Nameless King

"Is your master dead?"

"Yes, but that's not the point now. I told you this so you'd understand why you're here. You are the one who loosened the spatial barrier of the world and let the Soul Essence and the energy of the World of Darkness into it. There would have been no apocalypse or further worlds merging if it weren't for you. I don't know how, but my master knew someone like you would come along at some point. I believe that if anyone can help humanity and the beasts, it is you."

Teres had lived for several hundred years and knew that their world was divided into two parts, the world of men and the dark lands beyond the barriers. The beasts lived there, and that part of the planet had the energy to allow them to use skills and become stronger.

"It doesn't make sense. The wolf I fought was Second Chronicle, and I would have had to make an effort to defeat it. If there was no energy on the planet before I came, why are you so strong?"

"I understand your puzzlement, but the answer is simple. The Darklands appeared with my master. He created barriers shielding this world from outside energy influence. I don't know why he did it, but that's how it was."

"Your master was strong enough to do something like that, yet he couldn't cope with the disease and die? That doesn't sound plausible."

"Even I don't know all of my master's secrets. I can only share with you what Master told me. The rest is out of my hands."

"Okay, why did you call me? Given your aura, you could destroy an entire mountain with a tail flick if you wanted to. How can I help you?" Wain realized that many creatures in the world were stronger than he was. Teres was definitely one of them.

Wain could not pinpoint the serpent's strength, but he was certain that Teres was near the top of the Third Chronicle.

"At this point, you are the strongest of men. That was to be expected considering what you have done. Among thousands of people, some are close to you in strength, but you will lose to no one in battle. You must convey my position and my will."

"I am listening to you carefully." Wain said seriously.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that the serpent was not their enemy. Humanity needed all the help it could get in this situation, even if it were an offer from the devil.

"We beasts and humankind have lived in the same world for a long time and must defend our home, but this is only possible if humans are our allies, not enemies or competitors for territory. My answer will be obvious if I have to choose who to sacrifice, beasts or humans."

Wain nodded.

"I have already ordered the beasts not to attack you, and so now the borders between the cities and the dark lands are quiet. You must do the same. I will not stand for people shedding blood on beasts. Either we unite, or I will destroy you." The serpent's voice was menacing, and goosebumps ran down Wain's body.

"Okay, but what do you plan to do next? It won't be hard to form an alliance, all I have to do is inform my friend, and the beasts and humans will become best friends, I guarantee it."

"That's up to you to decide. I will allow some beasts to come out of the dark lands to explore the area, but not far. I will be the guardian of humans and beasts and can protect you from any threat, except perhaps the dragon, but those creatures don't care about us."

"I see. What am I supposed to do? You want me to protect people and beasts with you?"

"No, do what you've always done. Go ahead and get stronger. I'm not sure I can break through the barriers anytime soon. I believe you will be stronger than me in the near future. If you take on the role of protector, you will stagnate, leading to disaster."

"All right, I'll deliver your message."

"That will be all. See you later." The serpent nodded and walked back into the depths of the cave.

Wain headed toward Gisle and pondered the conversation. He now knew why the barriers had appeared and the dark lands existed, but there were more questions though he got the answers.

The mysterious identity of the serpent master alarmed Wain. He felt that something about the story was strange.

'I need to find out about the serpent master somehow, but how? Apparently, the serpent doesn't know much, yet he was his closest subordinate.'

'Hmm, if the master of the serpent came here from another world and protected the humans with barriers, he knew that the humans lived here, but not the ones the Pillars feared. Moreover, if he knew that one day someone would invade the world and weaken the spatial barrier, he knew that another world's existence. Perhaps he was a seer and could see the future that would explain everything, but I don't believe that.'

By learning more about the serpent's master, Wain believed that he would have solved some of the most important mysteries.

Why did some humans end up in a world cut off from the universe? Why did the dark mist destroy other worlds? And what happened a long time ago that made the Pillars despise the humans?

...

Click.

"Wain, why are you back so early?" Gisle asked. He was surprised since it had only been a few hours since Wain had left.

"I've already done everything I needed to do."

"Hmm?"

"The dark lands are the territory of the beasts ruled by the serpent, and now we are allies, but first we have to meet one condition of theirs."

"Tell me more about that. I'll just go make some coffee first or pass out in the middle of the conversation. Ah, I need more sleep."

"Huh, sure. The story I heard is quite interesting. You'll need your strength."