Sun, battered and exhausted from his year-long battle, struggled to find strength within himself. His body trembled with fatigue, and each breath felt like a burden. Just when he thought he had reached his limit, a swirling vortex of light appeared before him, revealing a mysterious figure walking toward him.
Sun's eyes widened in disbelief. The figure emanated familiar energy. The realization of his impending doom washed over him.
"This might be the end," Sun thought, feeling the heavy weight of his recent victory.
Seeing his reaction, the mysterious figure smiled and acknowledged Sun's role in their comrade's defeat.
"You killed one of our own," the figure stated, causing Sun's face to twist in confusion.
The figure smiled and continued.
"The being you defeated was one of us, a Watcher. You should be proud. Aether is an absolute being, prideful yet strong, capable of razing a planet on his own. What I'm about to say may be hard to believe, but it is the truth. I come not as an enemy.
You must have wondered why your race received mysterious power and faced near-extinction, leaving only you, a single human. Am I right?"
Curiosity mixed with suspicion, Sun asked,
"Who are you? How do you know all this?"
"Like I said, similar to Aether, I'm a being called a Watcher," the figure revealed.
"We are many, assigned individually to oversee countless planets across the infinite galaxy. Your planet falls within my territory. I witnessed the destruction that occurred in your world. Of all the planets, Earth was my priority. I had faith in your civilization, in humanity. I was fascinated by your advancements, tragedies, and stories," the figure explained.
"Among all species in the galaxy, humanity is considered high tier. You actually succeeded in preventing demons from invading your planet, albeit temporarily."
"Unfortunately," the Watcher continued, "other Watchers noticed your struggle. I was ordered to stand down. Everything escalated quickly. Before your race could advance further, more invasions came, higher-tier beings, and your people suffered great losses. It was too late when I realized who issued that order.
Still, I must say I'm impressed with your species."
The figure stepped forward.
"By the way, my name is Enard. My duty is to maintain balance in the universe. It is remarkable that we've crossed paths now, as I'm currently on a critical mission."
"Sun, I've observed your journey and seen how you became humanity's symbol of hope. Despite the cataclysm that devastated your people, you must understand your planet is just one of many that have suffered destruction and invasion."
"Across centuries, you've bravely defended your world against remnants of beings who sought to absorb its energy and eradicate all life," Enard continued.
Though Sun's body grew weaker, he strained to focus. This was the first concrete information he had received since the invasion.
"Wait… what do you mean by 'absorb'?" Sun asked.
"As I said, the invasion wasn't random. The invaders are demons, beings who were once peaceful and favored by the gods. Among the earliest to inhabit planets, they multiplied, advanced technologically, and formed societies.
However, a mysterious entity seized control over them, awakening a dormant bloodline that made them stronger and more violent. Some escaped, but they were hunted down and eliminated," Enard explained.
"The cause of it all is a powerful being called Dark Empress Seraphine. She ordered me to remain at my post and do nothing. She is the reason a Watcher could descend on Earth and assist the demons."
"And her brother, Aurelius, the Zenith Celestial, was responsible for much of the creation within this universe. He discovered Seraphine's dark side and had no choice but to imprison her deep within the Void, sealing away her power."
"In response, Seraphine tapped into Chaos, spreading fear and destruction to gather energy and break free. She transformed beings into demons, feeding on their energy to grow stronger."
"Driven by an insatiable thirst for power, Seraphine's forces invaded countless planets, cultivating them until they held enough energy, then annihilating their inhabitants and enslaving survivors."
Enard's voice grew heavier.
"I regret not aiding your people. As a Watcher, I am bound to maintain balance, and that balance now tips in favor of our enemies. Few remain loyal to Aurelius. Most are hiding or dead."
"You are our last hope, Sun. Aurelius is on the brink of death, facing Seraphine. My mission is to transfer a portion of his power to you. While small in comparison, it can grow infinitely."
"You will be sent hundreds of years back in time. Your body will struggle at first, but eventually, you will master this power."
"As higher beings, we cease to exist once we die. Time does not affect us, and our death leads to nothingness, just as the universe intends. The same fate awaits Watchers, demons, and Seraphine."
"When you return to your time, you will be the last hope to stop the invasion. We will hide your presence to avoid drawing Seraphine's gaze."
"All species will receive a System to aid in their journey toward power. For a few years, Seraphine and her top subordinates will be trapped in frozen time. But this will not last, only around five years in your timeline. After that, it's up to you."
Enard transferred energy into Sun's fading body.
"I hope you can end her reign of terror. This is your life, your choice. Consider this the final will of Aurelius."
Sun's eyes burned with resolve.
"I hear you. My hatred for them isn't over. I'll return and annihilate them all again!"
With that, Sun's body vanished, engulfed in light.
Exhausted, Enard opened a portal. He fell to his knees as the surrounding light began to fade. Aurelius had warned him, after transferring the power, his remaining life force would be consumed.
But instead of holding back, Enard gave everything to Sun, his last ounce of power and existence.
"Lord Aurelius, I've completed my sacred mission. I may rest now. May fortune follow you, Sun, the last guardian of Earth."
A soft smile appeared on Enard's face as his body turned to light, fading into nothingness.
Earth, now utterly desolate, held no living beings.
Suddenly, a massive crack split the ground. An unprecedented earthquake shook the planet. Every volcano erupted, lava surged from the mountains. The oceans boiled and evaporated, blanketing the sky in smoke.
Simultaneously, a planet in the galaxy cause a massive explosion.
Earth was no more, just shattered remains drifting in space.