"Before you give me a new skill, Veldanava, I want to ask you something," Zeyron began, his voice steady but laced with curiosity. This was the question he and Nova had wanted to know since they arrived. "This world of yours—Tensura—is growing stronger every day. The beings here are evolving at a rate that defies logic. Guy is only a mid-catastrophic rank at most for now, but his power is already greater than it was at the end of the web novel. Why is that?"
The Star King Dragon's golden eyes glimmered with wisdom as he gazed at Zeyron. "It is no accident," he said, his voice echoing like the rumble of distant thunder. "The source of this strength lies in a force far beyond our world."
Zeyron tilted his head. "Beyond our world?"
"Yes," Veldanava confirmed. "The Outerverse. It is a realm that exists beyond the boundaries of our reality. Long ago, I sensed its presence—a void teeming with energies and entities unlike anything within my creation. For eons, it remained distant. But now... it has begun to bleed into our world."
The younger man's expression darkened. "The mystery continent."
"Indeed." Veldanava nodded. "The Outerverse has already touched our plane. The mystery continent is a fragment of their influence, a crack in the barriers I once erected. It brings energy—raw and untamed—into this world, accelerating the growth of all life here. But if it continues unchecked, the excess energy will cause my world to explode."
Zeyron frowned. "If they've already breached our world and are such a danger, why not stop them? You're the creator. Surely, you can erase them."
For the first time in their conversation, Veldanava's expression faltered. He shook his head. "No, I cannot."
"Why not?"
Veldanava's gaze grew distant as though he were looking at something far beyond the horizon. "The beings of the Outerverse are not stronger than us in a direct sense. Individually, they pale in comparison to my power or even yours. But they are not bound by the same rules. Their existence originates from a High World, a reality superior to ours. If I were to destroy them outright, it could trigger a reaction from their world."
"A reaction?"
"Yes," Veldanava said solemnly. "Their retaliation would not come as individuals but as a force greater than anything this world could withstand. My creation—everything I have built—would be obliterated in an instant."
Zeyron clenched his fists, his mind racing. "Then... we're stuck? Letting them do as they please?"
"Not entirely." Veldanava's voice carried a hint of reassurance. "The people of Tensura are growing stronger precisely because of the energy flowing from the mystery continent. But if there are too many beings whose power exceeds the world i created than my world will not be able to sustain, it will collapse from within. I can intervene to stop it, but doing so could invite greater dangers. Still, we need someone to protect this world if a truly powerful being from the Outerverse were to arrive."
"And who would that be?" Zeyron asked.
Veldanava's gaze settled on Zeyron, his golden eyes piercing yet calm. A small smile tugged at his lips.
Zeyron stiffened, realization dawning on him. "You mean me."
The Star King Dragon's smile widened. "You've always had the potential, Zeyron. That is why I chose you. You are not my creation, and because of that, you have the power to protect this world with your unique ultimate skills, which are far stronger than you realize."
Zeyron exhaled deeply, his resolve hardening. "And what happens if I fail? If I'm not ready when the time comes?"
Veldanava stepped forward, placing a hand on Zeyron's shoulder. His grip was firm, yet his touch carried an unexpected warmth. "Then we both fail. But I believe in you, Zeyron. I believe you can become the shield that protects this world and the sword that fends off any threat."
Silence hung between them for a moment, heavy with unspoken understanding.
"What do I need to do?" Zeyron finally asked.
Veldanava's smile grew faint but resolute. "You will train. Not just your strength but your mind and spirit."
As he said this, Veldanava pointed his finger toward Zeyron's head.
[Nova: Interference with soul detected. Cannot stop the invader.]
A golden light enveloped Zeyron. Moments later, warmth spread across his body as the light faded.
[Nova: 60% of skills have been destroyed. New skills have been gained.]