[System]
The host is currently not powerful enough to defeat the entirety of the X3X Empire. The influence of the X3X spread across thousands of galaxies, with a formidable arsenal of thousands of planetary beings. If an all-out war were to erupt, the host would, without a doubt, face inevitable defeat.
"Yeah, I already figured as much,” Carter murmured. “But with what you told me earlier, I plan to use that function to create my own invincible army—one so powerful that not even the entirety of the X3X Empire could stand against us."
Carter recalled the notification from the system that had appeared before he annihilated the X3X who had destroyed his saints:
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[System - Flashback]
The host has met the qualifications to unlock the Sanctuary function, also known as the “Heaven” function. This function grants the host access to a separate, sacred realm beyond all existence, dedicated to housing and honoring the souls of the host’s deceased eternal followers.
This sanctuary can be divided into three distinct areas:
The Guardian Realm: The host’s ranked, powerful guardian beings within this space.
The Ordinary Haven: A peaceful area for the host’s regular followers, allowing them to rest eternally.
The Reincarnation Grounds: This area allows willing followers to undergo memory-cleansing and reincarnation, returning as new beings to one of the host’s worlds.*
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With this sanctuary function, Carter realized he could not only bring back his saints but also bypass the restriction preventing him from embedding memories in a new body. Instead, he could transplant a follower’s very soul into another vessel.
Determined, Carter returned to his main body, and in mere moments, he arrived at his flourishing planet. Hovering over its vibrant surface, he raised a hand, revealing a hidden pocket of space above. With a surge of power, his grand celestial palace appeared, hovering majestically. He landed at the palace entrance, casting a long gaze out into the endless expanse of space.
Closing his “eyes”, Carter envisioned what he wanted his afterlife domain to look like. “System, activate the Sanctuary function.”
In an instant, the empty space around him began to transform. Wisps of pure white clouds materialized, swirling and weaving into intricate patterns. Statues of Yuji himself began to rise from the newly formed ground, their “eyes” gazing upon the sanctuary with timeless reverence. A dark, star-filled sky stretched above, a striking canvas that contrasted with the vibrant beauty below. Massive floating islands and platforms spread across the sanctuary, forming ethereal sections connected by luminescent bridges and pathways.
Each island glowed with alternating shades of brilliant white and deep, shadowy colors, casting a serene and mystical atmosphere across the entire space. The scenery was awe-inspiring, illuminated by a never-setting twilight that filled the air with an eternal calm.
Carter marveled at his newly built heaven, a realm so beautiful and vast that it seemed to transcend even his grandest imaginings. "Alright, it’s time," he whispered to himself.
Carter entered his palace, making his way to his towering throne. Seated, he focused his mind, seeking out the presence of one of his first and most devoted follower, Ralak.
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On planet Carter, Ralak, the faithful sovereign, was walking through the grand halls of the Church of Primordial God, where Carter’s word held sway. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in Ralak’s mind.
"Ralak…"
Ralak halted in his tracks, his heart racing, and he lifted his gaze with a wide smile. “My lord, is that you? It has been so long since I heard the great one’s voice.”
Carter chuckled warmly. “Yes, it is I. And I have come to tell you: your mission is complete. My word has spread across my world and made its mark. Now, Ralak… I need you to return to me.”
Overcome with reverence, Ralak closed his eyes, stretching his arms wide. He tilted his head back, gazing toward the heavens. "Wherever my lord needs me, I will be there. If my lord requires a shield, I shall guard against all harm, letting not even an ant pass. Should you need a sword, I will cut down any foe, no matter the cost."
A single tear of joy ran down Ralak’s red cheek. "And if I must be both sword and shield?"
For a moment, Ralak was silent, then continued, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty. “Then I shall become the perfect warrior, cleaving through existence itself to defend you, my lord, even from the end itself.”
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Carter let out a deep, hearty laugh—the first in what seemed like ages. "Good. Now, return to me."
Carter withdrew the gift of immortality he had bestowed upon Ralak. His body, standing alone in the great hall, began to wither. With dignity, he fell to the ground, his flesh transforming to dust. Glowing within the ashes, a single inscription shone brightly: “I have returned to my lord.”
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Back in the sanctuary, Carter took a deep breath. “Now, I have the souls of those I wish to make my lead guardians. My…” (I'll leave that up to you guys, comment what you think i should call his commanding guardians.)
His mind Turning to the system, he commanded, “System, create the bodies I specified before.”
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[System]
To create the seven hybrid beings as specified, the host will require 15 billion celestial energy.
"This is going to drain my reserves," he muttered with a sigh, “but yes, do it. Attach the souls to their respective vessels.”
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In front of his throne, energy began to pulse and swirl, creating a dense, luminous vortex. Celestial power flowed through the chamber, slowly forming seven distinct shapes within the light. The intense aura filled the palace, crackling as streams of energy wound around the figures, molding their forms and breathing life into them. Gradually, they took shape—beings of formidable presence, each designed with unique strengths and abilities suited for their roles as protectors.
Carter leaned back, resting his arm on the throne, watching intently as each figure stirred, the spark of consciousness flickering to life within their eyes.
Carter, stood firmly in front of the seven figures.And the first to awaken was Ralak. His form resembled a human’s, except for his tall, dark horns, shadowy wings, and crimson eyes. He wore a sleek dark suit with a single white glove, adding a dignified edge. The second to awaken was Zhala, one of the saints Carter had sent on the expedition. She looked like a graceful mermaid with legs, her bright blue skin, stunning red hair, and green eyes giving her an otherworldly beauty even Her ears, shaped like pink fish fins, added to her striking appearance.She wore a beautiful short pink dress.
The third to awaken was Jirak, who retained some resemblance to his previous Xlydra form, though now he looked more like a Loong dragon with sinuous grace and ancient power. Next came Rorak, whose muscular form looked like that of of fury a Kyni but more powerful, with distinctly human and features and dark skin except for his four strong arms. Carter had even given him Fury’s spear, marking him a fierce warrior among his guardians.Fifth to open her eyes was Lorna, a celestial figure with majestic white and gold wings, a golden crown, and flowing white-blonde hair that gave her a divine presence. The sixth, Drenok, took on the guise of a small child, yet his shadow-like tendrils and eyeless visage hinted at the Shadrax lineage, with dark energy coiling around him.
The seventh, however, remained in silence, yet to awaken.
One by one, as each saint awoke and saw Carter on his throne, they knelt in reverence. Carter raised his hand, speaking in a deep, powerful voice, “Rise, my guardians.”
All stood and assumed a stance of solemn respect. “As the Lord commands,” they answered in union.
“At ease, my children.” They relaxed, awaiting his words.
“First, I owe you an apology,” Carter began, his voice solemn. “Zhala, Rorak, Jirak, Lorna, and Drenok—I ask your forgiveness. Due to my lack of awareness, I sent you all into X3X territory without fully understanding their power, leading you to your deaths. I humbly apologize.”
The saints immediately responded.
“It’s not your fault, my Lord,” Lorna said, her voice filled with emotion. “The X3X deceived us, feigning loyalty to your word before launching surprise attacks. We stood no chance.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Jirak added. “Even as we fought and lost, we bore no regrets. Our loyalty held firm, even in death.”
Zhala nodded. “The thought of returning to you in death gave us peace; we had no fear and no resentment. The fault is not yours.”
“Yes my lord we knew even in death we would rest eternally with the one deity so no fear could cause us to lose hope the lord shouldn't blame himself.” Rorak stated with Drenok agreeing, and nodding solemnly.
Ralak stepped forward, kneeling with his hand over his chest. “We are your swords and your shields, my Lord. None of us would hesitate to give our lives for you. These new forms you have bestowed upon us are further proof of your unending generosity.”
Carter’s face softened, and though they couldn’t see it through the dark shroud that hid his face, he was genuinely touched. “Thank you, Ralak… all of you. If I had a heart, I know it would be overflowing right now. Your devotion strengthens me.” He leaned forward, his voice shifting to a tone of gravity. “Now, to the matter at hand—the true reason I have brought you back in these forms.”
The guardians took a serious stance, awaiting his words.
“There are beings that defy my power,” Carter announced.
They looked at one another in shock. Ralak gritted his teeth. “Who would dare defy you, my Lord? Say the word, and we will crush them.”
“These are not mere factions or upstarts like the Void Cult on our world,” Carter explained. “This is a force far larger than mine. Some of you already know them… they are the X3X.”
The air around the saints shifted. Energy surged from each of them in powerful waves, swirling and crackling with anger as they remembered their defeat. Carter observed them, noticing the pain still simmering within them. “So you’re all still suffer from this,” he thought.
“Enough!” Ralak’s voice rang out, deep and steady, though he had not released his own aura a ominous and powerful energy came from him. “We are in our Lord’s presence. Either control yourselves, or I will do it for you.” His ominous tone brought each saint back to calm as they immediately knelt, murmuring their apologies.
Carter cleared his throat, his tone forgiving. “It’s alright. I understand the trauma the X3X caused you. I hold no ill will toward your reaction.” They stood again, still humbled but resolute.
He looked at Ralak thoughtfully, impressed. “Ralak is something else. I poured nearly the same amount of celestial energy into his creation as the others, yet he stands on a whole different level,” Carter mused to himself, watching his warriors with renewed confidence in what lay ahead.