hub of activity, played a crucial role in facilitating the event. Nova, amidst the anticipation and uncertainty, prepared for the challenges and revelations that awaited in the grand arena of the cosmic conference.

The day of the conference arrived, and Nova, alongside Em, attended the grand event as guild officials. The arena buzzed with the presence of diverse races, each representative eager for the arrival of the rulers. A grand entrance was staged, and all eyes turned towards the entrance as the ruler of the planet made his appearance.

For the first time, Nova laid eyes on Lord Gabriel, equipped with golden plate armor, radiating a light yellow aura, and sporting 2 pair of white wings. Every step resonated with life energy, as befitting the lord of such vitality. The crowd, overwhelmed by the lord's presence, fell to their knees in a display of respect.

However, Nova didn't feel the dominant aura that compelled the others to kneel. Unaffected, he stood firm. Em, quick to notice the oversight, whispered to Nova, "Kneel, now." Realizing the gravity of the situation, Nova followed Em's suggestion and joined the others in genuflection.

As the assembly paid homage to their ruler, the tension in the arena heightened. A door opposite to Gabriel's opened, heralding the arrival of Loki, the ruler of Arian. as he moves his shape distorted and his face cannot be seen. The unsettling tension between Gabriel and Loki reverberated through the crowd, but Nova, amidst the chaos, remained remarkably composed.

While the populace felt the weight of the rivalry between the rulers, Nova's calm demeanor hinted at a deeper understanding or perhaps an indifference to the power play. As the rulers took their positions for the conference, Nova braced himself for the unfolding events, knowing that the delicate balance between Gabriel and Loki could tip the scales of El-Kiin's fate.

In the tense atmosphere of the conference, Loki, the Lord of Illusion, initiated a verbal exchange with Gabriel. "Are you ready to lose this year as well, Gabriel?" he taunted.

Slightly flustered, Gabriel responded, "The Trickster should know words should not be spoken easily. In our world, words bear a weight heavier than ourselves."

Unperturbed by Gabriel's caution, Loki shrugged off the words and countered, "If you lose this time, I want your treasure, the Wraith Horn."

Gabriel, resolute, declared, "I am not going to lose this time, Loki. When I win, I want your 'Star -Orb.'" The verbal sparring continued, each ruler staking their claim and challenging the other.

As their exchange reached its climax, both rulers retreated to their respective seats. Nova, bewildered by the intensity of their rivalry, turned to Em and asked, "Are all the Rulers like that?"

Em shook her head. "No, Lord Loki and Gabriel have been rivals since before the holy war. As important beings from their respective families, they fought over many things. Over time, their relationship evolved into what you see now. We are not in a position to guess or question their thoughts."

The relation between Gabriel and Loki cast a shadow over the conference, emphasizing the weight of their history and the stakes involved.