69 – THE MEETING

The sanctuary was once again filled, but this time there was an addition unlike before. As we all sat and prepared for an explanation, the chief spoke calmly, "We have arrived."

A being dropped from the top of the cavern, landing gracefully on the soft grass. His face looked even younger than mine, yet his entire presence exuded an aura of authority, power, grace, and wisdom. As he took a seat, the sanctuary became more serene and stable than ever before. His presence calmed the disruptive energy in the sanctuary. This being could change form, but I was sure that this was the true form of the Grand Elder, although it was my first time seeing it. Silence filled the sanctuary as we all waited for his words.

"It has been a while," he said, his voice elegant and beautiful, soothing my very existence. "It has been a while since you needed my wisdom and clarification. That just shows how good of an assembly you all make. I am proud of all of you," he said with a smile on his face. Though the praise was short and simple, I felt that I had accomplished my true purpose. What could be more beautiful than seeing this face happy and smiling for all time? I did not know.

His face then shifted to one of concern and then to a dead serious look before he continued. Anger swelled in me, and I felt the urge to destroy the entity that dared to disturb this beautiful existence. Yet, at the same time, I felt happiness at being able to see this face in a serious state.

'"He looks so cool," I thought.

"The entity we face is at least at SAN: TITAN level," he stated calmly. "Isn't that the same stage and level as him?" That thought revolved in my mind. As I looked around, I noticed that only Kedi and I had surprised expressions, while the generals had serious looks on their faces. The Chief and Mul had expressions of acceptance, as if that was already their conclusion. The person I was most shocked to see was Toko; he also had a look of acceptance, indicating that it was his conclusion as well.

"Yes, the entity is at least at my strength level. That means it is very likely that it is stronger than me," he continued.

This time, everyone reacted. This was beyond serious. A being stronger than their strongest—what would that even be like? As if to remind me, the image of the crater appeared in my head. I could almost feel the heat it radiated, the fear that enveloped me just from a memory.

"That was what being stronger than a Titan was," I thought.

The Grand Elder nodded at the Chief, indicating that he had signaled the Grand Elder of his wish to speak.

"The Crater, you can't create it?" the Chief asked, voicing the question in almost all our minds.

"How big is it to scare even you, Khan?" Mul couldn't help but ask, as she herself hadn't seen its magnitude.

"Bigger than whatever you are imagining right now, Mul," the Grand Elder answered.

"The crater… I don't know if I could create a crater that big. It's simply because I have never tried. If I really wanted, I am sure I could," he explained.

Everyone collectively sighed at his answer.

"Even though I might be able to create a crater of that size, it would undoubtedly come at a cost. I would either expend all my energy at once in a very concentrated blast, leaving me weakened for a long time while I try to recover, or I would have to…"