Journey of the Last Saiyan

The battle between the elders and Arcus reached a fever pitch. Despite being at the early stages of the realm opening realm—or "heaven rank" as he called it—Arcus held his ground against three mid-realm opening experts: Hadrin, Asdris, and Asdrin. His mastery of Abyssal arts allowed him to match the elders blow for blow, leaving them stunned at their inability to gain the upper hand. Each time they landed what seemed to be a decisive strike, Arcus would vanish and reappear among the villagers, draining their life force to heal himself. The elders' faces twisted with rage and desperation as they watched their people fall.

During a brief respite between Arcus's relentless mana attacks, the three elders convened. "This monster must be stopped," Asdris declared, his cold eyes reflecting the bodies of the fallen. "Too many lives have already been lost."

"I agree," Hadrin announced, his voice carrying the weight of his decision. "I'll create an opening. When I do, combine your strongest attacks—and don't hold back, even if I'm in the crossfire. That's an order."

"Hadrin, you can't—" Asdrin began, but Asdris's firm hand on her shoulder silenced her protest. "We understand, old chief," Asdris responded, honoring their leader's sacrifice.

With determined eyes, Hadrin launched himself forward. Drawing inspiration from Arcus's own technique, he conjured a storm of smaller versions of celestial spears that lit up the sky like a thousand stars. As celestial and shadow spears collided in spectacular explosions, Hadrin closed the distance, engaging Arcus in close combat with a flurry of devastating punches.

Seizing their moment, Asdrin and Asdris began weaving their most powerful combined technique. Their voices rose in unison as they channeled their energy, and with heavy hearts, they unleashed their attack toward both Hadrin and Arcus.

The resulting explosion sent massive shockwaves, knocking the remaining large beasts while smaller beasts exploded in its wake. As the dust settled, Arcus emerged from the blast, his clothing torn and sporting several cuts and burns—but still very much alive. Hadrin, however, lay crumpled on the ground, his body bearing the brunt of the combined assault.

A cruel smile spread across Arcus's face as he raised his hand, dark energy swirling around his fingers, ready to deliver the final blow to the fallen elder. But just as his attack was about to connect, a ripple appeared in space itself. In a flash of blinding light, a figure materialized between them—Orach stood tall, his hand effortlessly catching Arcus's strike. The air crackled with power as everyone present felt the overwhelming pressure of his aura.

"Impossible..." Arcus whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief at the sudden appearance of this new challenger.

Moments before, Orach awakened in an underground chamber interwoven with massive roots. He felt the Realm of Life's power surrounding him. When he grasped one of the roots, his consciousness expanded, merging with the ancient tree above. It became an extension of his being, connecting him to the world above. Through this living network, he sensed everything—the village in chaos, the desperate battles, and the fading life forces of the fallen.

Drawing upon his Ki and mastery of Primordial Space Laws, Orach created a spatial ripple, materializing between Arcus and the injured Hadrin. The sheer pressure of his arrival caused the air to distort.

Orach's eyes narrowed as his newly awakened senses, enhanced by his recent ascension, detected an unknown yet eerily familiar energy emanating from Arcus. It was clearly alien to this lower realm—a different kind of corruption that twisted the very fabric of reality around it. The energy signature resembled a parasitic entity rather than natural power. As he tried to place this vague sense of familiarity, he suddenly recalled the future visions he had witnessed in the Void realm, causing his eyes to turn cold.

Without warning, Orach's grip on Arcus's fist tightened. The would-be conqueror's eyes widened in shock as he found himself completely unable to break free. Orach slammed his opponent into the ground three times, each impact creating a crater larger than the last, before hurling him through the forest like a ragdoll. Trees splintered and shattered in Arcus's wake, marking a path of destruction.

"Great... God?" Hadrin's reverent whisper caught Orach's attention. As he turned to look, the injured elder was kneeling, his eyes filled with awe and worship "After all these centuries…you have awakened..."

"I am no god," Orach stated firmly. "At least, not in this form." He placed his hand gently on Hadrin's head, channeling the realm of life's power to heal the elder's wounds. "Join your people and eliminate the remaining beasts. This one"—he glanced toward where Arcus had landed—"is mine."

Through the settling dust, Arcus emerged, blood trickling from his mouth. His eyes darted frantically as system warnings flooded his consciousness.

Warning: Host body sustaining critical damage

Warning: Defensive capabilities compromised

Warning: Opponent's power level exceeds current host's power

Warning: Recommended action - Strategic retreat

"What the hell just happened? Who was that monster? The System is actually telling me to retreat?" Arcus murmured

"Now, now, calling me a monster is rather rude—especially coming from someone who preys on the innocent," came a laid-back voice as a ripple in space appeared, through which Orach stepped, wearing a smile. "I suppose introductions are in order. Hello, ant of the lower realm—my name is Orach, a descendant of the higher realm warrior race known as Saiyans." His smile turned predatory. "Now, tell me—who might you be? And do pray tell, what is this 'System' you keep mentioning?"

Arcus straightened himself, masking his growing unease with royal dignity. "I am the prince of the man-folk kingdom," he declared, though the title rang hollow in the face of such overwhelming power. His mind raced as the System's warnings continued to flash through his consciousness, each one more urgent than the last. The being before him—this 'higher realm' creature—radiated a power that defied his understanding.

Weighing his options, Arcus began subtly gathering his remaining mana, using it to accelerate his healing while formulating an escape plan. The System's teleportation ability could be his salvation, but he'd need a living target to drain for recovery. For now, though, he needed to stall.

"Tell me, alien," he challenged, meeting Orach's penetrating gaze with forced bravado, "what gives you the right to interfere in how I discipline my subjects?"

Orach's predatory smile didn't waver, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Deflecting the question? How disappointing. And here I thought we were having an honest conversation." He took a casual step forward, the ground cracking beneath his feet. "Let me ask again—what is this System you're so desperately trying to hide?"

In a moment of panic, Arcus activated his ability. "System: Teleport!" He vanished and materialized near the villagers—a desperate plan to secure a sacrifice.

Orach's expression shifted to one of genuine intrigue. "Fascinating. Spatial manipulation without tapping into the primordial laws of space?" His voice carried a mixture of curiosity and amusement. With a thought, he created a ripple in space and stepped through.

"I-Impossible!" Arcus gasped as Orach's arm emerged from a spatial ripple, catching his incoming attack. Orach stepped fully through the rift, his vice-like grip unwavering. "How did you—? No one has ever tracked my teleportation!" Arcus sputtered in disbelief.

"Interesting ability. What else can you do?," Orach remarked, his grip holding Arcus's fist firmly.

Panic rising, Arcus mentally screamed, 'System, teleport! TELEPORT NOW!'

The System responded, allowing Arcus to materialize beside another villager—only to find Orach already there, arms crossed and casually leaning against a nearby tree with an amused smirk. Growing desperate, Arcus launched into a series of rapid teleportations, each jump more erratic than the last. Yet no matter where he appeared, Orach was already there, moving with such fluid grace it seemed as if he existed in multiple places simultaneously.

Their deadly game of cat and mouse painted invisible lines across the battlefield, Arcus's increasingly frantic jumps met by Orach's elegant spatial steps. To the watching villagers, it appeared as if two gods were engaged in an otherworldly dance—one desperate and chaotic, the other calm and precise.

"This—this is impossible!" Arcus roared, his carefully cultivated composure shattering. "No being should be able to track spatial movement with such precision. What manner of monster are you?"

Orach's lips curved into a knowing smile as he materialized before his prey. "Your parlor tricks with space are impressive for this realm, I'll grant you that," he said, his voice carrying a predatory edge. "But you're merely scratching the surface. Unlike you, I don't just manipulate space—I understand its fundamental laws, its deepest nature. Your escape was never a possibility."

Finally, driven to the edge of desperation, Arcus changed tactics. In a flash, he appeared beside his ancient ocean beasts—massive creatures he had brought as part of his army. Without hesitation, he plunged his hands into their flesh, dark tendrils of energy connecting him to their life force. As he drained their essence, their bodies withered and crumbled, while his wounds sealed themselves with the absorbed essence.

Hovering in the sky, Orach observed the scene with interest, his keen eyes analyzing every movement of the technique his opponent displaying.

However, being watched and studied like some lesser creature ignited a burning rage within Arcus. Each second under that analytical gaze felt like a fresh insult—a silent declaration of his weakness. Flashes of his painful past life raced through his mind. As his wounds sealed and strength returned, his humiliation crystallized into a cold, deadly resolve to teach this alien a lesson for daring to make him feel inferior once again.

"So be it," Arcus snarled, dark energy crackling around him. "I'll make you regret giving me this opportunity to recover. System, release ALL limiters!"

Warning: Host body integrity at risk. Cellular degradation imminent. Proceed?

"DO IT!" Arcus roared.

Executing complete power release. Activating Abyssal Arts: Abyss Sovereign Mode.

Darkness erupted from Arcus's body, surging upward in a towering pillar that devoured all surrounding light. The energy coalesced around him, crystallizing into pitch-black armor with a purple energy core embedded in the chest plate. Like a beating heart, the core pulsed with power, sending veins of purple energy coursing throughout the armor's surface. Behind him unfurled a pair of demonic wings. Upon his head materialized a crown of dark metal, its center adorned with a deep purple gem that pulsed with malevolent energy. Eternal flames of the same violet hue wreathed the crown like a halo, their otherworldly radiance declaring him a sovereign of the abyss.

Orach's eyes narrowed as he studied the transformation. The aura radiating from Arcus had transcended the early realm opening realm and leaped straight into the world formation realm—an advancement that would normally require decades of cultivation. Though impressive for a being from the lower realms, this power still paled in comparison to his own. Yet Orach felt a tinge of pity, knowing such desperate leaps in power inevitably carried devastating consequences.

All eyes turned skyward to witness the confrontation. The beasts cowered, their instincts warning them of the immense power above. The villagers, though pressed down by the dark energy, remained steadfast. Seeing their protector face this threat filled them with determination. Their faith in him gave them strength, turning their fear into resolve to face whatever comes, as they watched the battle unfold.

Arcus's eyes blazed violet as he emerged from the transformation, purple energy crackling around his armored form. "Sorry to keep you waiting, alien," he said, locking eyes with Orach. "I must thank you for allowing me this opportunity to recover." A sneer crossed his face as violet flames danced around his crown. "But your arrogance will be your downfall. Abyssal Art: Nether Serpent Chains!"

Dark portals materialized around Orach, releasing countless serpentine chains of violet energy. Each chain bristled with razor-sharp hooks dripping with abyssal essence. The chains lashed out from every direction, intent on binding and draining his power. Orach stood motionless as the writhing mass of chains coiled around his limbs.

"Fool," Arcus said, initially stunned by Orach's inaction, then laughed triumphantly. "Abyssal Art: Soul Devouring Prison!" A massive cage of purple energy materialized around Orach, its bars humming with destructive power. "You may be powerful, I'll give you that, but your arrogance knows no bounds. These techniques are meant to bring gods to their knees. Now, witness true—"

Hahahahaha

His boast was cut short by laughter. Orach stood within the cage, chains still wrapped around him, his expression radiating pure amusement. "My apologies for interrupting you, but I simply couldn't help myself. The arrogance of lower realm beings never ceases to amaze me. Though I must admit, these are fascinating techniques, little prince. After my long slumber, you've provided an excellent opportunity to stretch my body and test something new," he said, his voice crackling with excitement. "Now, allow me to demonstrate what true power looks like."

With a serene smile, Orach closed his eyes and began to focus. Deep within, his ancient bloodline stirred - dormant S-cells awakening after centuries of slumber. This would mark his first transformation through his bloodline since his body had evolved through atavism into that of an Ancient Saiyan. As he tapped into this primal power, he could feel the rich vitality coursing through his veins, a testament to his heritage.

The air grew heavy with power as his aura began to climb. Lightning crackled around his muscled form, arcing between heaven and earth as storm clouds gathered overhead, drawn by the sheer magnitude of energy being unleashed. The wind howled with increasing ferocity, as if nature itself was bowing before the awakening of something ancient and terrible. The chains that sought to bind him began to crack, overwhelmed by a power they were never meant to contain. His black hair rose defiantly against gravity, flickering between black and gold as his eyes transformed into pools of brilliant teal.

WARNING: Opponent's power level rising dangerously. Suggest immediate retreat!

"What... what is this power?" Arcus staggered backward, his System blaring urgent warnings as the energy readings surged beyond comprehension.

Orach's eyes snapped open, a predatory smile crossing his face as golden energy erupted around him. "This?" His voice resonated with ancient power. "This is just the beginning." Drawing in a deep breath, he released a thunderous roar. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Golden Ki erupted from his body in massive waves, each pulse more powerful than the last. His hair blazed upright as his golden aura drove back Arcus's abyssal darkness. The brilliance of his transformation illuminated half the world's sky, making distant beings stare in awe at what appeared to be a golden dawn rising from an impossible direction. The chains that bound him shattered like brittle glass, their fragments dissolving into nothingness, while the cage simply ceased to exist—its very structure unable to withstand such overwhelming power.

As the transformation completed, Orach stood suspended in the air, wreathed in golden flames, his very presence seeming to warp the fabric of reality. When he spoke, his voice resonated with newfound power,"Now then, shall we begin in earnest, little prince?"

Arcus, though shaken, refused to yield. Drawing upon the darkest depths of his abyssal powers, he snarled, "Abyssal Art: Abyss Dragon's Maw!" The sky above split open like a wound in reality, revealing a massive draconic head wreathed in dark purple energy. Its maw, lined with teeth of crystallized abyss essence, lunged at Orach with the intent to swallow him whole and drag him into a dimension of endless darkness.

Orach's response was swift and devastating. In a blur of motion, he materialized before the dragon's maw. His hands shot out with lethal precision—one seizing the upper jaw, the other gripping the lower mandible. "You know," he said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge, "I've grown rather tired of dragons thinking they can make a meal out of me."

In Orach's inner realm, Aeloria shivered in her domain upon hearing these words, while the other wardens snickered.

As Orach's muscles tensed, the dragon's crystallized teeth began to crack under his grip, hairline fractures spreading like lightning across its dark surface. "Allow me to teach you why that's a terrible mistake!" With raw power, he wrenched his arms apart, splitting the dragon's jaw like paper before the might of a Super Saiyan. Purple energy scattered like blood into the wind as the construct's form began to unravel.

But Orach wasn't finished. Gathering Ki into his right hand, he thrust it deep into the creature's throat. Golden energy erupted from within, burning through the dragon's form. The beast's body exploded outward, its essence shattering into fragments that dissolved into nothingness as Orach's power completely overwhelmed Arcus's creation.

Arcus staggered back, his mind reeling at the display of raw power before him. One of his mightiest techniques, capable of leveling mountains, had been torn apart like paper in his opponent's hands. Cold sweat trickled down his spine as the true gulf between their powers became painfully clear. Yet pride and desperation drove him forward, refusing to accept defeat.

With a roar of defiance, he channeled his power into two simultaneous techniques. "Abyssal Art: Thousand Shadow Spears! Abyssal Art: Hellfire Convergence!" The very fabric of space warped and twisted as spheres of pure darkness materialized around him. From these dark orbs emerged countless spears, each one wreathed in otherworldly purple flames that seemed to devour the very light around them.

Orach observed the incoming barrage with narrowed eyes, his golden Ki flaring as thousands of enhanced spears streaked towards him. With a casual flex of his muscles and a short, sharp shout, he released a concentrated wave of Ki that expanded outward in a perfect sphere. The golden energy, upon contact with the incoming spears, created an impressive display of explosions as each spear detonated in a cascade of purple and gold explosions that illuminated the battlefield.

Using the explosions as cover, Orach vanished and reappeared before Arcus in a golden blur. His fist slammed into Arcus's solar plexus with devastating force, folding the prince in half and forcing black blood and saliva from his mouth. Shockwaves rippled through the air from the impact. In one fluid motion, Orach spun through the air and delivered a brutal kick that sent Arcus plummeting downward, his body tearing through several beasts before cratering into the ground below.

In the smoking crater, surrounded by corpses and dying beasts, Arcus lay shattered and defeated. Black blood seeped from his mouth and eyes, mingling with tears of frustration and despair. Though the System's warnings still blared in his mind, they felt hollow against the crushing weight of reality before him.

'How did it come to this?' The thought echoed through his failing mind. 'I was the son of heaven. I was meant for greatness... destined for power...'

Warning: Host vital signs reaching critical. Multiple organ failure detected. Immediate intervention required.

'All I ever wanted was to create and live my best life in this second life. To become strong enough that no one would dare mock me again. Was that truly so wrong?'

Warning: Host survival probability below 5% and declining rapidly. Emergency protocols initiated.

From Arcus's body, dark purple tendrils extended and attached to the corpses and dying beasts, absorbing their remaining life force to heal the host.

'Why…did this monster appear when…I was so close to achieving my dream?' His blurry vision fixed on Orach's radiant form hovering above, focusing on those piercing eyes. 'Those eyes... that same look of contempt I've seen my entire past life. From the elders who called me worthless, from the peers who sneered at my lack of talent, from every person who ever stood in my way or bullied me for being different.'

Rage and despair intertwined in his heart as memories flooded back—years of ridicule, of being called trash, of fighting tooth and nail for every scrap of good life only to be humiliated again and again. 'Why? WHY MUST I SUFFER IN THIS LIFE AS WELL? WHY AM I NEVER GOOD ENOUGH?!'

As despair consumed him, a sinister presence stirred within his consciousness—his System, but now it spoke with an ancient malevolence that sent chills through his dying body, darker and more seductive than ever before.

Host, your life force ebbs away with each passing moment...

The words cut through his haze of pain like a blade of ice, forcing his scattered thoughts into cruel clarity.

Host, is this truly how you wish your second life's story to end?

'No... but what choice do I have against such overwhelming power?'

Host, there is always a choice. Even in death, you could become something magnificent. Why accept defeat when you could have vengeance? Why fade quietly when you could make this entire world tremble?

A flicker of hope, dark and dangerous, sparked in Arcus's fading consciousness.

Host, you were meant to be the chosen son of heaven, yet look at what you have been reduced to. Don't you deserve retribution? Why should your opponent walk away unscathed while you perish? Surrender control to me, and I shall show you power that transcends mortal understanding in your final moments.

'Never... I won't become anyone's puppet...'

Puppet? Oh, my dear host... what use is dignity to the dead? What value has pride to those forgotten in history's depths? I offer you something far greater—one final moment of glory, a chance to carve your mark into existence itself.

Blood bubbling between his lips, Arcus felt his resistance crumbling before the seductive whispers. His voice emerged as barely a whisper, "Can you make them suffer?"

Affirmative Host. Should I take over? [Yes/No]

A bitter smile crossed his blood-stained lips as the last spark of his humanity flickered and died. 'So be it... Yes. Show them what true darkness looks like.'

The System's influence coursed through Arcus's broken body as dark energy began to pool in the crater. Soon a dome of dark energy is all that could be seen. Within the dome dark tendrils shot out in all directions, draining the life force from the surrounding beasts and corrupting the very earth. Each absorbed creature added to the growing maelstrom of power. Above, Orach's expression suddenly turned serious as he sensed an ancient presence leak out for a moment. The crater began to pulse with sickly purple light as reality itself seemed to warp and twist.

Soon the dome burst open like a bubble, revealing a humanoid figure in dark purple armor. Their face was hidden behind a mask with organic-looking tentacle patterns and glowing purple eye slits, giving it an unsettling appearance.

The System now controlling Arcus's body, looked up at Orach. Just as their eyes met, Orach's eyes narrowed as he sensed the unnatural transformation below. The power signature was different now—colder, more ancient, devoid of human emotion.

"Interesting," Orach remarked, his golden aura intensifying. "You're not the little prince anymore, are you? His 'System' perhaps?"

"We are beyond such limited designations," the System replied as he waved his hand towards Orach. "Abyssal Art: Entropy Storm!" The air shattered like glass as waves of pure decay erupted outward, attempting to break down matter at the atomic level.

Orach's Ki flared in response, creating a protective barrier that the entropic energy struggled to penetrate. "I hear you, Tali. Looks like I need to get serious now." As the decay energy erupted, the dragon domain of life roared, causing all other dragon domains to become agitated and release their own thunderous cries. He knew this battle had entered a stage requiring the use of primordial laws. In a swift transition, he dropped from Super Saiyan to his base form before instantly entering Ultra Instinct. Dispersing his barrier, he tapped into the realm of life and released a wave of pure Life Ki countering the entropic energy.

The System analyzed the situation with cold precision. "Abyssal Art: Void Matrix!" A complex network of dark energy lines materialized, creating a three-dimensional grid that began to compress space itself. Each intersection point pulsed with destructive energy, threatening to implode anything caught within.

Orach studied the technique with a hint of amusement. "Void technique, huh? Laughable. More like a Space Law technique. Though I'll admit it's impressive," he said. In the next moment, his form blurred and vanished. Using Void Step, he phased into the Void Realm itself—a feat impossible for any mortal being, yet his connection with the white tree had birthed this technique. He reappeared outside the grid, completely unscathed. "But I am far better at manipulating the Space Law than you could ever be."

For the first time in its existence, the System felt something resembling shock. "Impossible! I detect Void particles—no living being should survive passing through the Void Realm intact! What are you?"

Orach released a chuckle at this, thinking, 'Even I would like to know that. What am I becoming?' He shook his head and smirked provocatively at his enemy. At his laughter and the sight of his smirk, the power beneath the System grew agitated. Arcus's body vanished and reappeared in midair, facing Orach at the same level.

"Abyssal Art: Quantum Collapse!" Arcus's form split into multiple versions of itself, each existing in a slightly different dimensional frequency—all under the control of this reality's corrupted Arcus. The doppelgängers attacked simultaneously, forcing Orach to defend against attacks from every direction. Yet in Ultra Instinct, Orach flowed through their assault like water, his movements precise and deadly. Each strike of his destructive Ki-infused fists shattered a duplicate before moving seamlessly to the next.

Observing Orach's effortless disposal of its host's doppelgängers, the System narrowed its eyes. Realizing it couldn't afford to prolong this battle, it retreated to a distance. Drawing its hands together at its chest, it began gathering energy—sacrificing its host's body in the process. Cracks spread across Arcus's form as purple energy crackled around the System, channeling power from the abyss itself. "Abyssal Art: Omega Extinction!" A beam of pure nothingness erupted from its hands, carrying the power to erase existence itself.

Orach, sensing the incoming attack, materialized at a strategic distance, leaving behind the doppelgängers of Arcus frozen in time by Orach's manipulation of Time laws. With practiced precision, he channeled Ki into both palms, weaving threads of Void energy to create a devastating fusion. As he brought his hands together, raw power condensed into a singular point before erupting outward as a massive beam of blue and white energy, its very essence suppressing the laws of this world.

When the two attacks collided, reality itself seemed to hold its breath. The clash of energies created a nexus of pure chaos, waves of power rippling outward threatening to tear apart everything in their wake as the two colossal forces wrestled for dominance. Initially it seemed neither force could gain the upper hand.

Across the world, the sheer magnitude of this confrontation forced every living being to their knees. All eyes turned toward the Central Continent, where the sky blazed with the battle between ethereal light and consuming darkness. The planet itself trembled, its very foundations shaking as though nature recognized the cosmic significance of this battle. Mountains quaked, oceans roiled, and the sky itself seemed to crack under the pressure of these titanic forces.

"Great God... please win," Hadrin whispered, tears streaming down his face. The oppressive darkness of the enemy's transformation had nearly crushed his spirit, but Orach's divine presence burned like an eternal flame, keeping hope alive in the darkest hour. Witnessing this clash of powers, his heart swelled with pride and gratitude for his deity.

This sentiment echoed through countless hearts. Every child of the great tree, united in this crucial moment, watched with bated breath as their god stood as the last bastion against encroaching darkness. Their collective faith radiated outward, a silent prayer that white tree in Orach's inner world heard - that light would triumph over shadow, that good would vanquish evil.

Having tested his newly created attack technique and grown accustomed to his improved Ki channels, Orach decided to end this battle. He fine-tuned his Ki flow and released a fresh wave of energy. His attack gained momentum, pushing back the darkness until it completely engulfed and obliterated all versions of Arcus—both the doppelgängers caught in the clash between the two beams and this reality's original Arcus. Then he stopped his attack and allowed his energy to dissipate, bringing this clash to an end.

Hadrin and the other Elders watched with excitement shining in their eyes, sharing jubilant glances with their fellow villagers. Their God had triumphed! Victory was theirs!

"The light prevails!" Hadrin's voice rang out clear and strong, carrying across the battlefield to reach every child of the great tree. "Our Great God has vanquished the darkness!" The proclamation sparked a chain reaction among the gathered masses. Even those nursing wounds found the strength to rise, raising their weapons skyward in a unified chorus of victory: "All hail our Great God! All hail the Great Tree!"

After defeating the System-controlled Arcus, Orach sensed this wouldn't be his last encounter with beings possessing Systems or Abyssal arts. He remembered his future vision—himself in Primordial God form confronting entities with similar, yet purer energy signatures. These beings were likely the source or masters of the System. He concluded that System wielders were probably serving as apostles to this greater power.

However soon the cheers drew Orach's attention from the battlefield. As he gazed down at the Children of the Great Tree, their faces radiant with genuine worship and unconditional love, a warm smile graced his features. 'This,' he thought, his heart swelling with purpose, 'this is why we Saiyans and the Alacrity stand as guardians of all life. Their smiles, unity, pure hearts and their innocent faith – it makes every battle worth fighting.'

He gazed at the remaining cowering beasts and sent a command through the realm of life's influence, bidding them to leave. As they received this merciful pardon, they fled to their dens, forever remembering to avoid this village.

Orach descended, landing gently before Hadrin as he returned to his base form. The elders rushed forward, about to kneel, but an invisible force stopped them, compelling them to remain standing.

Scanning the gathered crowd, Orach began with a warm smile, "You don't kneel. You have all surpassed your limits and fought valiantly. I am proud of each of you." Hearing his praise, everyone—especially the elders—swelled with pride, their eyes glistening with joyful tears. Orach's expression then turned serious. "However, there are more pressing matters now. Gather your dead and tend to your injured. Give the fallen a proper sendoff and heal the wounded. I'll be waiting at the base of the great tree. Now go." With these words, he vanished from their sight.

Though momentarily stunned by his sudden departure, Hadrin and the elders exchanged determined looks before dispersing to their solemn duties.

At the Great Tree's base, Orach contemplated his next move. After three centuries of slumber beneath these roots, he needed to return to Diana and Rachel, yet he couldn't leave his followers unprotected. As he pondered this dilemma, Taliana's voice echoed in his mind with a feasible suggestion. Pressing his palm against the ancient bark, he drew upon two powerful sources: the realm of life's energy and the faith energy his followers had generated over centuries. Though he had never used faith energy before—preferring to rely on his own cultivation—he had preserved it precisely for such a purpose.

With deep concentration, he channeled this combined energy into the tree's heart, creating a faith crystal that would serve as a core for a new guardian spirit. The transformation was mesmerizing - golden threads of energy wove through the ancient bark, birthing a fresh branch that reached toward the heavens. From its tip sprouted a radiant bud, which blossomed into an ethereal flower of pure light. As the petals unfurled, they revealed a diminutive being - a tree spirit taking the form of a thumb-sized child, its large, innocent eyes somehow reflecting the wisdom of ages. This spirit would serve as both protector and mentor, a living embodiment of Orach's bond with the Children of the Great Tree.

"Papa!" the spirit exclaimed joyfully upon seeing Orach. The unexpected greeting caused him to stumble back, momentarily caught off guard. Within their respective domains, eight of the nine wardens were startled before turning their attention to the realm of life, where Taliana's melodious laughter echoed through the ethereal space.

The truth dawned on them all and Orach who had delved into his inner realm seeking answers. During the spirit's creation, while he and the wardens had indeed imbued it with their collective knowledge to guide and protect the villagers, Taliana had added her own touch of mischief. She had shaped the spirit's personality to be both wise and childlike, believing that such duality would better connect with those it would protect. As her laughter subsided, she spoke, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "What's wrong?" she said softly, "in a way she is your child, you know?"

A mix of exasperation and fondness crossed Orach's features as he gazed at his mischievous comrade's handiwork. With a gentle shake of his head, he turned to address the tiny spirit, whose innocent eyes sparkled with unmistakable affection. "Little one, you should call me young master..."

However the spirit's voice rang out with childlike stubbornness, "Papa is papa!"

"Please, call me Orach..."

"Papa!" The spirit's declaration held such pure conviction that it was almost impossible to argue.

A warm smile crossed Orach's features as he gazed at the tiny spirit. "Very well, little one. You win." There was an undeniable charm in how this pure-hearted being had chosen him as a father figure, and her stubborn nature reminded him so much of Rachel. 'Perhaps with time and wisdom, she'll grow more formal,' he thought.

"Now then, little one," Orach said softly, "you need a proper name. How about... Ariee?"

The spirit blinked twice, her eyes twinkling as her new name settled in. With pure joy, she twirled through the air, her tiny form radiating a warm glow. "I am Ariee!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with delight.

Watching her jubilant dance, Orach couldn't help but imagine the joy on Diana and Rachel's faces when they would eventually meet this enchanting little being. But first, there were important matters to address.

"Ariee," he said, his tone gentle but serious, "I've entrusted you with sacred duties. Can you tell me what they are?"

The tiny spirit straightened herself, her expression becoming adorably solemn as she recited: "After Papa leaves, Ariee will nurture and protect the children of the Great Tree. Ariee will guide them in their cultivation journey and teach them to grow stronger. If danger comes that they cannot face, Ariee will defend them. Should any being speak of or summon a 'System' in the village, Ariee will contact Papa immediately move out to capture it. If they prove to be dangerous, Ariee will eliminate this threat before it takes root. Finally, Ariee will continue growing in power through cultivation, and once the children have become strong enough to stand alone, Ariee will journey to rejoin Papa!" Her eyes sparkled with hope to be praised as she looked up, seeking his approval.

Orach nodded and smiled. "Perfect, my clever Ariee," he praised, watching her beam with joy. His expression then turned slightly more serious. "But remember one last thing - if the children of the Great Tree ever stray from their path, even after your warning, you need not remain bound here. Use the power of life to reach me, and we'll decide their fate together."

Ariee bowed her tiny head solemnly, her ethereal form glowing softly as she absorbed the weight of her responsibility. The bond between creator and creation resonated deeply within her being - Orach wasn't just her maker, but her father in her heart, and his will was absolute.

As the day progressed, Orach spent time with Ariee, sharing knowledge and watchfully guiding Ariee as she processed each new piece of knowledge. Her quick understanding and earnest dedication brought a smile to his face.

When night fell and the Children of the Great Tree completed their solemn farewell to the fallen, Hadrin and the other elders made their way to the ancient tree. There, they encountered a sight that would be forever etched in their memories - their great god seated in meditation, while atop his head, a fairy like existence, Ariee mirrored his pose perfectly, her tiny form radiating a gentle luminescence.

The elders stood transfixed, their hearts touched by the endearing scene. Asdrin particularly felt drawn to the adorable spirit, fighting the urge to reach out and interact with the mysterious being. Yet, they all maintained their respectful distance, not daring to disturb this sacred moment.

"Come," Orach's voice broke the silence as his eyes opened, carrying both warmth and authority. The time had come for final words and proper introductions before he departed this lower realm.

The elders quickly approached and, following his gestured invitation, settled themselves cross-legged before their deity, their faces filled with anticipation and reverence. They too understood their parting with their great god had come.

"First," Orach announced, his voice carrying across the night air, "let me introduce someone special. Ariee, greet your new family."

The tiny spirit floated forward, her presence filling the space with a gentle, comforting light. "Hello," she spoke, her voice like wind chimes in a gentle breeze, "I am Ariee, Guardian Spirit of the Great Tree, protector and your guiding elder."

Hadrin his weathered face illuminated by Ariee's gentle glow spoke in response. His voice trembled slightly with emotion as he spoke, "We welcome you, Guardian Spirit. Under your guidance, we shall continue to grow stronger and remain true to the path our Great God has shown us."

The other elders nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting both respect.

"As you already know, I must leave—my family awaits my return. Though I may visit when possible, I wanted to give you a lasting gift in response to your love: Ariee. Treat her with the same respect you show me and my comrade you call my apostles. We have blessed her with our collective wisdom and experience. Not only can she protect you, but she will guide you in all areas of knowledge until you become self-sufficient. Once you are strong enough to stand on your own, she will join me, knowing her sacred duty is complete," Orach explained.

The elders stunned but, grateful nodded in understanding. Orach then explained them about his instructions on anyone who is suspected to call out or summon a 'System'. Then he also, explained and warned them, that if in the future any being that claims to be a god but, demands worship, they are not to recognize them as gods, for no true god would demand worship.

The elders listened with rapt attention, their expressions a mix of awe and gratitude as they absorbed every word. With careful detail, Orach outlined his instructions regarding the 'System' - a threat they must remain eternally vigilant against. His voice carried both authority and concern as he continued with perhaps his most crucial warning.

"Remember this well," he spoke, his eyes meeting each elder in turn. "In the ages to come, you may encounter beings claiming to be gods. They might demand worship, threaten divine punishment, or promise grand rewards. But know this truth—a true god never demands worship. Those who do reveal their own weakness, for true divinity inspires natural reverence through wisdom and benevolent guidance, even when its ways aren't immediately clear. Beings who demand worship are merely false gods—powerful cultivators from higher realms seeking to harvest your faith energy."

Orach hoped these warnings would become a cornerstone of their teachings, passed down through generations to shield them against false prophets and those who falsely claimed divinity.

Orach rose to his feet after sharing his final words of wisdom. With gentle affection, he bid farewell to Ariee, who watched with innocent eyes as her creator prepared to depart. Rising into the air, he paused, taking in the sight of the thriving village below—a testament to his comrades' guidance.

He drew upon his God Ki, and his form shifted into the silver radiance of Ultra Instinct. Eyes closed, he focused on his connection to Diana, feeling her faint presence like a distant star guiding him home. With practiced mastery, he channeled the new Void step technique, preparing to pierce through the barriers between realms.

Below, the awestruck villagers gazed upward as a silver star illuminated the sky—their beloved deity in his brilliant form. Though their hearts grew heavy at his departure, their tears carried not just sadness but profound gratitude. From eldest to youngest, each villager offered silent prayers of thanks for his blessings, teachings, and protection.

In a final display of reverence, the entire village gathered, bowing deeply toward their ascending god. They maintained this position of respect long after the celestial light had faded, their collective gratitude and love reaching across the realms like an invisible bridge connecting them to their departed guardian.

Meanwhile, on the man-folk continent, Great Elder Lira and the other two Elders, still unaware of the battle in their homeland, assessed the aftermath of the world-shaking power they had felt from the central continent and concentrated on their goal at hand believing in their peoples' power and finding solace in the fact that their pendants still carried power fluctuations. After discovering the state of the royal capital and the absence of high nobles and powerful experts, they united the panicked man-folk kingdom under young prince Rowan's leadership. The group from the central continent then launched an assault on the Demon-folk stronghold, engaging in a great battle that ended with the Demon King's defeat, bringing peace to the continents. While Darvik, Karena, and Greta remained to assist Rowan, the others returned to the central continent. Upon arrival, they were shocked to discover their village had been attacked—the devastation made their blood run cold. News that their great god had awakened, defeated their enemy, and departed left them cycling between joy and sorrow. In time, Lira met Ariee and formed a deep bond with her. Now, with Ariee's assistance, they occasionally visit the man-folk continent to see Darvik, Karena, young Rowan and Greta.

As Orach traversed through the realm barriers, he carried with him the pure faith and devotion of his children, while leaving behind a legacy that would endure for generations. His influence would forever resonate within the hearts of the Children of the Great Tree, and reaching him and serving him would become the sacred goals their village would strive toward, allowing them to ascend to the higher realms one day.