1 The Promise of 5,000-Years (Prologue)
Artaria is a continent of unquestionable beauty and wonder.
The World Tree soars high into the sky, alongside boundless oceans and immense mountain ranges that stretch for millions of kilometers, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
Suffice it to say, the beauty and structure within are indescribable, leaving one in awe of this masterpiece of the gods.
However, today, it appears that the legendary beauty is either untrue or has faded into the past.
The continent, once teeming with amazing ecosystems, now bears the scars of widespread destruction and chaos.
The once-fertile land, brimming with rich vitality, is marred by countless cracks and has lost its former vibrancy.
The World Tree, also known as the Tree of Life, which once stood proudly as the sacred site of Elven race worship, now bore numerous holes, with many branches broken and shattered on all sides.
The once-bright blue ocean, now marred by various floating corpses, had transformed into a sea of blood-red hues.
The once-beautiful scenery has now been stripped of its title.
Above the overcast and dark sky, concealed by terrifying jet-black clouds and accompanied by massive black lightning bolts, two figures stood proudly.
It appeared as though the world's chaos had no sway over the two individuals standing resolutely in front of each other.
Their conflicting appearances intensified the hostility between the two, evident in the fierce glares they exchanged.
"Hahaha! You are undeniably strong, and I never anticipated encountering such an extraordinarily formidable being in this world. It appears the gods have truly bestowed their blessings upon this world. Nevertheless, even with such strength, defeating me, let alone killing me, remains an insurmountable challenge!" One of the two figures chuckled coldly, his every word dripping with boundless arrogance.
Possessing a muscular frame, his entire body exuded a pitch-black hue, resembling the visage of a demon poised to descend upon the world and unleash destruction.
His blood-red eyes, filled with an intense killing intent directed at the figure opposite him, heightened the palpable tension in the surrounding atmosphere.
Upon hearing his words, the figure opposite him simply smiled, gazing deeply into his eyes.
In stark contrast to the pitch-black figure with a terrifying demonic appearance, this individual possessed an extraordinarily handsome and flawless face.
His short, snow-white hair flowing in the wind added to his charming appearance.
Draped in a white cloak adorned with a sun emblem on the back, he stood next to an exquisite purplish-black staff.
His figure stood proudly, radiating a dominance that matched the formidable presence of the pitch-black figure before him.
"A demon sowing chaos in this world can only spout such arrogant and futile words. Is it ingrained in your nature, or is it simply an inability to accept defeat?" The handsome figure shamelessly taunted the pitch-black figure across from him, displaying no hint of fear.
This prompted the sudden emanation of an extremely terrifying, deadly aura from the pitch-black figure.
"Boom!"
The dark aura erupted like a terrifying tsunami wave, sweeping across the world.
"What did you say!? Defeat!? Hahahaha! What an excellent joke! Don't get cocky just because I praised you, lowly human!" The pitch-black figure shouted arrogantly as a terrifying dark wave crashed wildly towards the white-cloaked man.
With each passing of the dark wave, the surrounding space is distorted as if being torn apart!
As he observed the devastating attack, the white-cloaked figure felt no fear at all; only calmness adorned his handsome face.
"The battle between you and me has plunged this world into deep despair. Let me end it all and bring peace to this world," he said calmly.
The purplish-black staff in his hand instantly shone brightly, and suddenly, behind the man, two enormous dragons formed of fire elements appeared.
The two fire dragons swiftly lunged towards the dark tide.
Not inferior to the dark waves, the space through which the fire dragons passed was distorted due to the exceptionally high temperature!
"Boom!"
The collision of the two attacks resulted in an explosion that reverberated throughout the world.
Yet, even so, the dark waves instantly melted and disintegrated in the face of the two enormous fire dragons.
"What!?" The pitch-black figure widened his eyes.
Just as he wanted to prevent the two fire dragons from attacking, suddenly, from an unknown direction, five white chains bound his body.
"Chain of rules!? How could—" Before he could finish articulating his shock, the two enormous fire dragons bombarded him.
"Ahhh! Damn it!" The pitch-black figure's scream echoed deafeningly, and its terrifying moans resonated throughout the world.
The two enormous fire dragons devoured and incinerated the pitch-black figure, whose entire body was bound by five bright white chains.
"Ahhh! How could you possibly possess a chain of rules!? Sloppy! I'm so sloppy!" The pitch-black figure screamed madly, and its roar shook the entire world.
The two fire dragons transformed into towering flames, their tremendous heat relentlessly attempting to scorch the pitch-black figure!
"Your arrival in this world is an anomaly. You have brought too much suffering to all living beings, and this is the punishment you deserve," declared the handsome white-cloaked figure with indifference.
Upon hearing his words, the pitch-black figure froze for a moment.
Suddenly, a ghastly smile broke out on his sinister face, seared by an extremely hot flame.
"Hahaha! I was genuinely surprised that you managed to grasp the chain of rules, but this is not enough to kill me!" His entire body remained engulfed in flames, and his deranged facial expression was unbelievably horrifying.
Unimaginable pain enveloped him, but the pitch-black figure paid no heed.
In his eyes, there was only a potent killing intent directed towards the handsome white-cloaked figure.
"Indeed, I cannot end you at this moment. However, in 5,000 years, when all the seals and chains that bind you are released, that is when your demise will come, for the fated one will descend to annihilate you. This is my promise to the entire world," the white-cloaked man declared calmly, his gold-colored eyes staring coldly at the pitch-black figure.
"5,000 years!? Hahaha! Very well... I shall patiently await the arrival of this fated one you speak of," the pitch-black figure responded coldly.
His face showed no signs of the earlier pain, but instead, a dreadful sense of anticipation emanated from his red eyes.
"Whoosh!"
Shortly afterward, a white gate unexpectedly materialized behind the pitch-black figure.
The gate slowly opened, and the chains that firmly bound him gripped his entire body, pulling him inside.
As he was drawn into the gate, there was no fear or horror on his face; instead, a sardonic smile adorned his lips.
"5,000 years. I will wait for them... Hahahaha!" His words echoed like an oath, accompanied by horrifying laughter, until finally, the gate slowly closed and sealed him inside.
Then, the gate slowly dissipated, leaving no trace behind.
The white-cloaked figure remained in the sky with a calm expression.
Subconsciously, his gaze turned in a direction that startled him for a moment, transforming into a gentle smile.
"The promise of 5,000 years..."
