Kaelos's response was enlightening, "Yes, numerous planets exist, similar to Earth, with ecosystems that support a diverse array of beings, both intelligent and unintelligent. In fact, some planets teem with life, while others remain barren and devoid of any lifeforms."
Yun's determination sparked, "Can I reach those planets?"
Kaelos's tone was sobering, "Compared to the ancient humans, today's human civilization is significantly behind. They lack the means to reach other habitable planets or even discover the path to get there. The universe is vast, and their technology is not advanced enough. But...."
Yun's interest was piqued, "But?"
Kaelos's eyes gleamed with a hint of excitement, "But I have never encountered an individual as powerful as you, who has reached this level in merely 500 years, without weapons or technology. Your potential is vast, and I sense you may become even more formidable in the future. Then, you will uncover the wonders of this universe with ease. And I shall bestow upon you a gift, which may aid your travels across the cosmos."
Yun's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "I've heard from Kurodos that you can effortlessly traverse those planets. How do you achieve this? Can you share your knowledge with me?"
Kaelos's expression turned enigmatic, "Alas, this is a feat only the Dragon King can accomplish. Although I haven't physically explored the universe, my soul form has traversed the cosmos. This isn't a voluntary endeavor, but rather a sacred responsibility bestowed upon us dragon kings. Our souls periodically depart our physical bodies, journeying through the universe to maintain the delicate balance and order of the cosmos. This is an integral part of the blessing we carry."
Yun's fascination deepened, "So, it's an inherent ability tied to your existence as a Dragon King?"
Kaelos nodded, "Precisely. This gift allows us to transcend physical boundaries and tend to the universe's harmony. It's a privilege and a duty that has been entrusted to us, and one that I fulfill with reverence and dedication."
Yun's inquiry was laced with perplexity, "I have another question. If the humans' planet or universe was destroyed, and they sought refuge in our universe, I fail to understand why they chose Earth, among the myriad habitable planets, some of which were uninhabited. Why did they opt for Earth, and why did they wreak havoc on its creatures? Couldn't they have coexisted peacefully?"
Kaelos's expression turned somber, "This is the inherent nature of humans, both ancient and modern. Destruction is their essence. They are incapable of living in harmony, neither with other species nor among themselves. Observe the evidence: the human civilization that once traversed the second universe now struggles to reach distant planets in this universe. When they grew tired of attacking and experimenting on us beasts, they turned on each other, ultimately destroying themselves and restarting their civilization from scratch."
Yun's eyes widened as Kaelos's energy began to wane, "My time is running out, but I must impart one final truth before departing this world..."
Yun's voice trembled with concern, "How can you die now? You, the mighty Dragon King..."
Kaelos's gaze turned solemn, "Everyone must meet their end, Yun. Even the Phoenix Empress, blessed with the power of resurrection, succumbed to mortality. Why should I be any different? Though my physical form remains, it's solely due to the power of my treasure. However, its purpose has been fulfilled, and its responsibility towards me has long been discharged. The treasure awaits a worthy successor to inherit its power and continue its legacy. But now, the time has come..."
Yun's eyes widened as Kaelos's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of impending farewell.
Yun's hand extended, holding the White Feather, "Before you vanish, I have something for you from the Phoenix Empress." As the feather touched Kaelos's grasp, the Empress materialized, her presence radiating an aura of serenity.
An emotional reunion unfolded, the Dragon King and the Phoenix Empress entwined in a poignant farewell. Ardentia's voice whispered, "Thank you, Yun. You've fulfilled your promise. Now that I've met Kaelos one last time, I can depart in peace."
Kaelos's gaze shifted to Yun, his eyes aglowing with a sense of purpose, "Before we both disappear, I entrust you with a responsibility. Though you may not be powerful now, you must become the most powerful being in this universe and maintain world order. I bestow upon you my dragon bead, symbolizing the water element. You already possess four treasures: Ardentia's White Feather, representing fire; Kurodos's Kokoro, representing earth; and Zephyr's Akira, representing wood. Embrace your destiny, Yun."
Kaelos's voice resonated with a sense of gravitas, "We four tribes were entrusted with the sacred duty of maintaining the world order of the earth. Our ancestors received these four treasures to fulfill this purpose. However, with no descendants remaining after us, we now entrust these treasures to you. An ancient prophecy declares that whoever possesses these four treasures, plus the treasure representing the metal element, and succeeds in merging the five elements, shall become the guardian of this earth. They will wield the power to effortlessly control the earth. This is why we desire to bestow upon you the mantle of earth's guardian."
As Kaelos's words hung in the air, Yun felt the weight of the responsibility being placed upon him. The fate of the earth seemed to rest in his hands, and the burden of merging the five elements loomed before him like a formidable challenge. Yet, with the treasures in his possession, he felt an surge of determination and purpose, ready to embrace his destiny as the guardian of the earth.
Yun's inquiry was laced with a sense of urgency, "But how do I find the fifth treasure?"
Kaelos's response was enigmatic, "You already possess it, Yun. The key to merging the five treasures lies within your mind. I am imparting the ancient method to you now, and it will take time for the knowledge to unfold. When you are prepared to merge the treasures, return to this dimensional door. My residual energy will sustain it, ensuring your safety and protecting you from disturbance during the merging process."
As Kaelos's words faded, Yun felt a strange sensation in his mind, as if the knowledge was being etched into his very being. He knew that the journey ahead would be arduous, but with the treasures in hand and the guidance of Kaelos, he felt a sense of determination and purpose. The dimensional door, now a beacon of hope, awaited his return, ready to witness the birth of a new era.
voice trembled with a mix of confusion and introspection, "Wait, humans are your enemies, and it's only natural for you to harbor hatred towards them after all they've done to you. But I'm also a human. So, why did you entrust me with your secrets, give me your treasures, and want me, a human, to become the guardian of the earth?"
Empress Ardentia's response was laced with a deep wisdom, "We never harbored hatred towards all humans, only those who ravaged our home, destroyed our families, and brought devastation upon us. Our anger is directed at those specific humans, not you. You are different from them, Yun. Your existence is a testament to the will of the world. If you are to become the guardian of the earth, it is because the world has chosen you, not us."
Ardentia's words resonated within Yun, as if the world itself was affirming his destiny. He felt a sense of purpose and responsibility wash over him, and with it, a newfound understanding of the delicate balance between the world's creatures. The treasures in his possession seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy, as if acknowledging the Empress's words.
As Kaelos prepared to depart, his expression turned grave, "Before I leave, Yun, I must impart a crucial warning. Once you become the Guardian, you must never contemplate the destruction of the earth or misuse your powers for personal gain. The consequences of such actions would be catastrophic, and the World's Will would be forever altered."
Yun listened intently, the weight of Kaelos's words settling upon him like a mantle of responsibility. He knew that the fate of the earth rested in his hands, and the temptation to abuse his powers would always linger. But with the treasures in his possession and the wisdom of Kaelos guiding him, he steeled himself to wield his newfound abilities with wisdom and justice.
With that, the Dragon King and Empress Ardentia vanished, leaving Yun to ponder the gravity of his new role as the Guardian of the earth.
Yun's mind raced as he pondered the location of the fifth treasure. He began searching the system storage, scouring through countless weapons, herbs, and treasures, but to no avail. Frustration mounted as he wondered how he would find the treasure representing the metal element amidst the vast array.
Suddenly, an epiphany struck him. "Wait a minute," he thought, "the grade of the treasures from the four beasts is earth, and I have only one earth-grade weapon - the Terran Blade." Although its abilities were earth-related, the blade itself was crafted from the metal element. "What's the harm in trying it once?" Yun mused.
He focused his mind, seeking the merging method. "System, find the merging method in my mind." After a brief moment, the system responded.
[ A merging method is being sought in the host's mind... ]
[ method of merging five elements called 'Elemental Synthesis' have been found in the host's brain. ]
System continued. [ Apart from this, another object was found in the host's brain. The Blueprint of.. ]
Yun's eyes widened in astonishment. "What? Blueprints of the....? So this is the gift the Dragon King wanted to give me?" The revelation left him breathless, and he wondered what other secrets lay hidden within his mind.