Chapter 25: The City of Preservation—Belobog

Theresa, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle followed Gepard and the Silvermane Guards into Belobog, a city where the extreme blizzard conditions outside had given way to a remarkably peaceful atmosphere.

The City of Preservation—Belobog

"Wow, it's not nearly as cold in here!" March 7th exclaimed in surprise.

"Yeah, and look, we can actually see clear sunlight," Dan Heng added, crossing his arms as he surveyed the harmonious city.

"That's because you're now in Belobog, humanity's last bastion," Gepard replied, halting and turning to address them.

"The last bastion?" March 7th asked in astonishment.

Gepard paused, his mind drifting back to the city's history.

"Seven hundred years ago, the Antimatter Legion—monstrous beings from beyond the stars—ignited our planet. The land was scorched, consumed by rivers of molten fire and billowing clouds of black smoke."

Gepard paused, then continued:

"As the planet teetered on the brink of destruction, the Eternal Freeze descended without warning. The invading legion was buried beneath a sudden, sweeping blizzard, leaving only Belobog standing."

"Finally, the steadfast Architects built this magnificent city. Protected by Qlipoth the Preservation, Belobog remained untouched by the blizzard, forever bathed in a mild and pleasant climate."

Gepard spoke with such pride and reverence, his entranced expression almost making the others smile.

"He's talking so strangely," March 7th muttered, watching Gepard lost in his reverie.

"That's not his usual tone. He must be quoting some ancient text," Dan Heng observed calmly.

"I get it—he's just basking in his own importance!" Theresa giggled.

"Hmm, but why is he telling us all this?" March 7th grumbled curiously, unaware that Gepard had stopped reciting and was now staring at them.

"Because you asked!" Gepard snapped, glaring at March 7th. Dan Heng closed his eyes, unable to watch the scene, while Stelle chuckled merrily. Theresa watched the amusing exchange with a serene smile.

The Silvermane Guards stifled their laughter, too afraid to show any disrespect in Gepard's presence.

"Ah, well..." March 7th scratched her head awkwardly and forced a smile.

Gepard let it slide; he wasn't petty enough to dwell on it. "Now you understand why Belobog remains untouched by the extreme external climate. Thanks to the Architects and the Amber Lord's protection, the blizzards can only rage beyond the city walls. This fortress safeguards the last ember of life on this planet—humanity's final bastion of survival."

"So, everyone, follow me to meet the Supreme Guardian. For now, you don't have permission to act independently."

Gepard led them toward Qlipoth Fort, continuing his explanation.

The group understood that as newcomers, they shouldn't antagonize the locals—unless pushed too far. After all, the Nameless weren't pushovers.

The Nameless followed closely behind Gepard, who secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't confident in his ability to contend with these extraterrestrial visitors, especially Theresa, whom he regarded with utmost caution. The searing sensation from her flames made the hairs on his neck stand on end.

His keen intuition, honed from years of battling Fragmentum monsters, warned him that being burned by that peculiar fire would likely leave him no better off than the creatures he'd seen reduced to ash.

"Captain Gepard, may we ask you some questions?" Dan Heng inquired as he walked alongside the group.

"As long as they don't involve classified information or sensitive matters, feel free," Gepard replied, continuing onward. The Silvermane Guards subtly surrounded the Nameless, but everyone understood the natural wariness that came with a first encounter. The Nameless, in turn, were equally cautious about the local powers, wondering if the Supreme Guardian was approachable or prone to betrayal.

"Those strange creatures we encountered in the snowfields outside the city—are they from the Fragmentum, corrupted by spatial rifts?"

Dan Heng's words eased the tension in Gepard's shoulders. It was no secret after all.

"You already know about them? That's not surprising, considering you're from beyond the stars and have seen far more than we have."

"Yes, they all originate from the Fragmentum—rifts born of erosion. But that's not the only threat. The monsters you've encountered are just the tip of the iceberg. Many more formidable high-ranking entities lurk within those Fragmentum."

"Take the Fragmentum Elemental Lifeforms, for example—beings composed entirely of raging flames or solidified ice. Legend has it they once embodied other elements too, but thankfully only fire and ice remain now."

"These mutated Fragmentum Elemental Lifeforms have caused a surge in Silvermane Guard casualties, a problem that plagues us relentlessly," Gepard said with a sigh, and he wasn't lying. The Silvermane Guards were, at best, slightly stronger than ordinary humans, relying mainly on their standard armor and spears. While they could handle common monsters well enough, they stood no chance against elite-level Blaze Out of Space or Ice Out of Space. Their only recourse was to overwhelm them with sheer numbers, unless Gepard himself was present to demonstrate the protective power of Preservation shields, which at least reduced their losses.

"The Silvermane Guards have been tirelessly battling these Fragmentum monsters, but the situation remains dire. After we meet the Supreme Guardian, I sincerely hope to learn more about this from you. In return, I'll share some non-confidential information with you."

Gepard spoke as they walked, and the others nodded in agreement, finding the exchange reasonable.

"We've arrived. This is the heart of Belobog, the headquarters of the Architects, and the Supreme Guardian resides inside," Gepard explained, pausing as if sensing their unspoken questions.

"What are the Architects?" March 7th asked, puzzled.

"They are humanity's saviors. Long before the Eternal Freeze arrived, they persisted in building this city despite public ridicule and disbelief. History has proven their vision correct."

"The Architects named this fortress after Qlipoth, the Aeon of Preservation. Under their guidance, humanity withstood foreign invasions, blocked the advance of the Eternal Freeze, and even now, the city continues to defend against the Fragmentum's incursions."

Gepard described the Architects' contributions with deep reverence, and the others listened politely to his account.