The images and words from the sphere of knowledge containing Erebus’s memories formed into Avrin’s mind. He skimmed through it until he arrived at the beginning. Erebus had held a large-scale meeting with everyone, including Kael, Asura, Eitri, and Shandian to discuss this.

----Memory flashback-----------

“Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that a resource suited for us was discovered within the western region of our continent. Right now we are still establishing our home and doing our best to find the rest of our kin, but at the same time this resource is valuable and every second wasted in not taking it is a second wasted in improving our strength. Does anyone have any ideas?”

As Erebus spoke, a cunning looking young man spoke. “King Erebus, since we Spectrals are quite busy, why can't we seek help from those non-Spectrals? It seems they are having trouble supporting themselves, couldn't an agreement be made?”

Erebus carefully thought about this before giving a soft smile. “Of course! Since our former brothers and sisters are suffering, this could be a perfect way of supporting them as well as them supporting us. If they are able to assist in the collection of this resource, we can assist in giving them supplies. Maybe we can help them see the truth and when the Lord Monarch returns they will be eager for conversion! That being said, many mechanisms and procedures will need to be prepared. I need several people to handle this task. It will be a great opportunity for those involved to support their kin and those who haven't converted. We can show the remnants that being a Spectral is not something to look down upon, but a matter of gaining new chances and prosperity. Now who will handle this?”

With that said, only the group that recommended the solution put their hands up, a total of six individuals. When Avrin looked at them he had a feeling of distrust and schemes in their mind.

------------Flashback end-----------

Avrin suddenly broke out of his slight trance, awakening to see them all still quiet. His hand opened up and his Divine Sense extended out, engulfing the entire city. He found those six individuals enjoying themselves in their own places, but their minds suddenly shook for a moment as the scene with Erebus repeated itself, but this time those six people felt their minds slip as streams of Nebula Mist shot out and formed into a sphere of knowledge that was Divine Stepped to Avrin who absorbed them all.

He carefully analysed it all. With it all set in motion he found that at first their intentions were to gain favor with Erebus, but as time went on and as more people came over to mine, some Spectrals who were abusing their power wanted some for themselves. With connections being made, many that had not been converted were forced or tricked into becoming the servants and toys of those Spectrals. This made productivity in the mines lower, which made those who needed these crystals angry. The six of these people who were tasked with a mine each came to an agreement that they would keep things under wrap and simply force the miners to work faster or receive nothing. This was when it all turned for the worse. These six really were not the type of people who should have been put in charge. They lacked the intelligence to handle matters, they were not nobles but simply people who had nothing and now had gained power in a near instant. People like this were sure to abuse the system.

And when this occurred, some Spectrals who were tasked with looking after the miners were disgusted, and when they raised complaints to those six they were shunned and deemed as traitors if they asked again. With this, a few Spectrals defected and snuck Non-Spectrals away. This was brought to Erebus’s attention, but he was assured by the six that it was all under control. Erebus, of course, felt the need to trust his own kin, as they were all together and so the six continued to abuse this matter.

Until secretly, many groups were formed to kidnap or even force those that had not converted to work in these camps under Erebus’s nose, and because the other three were busy it all was handled in a messy way. No one had the experience to properly run a kingdom, especially on this scale. With millions of others, it was hard to keep track of.

When Avrin reformed these spheres of knowledge, making several copies, he shared them with not only the four pure bloods, but also Ailirion and Tardiff, who got a glimpse of the entire matter. In truth, it was Erebus’s fault, but also not his fault. His intention was good as he wanted to try and lead everything and maintain order, but something large slipped by as he had too much trust placed in his subordinates, thinking just because they were one kind that they wouldn't do something so badly.

Avrin finally understood this was the reason Syrana and the two traitors Iilia and Driada began an assault and attacked the mining camps that were established on the central continent. In fact, because of those three, that those mining camps were destroyed, which made it dangerous for the six to continue, otherwise, Erebus would find out, so they kept matters under wraps and focused only on the north.

“Disgusting…twisted vermin…” Erebus gave a look of dissatisfaction, as he felt truly betrayed. He had let himself be so easily fooled. “Avrin, forgive me…” he spoke Avrin’s name as he truly felt apologetic in this matter.

“We’ve bitten off more than we could chew. Ailirion, regarding matters like these, I want you to handle them. You will be enforcing everything.” Ailirion quickly bowed with a look of confidence. “Yes, Great One!”

Avrin’s eyes darkened, as he knew that the six were to blame for it all. “Intentions of using others for benefit and gain while harboring bad intent...I will not allow it for us Spectrals. Erebus and Ailirion, I want those six detained. As for their punishment, it will not be up to us but for those in the south to decide.”

Erebus glanced at Ailirion, who glanced back. It seemed they were both in the same position and would need to keep an eye on the other. “Go handle it now. As for Syrana, well, she isn't too far, to begin with.” Avrin looked to Tardiff, who remained. “Tardiff, go with Eitri. You're going to teach him what I've taught you.”

Eitri glanced over at Avrin then at Tardiff, who seemed big and dumb. “Huh?!! You don't even say hello yet you're putting me with this guy?! Does he even know how to think?” when Tardiff heard this, his body began to shake as a heavy aura of dark matter circulated around him.

Both Kael and Asura shivered slightly as they didn't expect Tardiff to hold such strength.

“I'm…not…dumb…” Tardiff seemed to slowly look crazed. It was only when Avrin spoke that he quickly calmed down. “I’m not in the mood. Settle down and go do as I said…” with that spoken, Tardiff grumbled to himself. “Of course, Master…” with that settled, Avrin glanced at Eitri. “We will speak later. It's good to see you again, though. I’m also glad you weren't part of this situation.” Avrin’s Divine Sense engulfed Eitri and Tardiff before Divine Stepping them to Eitri’s main workshop.

All that was left was Asura and Kael who looked at Avrin with two different feelings. Asura was nervous and worried while Kael was happy to see his master again.

“You both made good improvements. Because I placed all the responsibility on Erebus, you both were left with not much power to understand matters. That being said, this hopefully won't happen again.”

Avrin still looked disappointed as he looked at them. “Both of you go find every Spectral that has made an un-converted serve them dishonestly with bad treatment and give them to Ailirion for him to punish. We will talk later….”

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Avrin then stood up as his body distorted to ash. “Master, wait a moment!!” Kael called out, but of course, Avrin was too quick and he vanished. Kael looked on with a dejected face. “The pressure he gives off is so much scarier than before….” Asura blurted out. Kael then turned to look at him. “Hmph! Why do you continue to fear him? Look what you have achieved because of him.”

Kael then began to head towards the large doors that were previously engulfed in a metallic dark matter that had disappeared with Avrin Divine Stepping away. Asura was left alone when the doors were opened and Kael's footsteps vanished. “Huh?! What did I do, the hell?!!” he was confused in regards to the situation.

When Avrin reappeared, he was back at the mining camp he had imprisoned the Spectrals from. He was temporarily left on his own as he quietly walked through all the imprisoned Spectrals with different looks on their faces, all of which were shock, horror, and surprise. Avrin felt at ease to a large degree, as he got the purebloods to handle everything. He was saddened by the fact that their meeting after a few years had to be like this. He expected it to be one of celebration, but he came to see a large number of his people being useless and abusing their positions.

Avrin walked over to an imprisoned Spectral, placing his hand on the dark matter crystal that entrapped him. “-Killing you all would be the right decision, but deep in my heart I still believe you are like my children, stupid and careless. But for those six, even if they are executed, I will not lift a finger. Then again, who am I to judge them….I killed millions…but…my decision was to save billions in the end….I was used as a scapegoat after being set up…..this situation I should just let my judgment flow. They are not scapegoats, they are the masterminds behind this. Their punishments will be whatever those in the south want it to be-” this all left a tinge of bitterness in Avrin’s heart. He couldn't bare to see those who were Spectrals be killed. The matter with the mage that betrayed them whom Avrin personally killed, at least that was 100% justified with no turn backs.

These Spectrals were corrupted by their positions. Avrin began to doubt and blame himself for the fact that he wasn't overseeing them enough. “-I’ve let them all down. Although this will be perfect, I can take some with me and they can assist at Shaded Moon. Hmmm, I will think of solution later, in the meantime-” Avrin, who had his hood down, carefully glanced from the corner of his eyes. The sound of footsteps silently approaching him was done well to be hidden, but with the difference between him and the individual being so large, it was like a loud train trying to sneak up on a dog.

Avrin simply smiled as he felt the individual move a sharpened stiletto to his throat. He kept his calm and his hand on the crystal. He knew this person was the reason he Divine Stepped here. “You must be disappointed to come here and find that I've already taken care of your dirty work…” Avrin casually spoke out.

The figure’s head slowly moved from behind his. This person was someone he knew very well. Of course, the look on this person's face was one of distrust and anger. This was Syrana, who showed not joy but anger towards Avrin appearing. “My dirty work, huh…I was right to think you were going to bring disaster. Myra too…you and your kind only vermin who take advantage of others.” Syrana pressed the stiletto against Avrin’s throat even more. Avrin could feel the cold steel which had probably taken the lives of many of his kin. Although he felt mixed emotions, could he really blame her?

“I didn't mean for any of this to happen, Syrana...I've already found the culprits for it all they will be given to you and the others to punish as you see fit…” Avrin spoke with no tone of hesitation as he told her the truth. “Culprits? The only culprit I know of is you, who started this all. Liberating Seleria and giving people hope, you say?...you…..ha….haha…” Avrin felt the blade move away from his neck. When he turned slowly to glance at Syrana, his heart shook. Her right arm was gone and her face held scars with the right side being somewhat burnt. She wore a rough leather eyepatch over her left eye to hide the fact that it was damaged beyond repair.

“Surprised huh? Some of these could be healed…..the rest, no….but why heal it. Each and every one of these injuries is a reminder of how vicious your kind is, a reminder of how deranged you are. I and the others could not leave those desperate in need in the hands of such people. I kept all these to show you one day if you ever kept your promise. I've waited many years to find you again, Avrin…curiosity and doubt turned to eagerness, to anger…to sadness and vengeance. You're the cause of so many dying, the cause of why so much of this once great world can barely support life. While your kind holds no bother for us, your kind can help so many with your abilities to create, yet you took advantage as slave drivers.”

“Syrana…I-” with a swift motion, Syrana’s remaining hand enveloped in a leather and metal studded gauntlet blurred before it collided with Avrin’s left cheek. Avrin shook for a moment and was a little surprised.

“Shut…up…” Syrana carefully backed away as she glanced at Avrin with disgust. Avrin looked at her somewhat confused. “Taken care of the dirty work, huh…let me know when you're all off this planet or you all die. Maybe I'll see life as less pungent…to think I fell for someone like you…hah…” she gave a quiet laughter as she began to walk off.

Avrin felt his body shake. “Wait…!!” Avrin Void Stepped behind her and placed his hand on her right shoulder. At that moment her reflexes kicked in and she turned with her dagger in hand again pointed at his throat, yet Avrin ignored it as he looked directly at her. He saw tears running down her remaining eye and from under the eye patch covering her face, yet she kept a heavy look of distrust.

“Can you tell me why you didn't choose to convert…” he spoke with a heavy curiosity. She glanced carefully at him. “You left me and Ayame to die, right? Why would I choose to be like you, who would step on others to climb a ladder…”

Since he had become the Inheritor of God's Heart, this was the first time Avrin had felt truly hurt by the words of someone. He hadn't realized it, but the Syrana now in front of him was one that his heart eased up towards. The way she was now, his dark heart stirred. This was a feeling he hadn't felt before. Not in his past life nor in this one, until now. This was the feeling of wanting to care for someone greatly, not just his kind which was a love of kin. This was the feeling of having somewhat fallen for someone. This was what love seemed to be, yet it was enigmatic for him.

Within his inner workings, his dark heart was beating quickly. Above it, the dark matter seemed to form into a strand. This strand began to shift and turn as it's color began to change. The strand’s color changed until it became a rose pink. Pink, usually a color one referred to as weak and feminine, yet this pink gave off a powerful feeling. This feeling was one of care where those who had it would use its strength to protect that one person they had fallen for.

Avrin, of course, was still unsure of his feelings at this stage. He felt as if he wanted to protect Syrana as if she had suffered so much for him. How he was before when he betrayed her and Ayame, he hated that form of himself, but he also found it unfair. At that stage, he hadn't control of his dark heart and it had tampered with him. “No matter how much you hate me or my kin, how hateful you are towards me…I can't feel any anger towards you. You're right, Syrana. I have wronged you…and those others on this planet…I hope you will at least give me a fair chance to make it up to you all. No matter how many scars you have on your body, the current you...I feel as if I have to protect you with all my might…”

Syrana, listening to his words, wasn't sure what to make of the situation. She still held caution as Avrin spoke, but as she heard his words it was as if something in her had eased up, “Idiot…backstabbing idiot…you…” as she spoke, the dagger lowered and her body shuddered as more tears began to run down her cheeks, “You…” she wasn't able to continue. She suddenly stepped forward and rested her forehead on his chest while glancing down. She dropped her stiletto and placed her remaining hand on his shoulder. She began to cry, as her emotions really were mixed. To her, Avrin was someone she felt was dangerous and mysterious. That night they shared at the camp, she understood his side of the story. She felt regret towards her actions but when he betrayed her and Ayame she was stunned and confused. She had never felt such a thing could happen. She felt confusion and anger towards him.

And then that day when the world was seemingly going to end, it was as if he was a bright light that was going to look after them all, and when everything had turned white, then dark and then white again, with everyone back as if nothing had happened, she wasn't sure what was going on.

There was no pain or suffering that followed. That was until these “Spectrals” had begun to take advantage. It wasn't so much later that she learned the Lord Monarch they worshiped was Avrin. She felt that the decision she made to not convert was the right one. But things began to grow heavier as situations of Spectrals kidnapping small villages and forcing them to mine became abundant.

Her own people were victims of this, and the southern continent became a sanctuary for those who weren't Spectrals. They felt that this world was turning against them. It became nearly impossible to grow crops or hunt creatures, as many areas became barren and were filled with a strange, cold feeling as if they weren't supposed to be there. Syrana didn't know that those areas were simply filled with a large amount of concentrated dark matter in the air.

With more refugees and nomads coming to the sanctuary, some Spectrals had defected with former slaves who brought horror stories of the treatment at the camps as well as those used by Spectrals in the city. And yet here he was, the man who was their Lord Monarch, who betrayed her. He had told her he wanted to protect her with all his might and she indeed did want to find him, but she wasn't sure if she could trust him again.

“I'm…sorry…but I can't trust you…there are too many I need to protect because of your people…” with that spoken, Syrana slowly let go of Avrin, who glanced at her as he was truly speechless. Syrana looked up at him and gave a soft smile as she faced him properly and leaned her head forward. She pressed her lips on his right cheek, a soft, gentle kiss. To Avrin, this feeling was as if the softest silk was delicately placed on the cheek she kissed, and when she moved back she continued to smile with tears adorned on her face. “Goodbye...Avrin….” she then took several steps back before reaching over to her necklace which was a transparent sphere with a small swirling core. When she infused some mana into it, a scene similar to how the grimoire Void’s teleportation spell was seen. A small, transparent sphere engulfed Syrana and then retracted as she and Avrin gave a final look at each other. When the sphere retracted all the way, Syrana was gone.

Avrin remained still. He stood there for a half minute, then glanced down and saw the stiletto she left on the ground. He reached down and picked it up, but as he did, Avrin gave an odd expression. He reached up and pressed his fingers against his cheek. It was only then that he realised that although their encounters were short she had a lasting impact on him.

From a fair distance away, a figure in casual attire was spotted with his arms folded glancing expressively at Avrin. This was Mallik, who carefully watched Avrin. Mallik raised his right hand, clutching a large purple crystal identical to the ones that were being mined by those slaves prior to it all. “Having one's heart broken must truly be painful…I hope I never exper-” Mallik felt his body quiver as he quickly glanced over at Avrin, who was looking straight at him. Avrin’s face was darkened with only his two eyes visible.

“Ehh…I shall take my leave, dear friend…” Mallik’s body shifted almost like a phantom as he vanished from his position. A day later, Ailirion and Erebus had taken the six Spectrals and the other major culprits to the southern continent with Avrin’s help. The scene of Spectrals appearing in such a way in the south was surprising to them all.

Erebus and Ailirion both felt nervous. Of course, Avrin made sure they could feel his Divine Sense as if to reassure them. When Erebus explained the situation and offered his greatest apologies as well as stating that from here on out they would receive the support of his kin with no strings attached it left them shocked and surprised.

Avrin was too ashamed to face them all. That, and he wanted to oblige Syrana’s wishes. He knew she never wanted to see him again, and lingering on this thought made his heart hurt. This was a pain he was hating immensely. This pain was something he considered worse than being beaten to near death by Orphelium because he knew it would never go away, nor did he want it to go, because to him it was a reminder of mistakes he had made. Just like how Syrana held scars that would never heal, he would have to bare this pain like she did.

Syrana knew about this matter but didn't come to see those prisoners. She would leave the punishment up to the others. Ailirion had given them an object made by Avrin that would allow those in the south to speak directly to those in the north to discuss things and when help was needed.

Avrin was glancing at the northern Spectral capital from a distance. Around him, he could feel the dark matter that made up this planet that was previously mana. “-This world isn't ours…I swear I'll make sure to return it to its previous state so that they can live without trouble. I swear that I will find a true home for my people, a place where we truly belong…the first universe. I won't settle for less-”