prologue 3

Over the next decade, Amos embarked on a galactic quest, visiting various civilizations and demanding their planets' core crystals. When met with refusal, the Sun Warriors waged wars, ultimately seizing 14 core crystals and bringing them to their home planet. This accumulation led to a surge in the planet's growth: resources became more abundant, beasts grew stronger, and new, reality-bending crystals emerged. A remarkable phenomenon occurred when ten of these core crystals merged into a single, dense, smooth crystal, pulsating with mystic energy. This fusion instantly doubled the planet's size and power. Keeping this development secret, Amos continued his quest, eventually arriving on Earth. Harboring a deep connection to Earth, he discreetly planted four core crystals there and forged alliances with its inhabitants. He provided soldiers to teach humans how to harness their abilities and unlock their potential, establishing an exchange system involving humans, mined crystals, beasts, and other resources. Amos's actions attracted attention from other planets and beings, leading to new alliances and, in some cases, conflicts.

During these years, Chain Hopper sought out 20 individuals—10 with the ability of Equivalent Exchange and 10 with Dreams to Reality. He discovered a warrior capable of transferring abilities, who was appointed to a high position known as the Ability Caster. This role involved punishing or blessing individuals based on their actions within the city or planet. After a decade, Chain gathered the 20 individuals and explained King Amos's intentions, as well as the promises made to them, including receiving new abilities from the Ability Caster upon completion of their task. While some questioned or declined, most agreed to serve Amos, as they had been on death row and were granted a new lease on life.

Chain then met with Knight Ezekiel and was entrusted with the God Crystal formed from the ten core crystals. As Chain held the crystal, he was overwhelmed by its immense power. "My word, what is this?" Chain exclaimed. "With this, the system would be powerful. I could keep this for my own ability and never need a sacrifice again." Ezekiel stepped forward, towering over Chain, his hair flowing as if blown by an unseen wind. "You dare defy the King of Kings?" he challenged, drawing his sword and holding it to Chain's neck.

Chain met Ezekiel's gaze, his eyes beginning to glow. An object materialized, trapping Ezekiel in a cage. "You know I'll never betray Amos, Knight Ezekiel. Please, stand down." Chain Hopper then walked away with the crystal, disappearing before reaching the door.

As Chain sought additional individuals to complete the exchange for the system, several years passed. During this time, Amos and Sarah welcomed a son named Erie. To commemorate this joyous occasion, Amos bestowed a new family name upon his queen and child.

"With this celebration, we shall adopt a new surname!" Amos proclaimed. "Henceforth, we will be known as the Sunheart family!" He then called out, "Knight Joseph! Gather the people and announce to the 14 kingdoms that Erie Sunheart, my son, is born!"

Knight Joseph bowed respectfully. "Yes, sire." His body emitted a soft yellowish hue as he teleported away.

The news spread swiftly, and dignitaries from across the realms were invited to King Amos's castle. During the festivities, Daniel approached Amos with a vision.

"Amos, your destiny remains unchanged. However, a new element has emerged because of this child," Daniel revealed.

Amos expressed his gratitude to Daniel and joined the celebration of his son's birth, which lasted for three days.

It took Chain five years to locate the remaining individuals necessary for the equivalent exchange. During this period, he harnessed the power of the god crystal to enhance his abilities, rapidly constructing larger buildings, defense systems, and armor for the armies. The combination of his "dreams to reality" and "equivalent exchange" abilities, amplified by the god crystal, enabled him to achieve feats previously thought impossible.

Chain declared, "With Echo forming and the god crystal, I can accomplish anything. Amos currently possesses 18 core crystals distributed across different regions of this planet. I must convince him to consolidate 10 of them so I can obtain a god crystal for myself."

He convened the 20 selected individuals in the central chamber of the castle. As he detailed the process, his ability revealed the true cost: the system required not just their abilities, but their very lives. The weight of this revelation struck him profoundly, causing him to drop the crystal in shock.

Chain sighed deeply, the weight of the impending ritual pressing heavily upon him. His gaze lingered on the group before him, their faces a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, mingling with the earthy aroma of ancient wood and the faint tang of metal. He could feel the cool stone floor beneath his feet, grounding him as he grappled with the moral dilemma at hand.

Internally, he wrestled with the decision. The thought of sacrificing these individuals, each with their own stories and dreams, gnawed at his conscience. He could hear the distant murmur of the castle's inner workings, a constant reminder of the world beyond this chamber. The soft rustle of parchment and the occasional clink of metal from the adjoining rooms underscored the gravity of the moment.

He postponed the ritual, allowing the individuals time with their families. The room, once filled with the scent of incense, now carried the faint aroma of fresh bread and the earthy undertones of the surrounding forest. The warm glow of candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls.

Chain approached Amos, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. The cool air of the chamber contrasted with the warmth of the hearth, where flames crackled, casting a soft glow. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing upon him as he spoke.

Amos, attempting to downplay the concern, responded softly, "Chain, despite your appearance, you are among the most powerful beings in existence." He moved closer, observing Chain's stature. "What are you, 5 foot 6? With a physique reminiscent of Helios and Ra, and hair that's red instead of orange. You command the white light and possess a reality-bending ability."

Chain listened intently, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face. "Flattery does not save lives, Amos."

Amos turned away, his tone measured. "I never said it would. However, we have scientists here, and we possess a soulcatcher. Provide these to the scientists."

Understanding Amos's direction, Chain bowed his head and teleported away. The air around him shimmered, the faint hum of energy vibrating through the space as he vanished.

Left alone, Amos settled into his chair, the plush velvet cool against his skin. He opened his palm, allowing an aura of light to form around his hand. The soft glow illuminated the room, casting gentle shadows on the stone walls. He murmured to himself, "I still wonder what happened to you, Father. If only you could see how far I've come."