Well, to begin with, I must tell you my story. Avocios began in a deep and serene voice, as if unveiling an ancient secret he had guarded for eons. Many millions of light-years ago, before the universe existed as it does now, my siblings and I—omnipotent beings—awoke from a slumber in which we had been submerged.
When we opened our eyes, all was perpetual darkness, an infinite void without form or purpose. It was then that my first sibling conceived the idea of giving life and creating a universe filled with stars. Another sibling was inspired to form planets, vast and diverse. A third chose to endow those planets with essential elements: plants, earth, water, and fire. The fourth, fascinated by the possibilities, suggested creating forms of life. And I… I granted free will to every living being so they could forge their own paths without relying too much on us.
Each of us was given a different portion of the universe to create as we wished. Thus, we divided the cosmos among ourselves, becoming known as the Infinite Beings. However, our fifth and final sibling, upon observing how various forms of life evolved, decided to impose rules and orders to prevent chaos. He created a powerful being called 'RULER,' whose purpose was to control and ensure fairness across the worlds.
But… Avocios paused, his tone now darker. Unfortunately, my sibling failed to anticipate that this being would become corrupted, developing its own will and adopting twisted ideas that tainted the universe with darkness. Gradually, this was advanced, conquering entire worlds.
The six of us had to intervene to cleanse the universe of this darkness. This being had grown immensely powerful—even for the six of us combined. Finally, we managed to defeat it… or so we thought. But, as you well know, energy cannot be destroyed; it can only transform. I never understood how my sibling constructed it or how he bestowed it with such immense power—a grave mistake.
Consumed by regret for what he had done, my sibling decided to leave this universe, exiling himself. We did not stop him, for we understood that he had already punished himself internally for his error. He took with him the remnants of the dark matter. Thus, the universe was divided among the five of us who remained.
But… Avocios continued, his voice heavy with sorrow, "To our misfortune, a small fragment of that being managed to escape and take root, embedding itself in your planet, Paltio. I had not foreseen it. Though I created my guardians to help me protect and oversee my portion of the universe, this time I gave them consciousness, allowing them to comprehend everything we had learned during our journey through the vast cosmos."
"However, little by little, like a silent disease, what remained of that evil began to contaminate your world, corrupting the beings inhabiting this realm until it became what you see now."
"Do you mean Urugas?" Paltio asked, his voice a mix of seriousness and concern.
"Yes… Urugas is likely a manifestation of that being," Avocios replied, his tone heavy with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Paltio… I regret that you have to endure all these atrocities."
"I had no idea about any of this," Golden and Kilibur said in unison, both stunned by the revelation.
"What a fascinating story," Paris commented, gazing at the holographic screens in awe.
Paltio remained silent for a moment, processing everything he had heard. Finally, he responded:
"You did what you could, Avocios… I'm sorry I'm not strong enough to be able to help you."
"Wow, young one… I didn't expect that response, nor that you'd still want to help me after everything I've told you," Avocios said, surprised by the young prince's determination.
"Yes, my lord… I'll support you and save my people—I mean, the kingdoms. No, not just the kingdoms, but the entire Shadow Planet," Paltio declared firmly, raising his voice to make his commitment clear.
"That's right, Paltio, sir," Golden interjected, joining the group's resolve.
"It's true… I don't know much about you, but you've already proven to be someone who risks your life without hesitation, though it seems rather risky for someone so young," Paris added, looking at Paltio with admiration.
The young prince reflected for a moment before posing another question:
"And now… why can't you help us?"
Avocios fell silent for a moment before answering:
"I see, boy… Yes, that's an important question. The day we were invaded by the shadows, it seemed the dark entity had acquired knowledge and methods to capture a 'god,' as you call me. I gave your people my treasures and my magical scepter, the most powerful weapon from my side of the universe, created from a part of my own heart and mind—literally speaking, young man. I thought entrusting them with that would enable them to defend themselves against any adversity. That's why you and all your ancestors are golden, emanating my own power, unlike the other avocados and beings of this planet."
"Does that mean… you were captured, my lord?" Golden asked, his voice trembling slightly. Though his face was hidden beneath the helmet, it was clear he was on the verge of tears. "Where are you? Can we go rescue and free you?"
"No, you can't, Golden… It's too well-protected. It's practically the very heart of the Shadow itself. Even I don't know where I am or how to escape. That's why I can only communicate with you like that. The scepter is all that remains of my power. The only hope is for Paltio to learn how to use your power so he can wield the scepter's full strength. My friend, you must complete his training. The only chance to defeat the Shadow lies with the boy and the fully restored scepter," Avocios explained gravely.
"Why is it so important, my lord? I don't understand…" Golden asked, almost pleading, his voice breaking even more.
"Just do it for me, yes," Avocios said gently, trying to soothe the anguish of his former soldier.
"Very well… If it's an order from my creator, I will do it without hesitation," Golden responded, straightening himself with renewed determination, though his sadness remained palpable.
After a while, Avocios fell silent. Golden was about to ask another question when, suddenly, everyone in the area froze—except Paltio.
Avocios' eyes locked with Paltio's, projecting an overwhelming infinity that enveloped the young prince in a deep trance. In this state, no one else could hear what they were about to say.
"Very well, Paltio… I've brought you to this astral plane, a space where neither Golden, who resides within you, nor even your Domadoin can intervene," Avocios explained in a serene but authoritative voice.
"Tell me, Avocios… Do you know what Rykaru is?" Paltio asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and urgency, as the trance kept him immobile yet attentive.
Avocios remained silent for a brief moment, as if carefully choosing his words before responding. Then, with profound calm but unwavering certainty, he said:
"Yes, young man… I know everything. It was I who placed him in your path. I even guided the merchants so they would cross your way and allow you to obtain him," Avocios revealed, disclosing his intervention in past events. "If you can unlock his true power, Rykaru will be a valuable ally in the great battle ahead… provided you choose to continue with this immense mission before you."
Avocios paused briefly before continuing:
"Now, let's get to the main reason for this conversation, young man… You asked me why I embedded Golden within you, even though the battle against the Shadows took place long ago—long before you were born. Well…"