Lord of the Truth

"…Cosmic Elder."

The newcomer bowed with unmistakable sincerity, both of her large eyes closing as she placed her free hand—graceful and precise—over her chest in a formal gesture of respect. The silence that followed was reverent, as if the world itself had paused to acknowledge the weight of her words.

"Althera, you look well," the old man said, a ghost of a crooked smile creeping onto his worn, withered face.

"I haven't seen you since you were just a child. If I remember correctly, it was just before you took command of the Stellar Academy, wasn't it?"

"I am well," Althera replied, her voice calm and level, "and the Academy continues to thrive under your blessings and divine protection, Cosmic Elder."

She stood upright again, posture perfect—still no emotion visible on her pale, elegant features.

"…Your body?"

"Ah~ There's no need for concern," the old man waved her off gently, his tone light but clearly strained. "I'll be fine."

Althera didn't argue. She didn't probe. She simply nodded and cut directly to the heart of the matter.

"How may I assist you?"

She knew.

Someone like him didn't get injured—not in the conventional sense.

If he looked like this, it could only mean one thing: he had attempted to use the Master Law of Balance, and something happened.

A matter of this magnitude was not something she would dare pry into. Not even she.

"Heh heh~"

The old man gave a tired laugh, as if amused by her predictability.

"Still as impatient as ever. Never were one for small talk."

Then, with a slow, deliberate turn, he shifted his head toward Robin.

"Come here, boy. Don't be afraid. This charming lady will be your guardian for the foreseeable future."

"Guardian?"

Robin stepped closer, confused and clearly displeased by the choice of words. His brows furrowed tightly.

The term didn't sit right with him.

"Who is he?"

Althera finally looked at Robin—just once, a brief glance—but it was sharp enough to pierce through stone. Her large owl-like eyes narrowed slightly, then returned to the old man.

"Oh, let me introduce you two properly."

The elder gestured to Robin with his one remaining hand.

"This is Robin Burton, a fourth-stage Truth Chosen, though you probably know him by the title 'Human.'"

Then he turned to Robin and gestured toward the woman.

"This is Althera, the current Headmistress of Dawn light Stellar Academy.

She is the sole known wielder of the Seventh Stage of the Fundamental Law of Repetition… and therefore, a Monarch."

"Human?!"

Althera's expression shifted for the first time—only slightly, but enough to show that she was caught off guard.

There wasn't a soul in the galaxy, not one with functioning senses, who hadn't heard the name.

Human is already one of the most prolific Truth Holder in the history of recorded law.

He'd only emerged a century and a half ago—and yet already, his name was spoken with reverence.

He was the first being in millions of years to create a fifth-stage martial art, and one with dual fundamental laws at that.

Though he had yet to forge something of the sixth stage, the world had already hailed him as the next Great Truth Chosen.

"Monarch of a Fundamental Law?!"

Robin's jaw dropped. His eyes widened with disbelief.

He knew that users of seventh-stage laws were rare.

But he also knew that those who ruled such laws were given different titles—titles that signified just how unique their mastery was.

There were three:

1. Guardian — A title for any being who had reached the seventh stage in any law.

Whether it was a complementary, essential, or fundamental path. Whether it was a major or minor one.

When someone was called a Guardian of a law, it meant there were others who had also reached the seventh stage of that same law.

For example, there were officially three Guardians of the Major Fire Law, each ruling over a different region of space.

2. Monarch — This was reserved for the only person in existence to reach the seventh stage in a given law.

To be called a Monarch of a law meant that no one else on record had matched their level.

It wasn't just mastery—it was singularity.

If Althera was the Monarch of Repetition, then that law belonged to her alone.

History was filled with bloodshed and conflict—Guardians killing each other for the right to be named Monarch.

To be a Monarch of a Major Fundamental Law was one of the highest honors in existence.

This was the panicle of individual power.

3. Behemoth— The rarest and most exalted of all, and the one with the most tight description.

A being that must have monopoly over the Seventh Stage of a Fundamental Major Heavenly Law, AND he must forge an artificial galaxy and united an entire sector under their banner.

So if a Guardian of the Fire Law did something great as getting an artificial galaxy and unifying the sector, his title would remain a Guardian, he would never rise to the status of a Tyrant If he doesn't himself use the Seventh Stage of a Fundamental Major Heavenly Law!

A Behemoth wasn't just powerful on an individual level.

They wielded military and economic might so overwhelming, they could crush entire factions without ever lifting a finger.

They are powerful enough to elevate their children, their closest disciples, into becoming Guardians or even Monarchs themselves —though naturally, such disciples and children would master different laws— usually minor laws or unrelated ones, so as to not challenge the Behemoth's dominion.

To be at odds with a Behemoth wasn't just a personal feud with someone who had mastered a Major Fundamental Law to the seventh stage.

It meant becoming the enemy of a colossal military-industrial conglomerate, one capable of obliterating you without their leader so much as glancing your way.

…So when the old man referred to Althera as a Monarch of a Major Fundamental Law, it meant she was—in theory—on the same level of personal strength as beings like Interas or Zavaros.

The difference?

They ruled artificial galaxies. She didn't.

She held no sector.

And yet… being the Headmistress of a Stellar Academy was a monumental title on its own.

If Interas or Zavaros, she would still talk with her head held high!

"…"

Robin and Althera stared at each other for several long seconds.

Each was analyzing the other.

Each was weighing what this moment meant.

"…It's a pleasure to meet you."

They both nodded in perfect synchrony.

"Heh heh…"

The old man smiled as he saw the mutual acknowledgment, then turned toward Althera, his voice weak but firm.

"My dear girl… I owe this boy a debt. I crossed a line and hurt him. I want to make it right.

Will you help me do that?"

"At once, Cosmic Elder.

Tell me how."

For the first time, Althera turned her gaze fully toward him again.

"This boy…"

The old man gestured toward Robin.

"He said he wishes to become a Royal Soul Master.

Help make that wish a reality."

"Consider it done."

Althera didn't hesitate for even a breath.

Had he asked her to relinquish her position, she would've done it without question.

Then, turning to Robin, the old man gave his final instruction.

"Go.

Use the libraries of the Academy for as long as you need, as long as you wish. Thе rеfеrеnсе vеrsiоn оf this сhаptеr is оn М*V*LЕМРYR.

Learn everything.

And when you are ready to leave—leave.

No one will stop you.

That… is my promise."

Then, with a final, crooked smile, he asked:

"Are you satisfied?"

"Completely!" Robin beamed.

A grin spread across his face.

An entire ocean of knowledge awaited him.

How could he not be thrilled?

The old man gave a final nod, his frail body sinking back down.

He gestured toward the golden-rimmed gateway.

"Go now.

I need to rest for a while…"

"…"

Althera bowed deeply once more, then turned, her silent footsteps gliding toward the portal.

"Come."

"Eh?"

Robin took one last look at the old man, eyes filled with quiet gratitude.

Then, with a wave of his hand, he opened multiple soul gates, summoning back all his soul creatures.

With quick steps, he jogged toward Althera.

"I'm coming!"