The steps that led beneath the Sacred Temple of Al'khira had just opened up, yet the presence of incomparably pure energy swiftly leaked from within. The Mana present within this space paled in comparison to what Kieran had sensed previously.

It was simply off the charts.

The presence was so addicting that Kieran felt compelled to dive down the steps and indulge in whatever energy resided beneath the surface.

Fortunately, reason stopped him from committing such an embarrassing act. The way Vitalia spoke of Gaea, it was clear that she revered the existence.

Considering her identity as the Elven Queen, Kieran couldn't fathom how powerful this presence needed to be for Vitalia to deify it in this way.

After creating the steps that led beneath the Sacred Temple of Al'khira, Vitalia looked at Paeris and Viessa. "You two may retire to the Emplenan Abode. As per Gaea's wishes, only Ayduin is permitted to join us."

Following Vitalia's comment, Paeris and Viessa obliged, rising from the seats that were dismantled moments later.

Though they weren't aware of the specifics, if Gaea mentioned that not even the other Emplenans were permitted entry into the lower space, the matters they intended to discuss should naturally be dire.

Or at the very least, they shouldn't be heard by certain parties.

Once Viessa and Paeris took their leave, Vitalia glanced at Kieran. "Don't be alarmed. What you sense is the true secret of the Elves, as well as the reason this temple was erected in this precise location. If you truly want to know why the elves abhor humans.. speak with Gaea."

Vitalia's words tickled Kieran's curiosity because, as far as he saw, Grand Nature Magic didn't seem enticing enough to catch the attention of humans, nor was any of the exclusive elven arts.

Of course, increased longevity was something many people, if not everyone, cherished.

However, increased longevity could be obtained naturally by simply improving one's State of Being. Following an Awakening, an individual could be considered a superpower in terms of life force.

Compelled by Vitalia's comment, Kieran took the chance to descend the steps first. As soon as he delved deep enough into this lower space, a message greeted him.

〈System: You have entered: ?Gaea's Atavistic Dwellings?.〉

At first glance, the presence of a dim ever-present glow caught Kieran's eye, alerting him to the presence of dew-like moisture in the air.

Yet, after sensing this dew, Kieran realized it was surrounded by a crystallized exterior that escaped his knowledge.

Furthermore, aside from it being outside his knowledge, Kieran's senses also failed to penetrate its exterior.

Noticing that Kieran's expression had grown strange, Ayduin stepped beside Kieran and informed him of the situation at hand. "This is a place that was created to house and situate a fragment of a higher presence. Attempting to glean its nature is a feat beyond the capabilities of most that walk this plane."

"I see. Then this energy is a byproduct of that fragment?" Kieran questioned.

"Correct," Vitalia replied, joining in on the conversation.

Unlike Kieran, who had paused to take in the scenery, Vitalia continued to walk through the underground cavern.

Though she rarely appeared down here, Vitalia had grown quite familiar with the layout as it was something introduced to every Elven Queen.

Soon enough, Vitalia stopped before a tree stump that resembled a spitting image of the one found in the Forest of Gardenia. Though, in actuality, the tree outside was merely a manifestation of what existed down here.

As Vitalia stood before the large tree stump, a face that somehow lacked definitive features yet remained beautiful by right of its proportions began separating from the tree.

When Kieran laid eyes upon this presence, he felt strange.

It didn't seem tangible.

Fortunately, this wasn't the first time he had felt this way.

To be precise, it was the third time he had experienced such a situation. As for the two previous times, they naturally involved Kieran's brief meeting with two of the Endless.

Needless to say, this put this earthen presence on par with Eni and the Hecate.

Once the face finished forming, Vitalia bowed her head. "Blessings be to the Ancient Protector. Mother Gaea, your willful daughter greets you. I have brought the human you requested."

"At ease, my lovely child," Gaea responded.

A moment later, Gaea lifted her head to look at Kieran. Though she could not formulate expressions, Kieran somehow understood Gaea's emotions and it was through the dew in the air.

After a brief pause, Gaea resumed speaking. "It is as your Ego says. You are quite a special individual. Though, it's a shame that the circumstances of our meeting couldn't be more fortunate."

"What do you mean? I quite like the cordial nature of our meeting," Kieran responded, partially confused by Gaea's words.

After all, the nature of their meeting wasn't born from a place of contempt or threat. Instead, she had requested his presence.

"Not our personal circumstances, mind you.. but since we're on the matter of circumstances, have you noticed you bear a troubled and chaotic quintessence? On more than one level, in fact."

"Is this chaos something that can be fixed?" Kieran questioned, gazing at Gaea without averting his gaze.

Due to him having stood before Endless on more than one occasion, Kieran didn't display any signs of nervousness.

"Perhaps it could. Though, there is no benefit in doing so. This chaos is something you must harness because it is a part of you. When it comes to helping you prepare for that.. I do possess the means to help you," Gaea responded.

Hearing these words, Vitalia became quite shocked. Thanks to her identity, Vitalia was familiar with the means that Gaea referred to.

However, they existed in a finite amount.

The use of this resource meant that much less would remain in existence.

Despite understanding this fact, Vitalia chose to remain silent—partly out of respect for her Ancient Protector, but mostly because she wondered about Kieran's worth.

Why would Gaea be so willing to part ways with that fabled resource?

"Before that.. you're an Endless as well, aren't you?" Kieran asked.

In response to this question, Gaea did not hide the truth. On the contrary, she revealed more about herself. "Originally, yes. However, I lack any remaining attachment to the Sacred Quintessence Tree Yggdrasil, cultivated in the domain of the Endless."

Kieran pondered Gaea's words momentarily before posing another question. "Then.. are you something similar to Eni's avatar?"

"Not quite. Eni scattered his avatars throughout the cosmos. On the other hand, my presence here is a bit more complex. I'm a consequence of a catastrophic battle. However, before my untimely circumstances could be cemented, I arrived here to give birth to the race that is now before you," Gaea explained.

Aside from being their Ancient Protector, Gaea also served as the earliest ancestor of the Elven Race. Hence, why Vitalia treated Gaea with the utmost respect.

Seconds later, amidst the silence of Gaea's revelation, her soothing voice resounded again. "And.. because this race is a part of my lifeblood, you can see why they possess the ability of extraordinary vitality. Though you are not born from me, helping you refine some of this vitality is not impossible."

"I see. It is my understanding that nothing in this life is free. What's the price of me helping you?" Kieran doubted this offer was purely an act of kindness. There had to be some stipulation attached.historical

"Price? On the contrary, I'm not doing this for your benefit. It's for the benefit of my people. There is a looming darkness brewing, one that will bring about the destruction or at the very least ruin of Xenith. To weather this darkness, or to mitigate it, a strong power is required," Gaea revealed.

Once she revealed this piece of information, Ayduin and Vitalia paled in response. Although Gaea had informed them of the situation, hearing about it again didn't detract from the grimness of her words.

"History never truly vanishes. Until the cycle is broken or overcome, it will continue to repeat itself until its grand purpose is carried out. A sharp blade is required to shatter that cycle. A blade wreathed in chaotic power, capable of destroying creation itself, returning order to the disorder. This is your purpose, young man—to become the Chaotic Blade of Ruinous Severance. I have felt this much from the Ring of Undying Quintessence," Gaea revealed.

"This grand threat you mention. Could it be a resurgence of the Demon Race? Is this the looming darkness that you're referring to?"

Gaea paused, considering how to word her reply without invoking a punishment upon herself.

Eventually, she found the words that would help lead Kieran in the right direction without making herself susceptible to retaliation.

"No. Though a grave threat to the world, the Demon Race is not comparable to the looming darkness that awaits Xenith. Before this happens, I ask that you reunite the powers of Xenith, revert the disharmony to harmony, and prepare for a catastrophic war. In my opinion, you should begin by bringing the Dwarves under your influence."

〈System: You are receiving the Calamity Quest: ?Ancient Looming Catastrophe?. Due to its special nature, the rewards and objectives will appear based on your current completion.〉

'Things have suddenly taken a turn for the worst. The great ancestor of the elves is requesting that I reunite the powers of Xenith. Does this not coincide with Hekaina's goal? However.. whereas Hekaina's request stems from personal aspirations, Gaea's request stems from the survival of her race. This string of quests.. to think that honoring Isadora's request led to me unearthing all these strange missions.'

"Judging by your expression, it's clear that you intend to accept my request. In that case, I should help you. Step upon what remains of the Almighty Tree of Provenance," Gaea instructed.

While Kieran walked to the stump and stood atop its flat surface, Gaea melded with the tree as Kieran started to sink through.

Though, before his body fully vanished, Vitalia spoke to him. "Make sure you make the most out of your experience."