As Ace, Isabella, Shaw, and Tina traversed the treacherous terrain of the wastelands, their minds buzzed with the encounter with Yurna and her ominous prophecy. Each step deeper into the unknown filled them with equal parts apprehension and determination. The looming presence of the Seven Spectres of Sin weighed heavy on their minds, yet they pressed on, driven by a single sentiment of wanting to protect what they cherished the most. Their journey led them to a remote corner of the wasteland, where they stumbled upon a hidden enclave nestled amidst towering cliffs and dense forests. "Well-well. I never expected that you would reach me in this desolate and far away place my dear disciple." Said a voice that resounded strongly in their minds whereafter an old acquaintance appeared in front of them, Dryad.
"It has been quite a while since we last met. Ace, Isabella." She said with a gentle smile on her face. "Lady Dryad." Exclaimed Isabella with a relieved and joyous expression on her face. "Ummm. Sorry but who are you?" said Ace with a confused expression. "Oh! That's right. You have met before. This is Dryad, the forest spirit of the Sea of Trees." Said Isabella. "Nice to meet you." Said Ace, Tina and Shaw. "If you're here does that mean that Elderngard..." added Isabella as Dryad told them that before continuing their conversation they should go in the settlement near their location. With a magic circle appearing under their feet, they were teleported to a different location within the forest.
There they saw a sight unlike that they had seen since the cataclysm. It was a prospering and peaceful settlement where many people were gathered. "Please follow me." Said Dryad. As they made their way through the settlement, they wondered how this place was so peaceful. After arriving at their destination, in front of them stood a small residence which emanated a strong yet calm aura. As they entered the person they encountered within was the old Dragon Hermit Regelion. "Welcome Ace. And welcome to you all to my humble abode. I'm Regelion the Dragon Hermit." Said Regelion as the group faced him. As Ace glanced at him, he felt an unknown feeling surging within himself. A feeling of respect and frustration mixed in with a sudden feeling of lucidity coming over him.
"T-the Dragon Hermit." Exclaimed Isabella with astonishment and awe in her tone. "Please make yourself at home I'll make some tea." He said as he brought a kettle of hot tea. As the group drank it, they were amazed at how delicious and relaxing it was. After finishing their drink, the group told Regelion what had happened to them and emergence of Yggdrasil. "So Yggdrasil has finally awoken and she intends to destroy the world as we know it." He said with a concerned expression. "I guess that explains the mass magic incident that happened on the entire continent." He added. "What do you mean?" asked Isabella. "I guess you wouldn't be able to know, huh? When Yggdrasil descended on our world, a massive wave of mana followed her. It was so massive that it swallowed the entirety of the continent and then reshaped the entire landscape. Right now were on the continent but not its original form. With that being said each and every person on the continent got teleported to an unknown location." He answered as worry and dread filled their expressions.
As he continued Regelion also told them more about Yggdrasil. In ancient texts she is considered a calamity that can destroy the entirety of humanity. No one knows where she comes from or how she came to be. The Only known information about her is that she is a being incarnating the absolute void. Everything in her presence turns to nothingness. And following her are the Seven Spectres of Sin each representing one of the seven deadly sins. Avaritia the sin of Greed, Invidia the sin of Envy, Acedia the sin of Sloth, Luxuria the sin of Lust, Gula the sin of Gluttony, Ira the sin of Wrath and finally Superbia the sin of Pride. And when Yggdrasil descends a giant tower appears called Apocrypha which is made of 8 floors and everywhere that it settles is filled with miasmic mana. Yggdrasil is a being capable of even destroying the gods without much effort hence being considered a calamity.
After hearing this, the group began to wonder if it was even possible to stop such an entity. "Well basically she's incredibly powerful. And so what?! We've already beaten that Avaritia wielder already. So we only have to beat the six other spectres and then beat the crap out of Yggdrasil once and for all." Said Ace with a confident gaze. "Even after losing all your magical powers and memories. You still haven't changed." Thought Regelion as he remembered a memory of Ace who had vowed to beat Vartos Lucius Drankein if they ever went at odds. "Are you sure that's what you wanna do? You risk more than just losing your powers and memories. Death by her hands is the total annihilation of your very being without any saving possible." Said Regelion. "Well the simple thing to do is to become srong enough that I beat her." Responded Ace, his will unwavering.
Acknowledging Ace's determination Regelion proposed to him that he trains him if he's willing by which he accepted. Inspired by Ace's words the group decided to join him in this training. And so under Regelion's guidance, Ace and his companions embarked on a rigorous regimen of training, honing their skills and unlocking hidden depths of power within themselves. Each day brought new challenges and revelations as they delved deeper into the mysteries of magic and combat. As weeks turned into months, one night, as Ace was sleeping, he had a dream where he saw the landscape directing him towards a dark tower. And in front of the gates of the tower stood Yggdrasil who faced him and said "I'm waiting O awakened one."