The Ruler of COC - Cynthia.

After a week of space-hare propelled travel, they finally set foot on the planet called "the prime." This celestial body, often referred to as Earth Prime, mirrored the appearance of Earth itself, a near-perfect replica. It stood as the first twin of the original Earth, existing outside the cosmic boundaries of the universe.

The guild members disembarked near a majestic castle, its grandeur stretching over a city with sprawling architecture. The castle itself bore intricate runes and powerful defensive magic, surpassing anything Nova had encountered even within the Guild's extensive archives.

Maximilian, the seasoned guild member, sensed Nova's astonishment and cautioned him not to be too stupefied. "This planet is older than many others," he explained. "In fact, it's one of the first planets to exist before the holy war. The knowledge found here is rare and unique."

Nova, still processing the overwhelming sight, asked about the runic language that adorned the castle. "I cannot recognize it," he admitted.

Maximilian clarified, "Cynthia calls it an Elven language, but we don't know much about it. She claims it is used by distant elves, yet even Emily's family, royalty among elves, cannot decipher it."

Nova mulled over this information, his thoughts also lingering on Emily's impending wedding. "Good for her," Ignis chimed in, breaking the reflective silence. "We can head directly to Earth-666 after this ritual."

Maximilian and Nova exchanged nods, acknowledging the potential future plans.

As the guild members disembarked, they were greeted by Ragnar, the formidable saint and representative of Cynthia. Ragnar extended a courteous welcome, expressing his hope that their journey had been safe and comfortable. He referred to the planet as "the prime," the heart of COC and the domain ruled by Lady Cynthia herself.

Nova, however, had a query on his mind. "Isn't the planet's ruler Valorian?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Ragnar explained, "Valorian is the face, but the true ruler of all the COC is Cynthia herself."

Nova wasn't surprised by this revelation. In truth, he had suspected as much, given the mysterious presence and hidden agents across Thran and other planets, subtly observing the rule. Cynthia's influence reached far beyond what met the eye.

Ragnar then noticed Maximilian among the arrivals and seemed puzzled. "Welcome, Mr. Maximilian. What are you doing here? Pardon us for a lacking welcome."

Maximilian waved off the concern. "Don't mention it. When can we meet Cynthia?" he inquired, eager to move forward with their purpose.

Ragnar nodded, acknowledging the urgency. "I will inform her about your presence. Please, go to the accommodations we've prepared and rest. You must be exhausted from the journey."

Following Ragnar's instructions, a guard was dispatched to guide Nova and his party to their designated accommodations.

The guard led Nova, Freya, Ignis, and Maximilian through the intricate pathways of the city beneath the colossal castle. The architecture was nothing short of awe-inspiring, adorned with ancient runes and symbols that Nova couldn't decipher.

Despite the beauty of the surroundings, an underlying tension lingered in the atmosphere, hinting at the potent magic that permeated the air.

As they traversed the city, Nova couldn't help but notice the diversity of beings inhabiting 'the prime.' The residents hailed from various realms, each displaying unique characteristics, and the bustling streets seemed like a melting pot of cultures and species. 

Their accommodations were in a grand structure, adorned with elegant designs that reflected the sophistication of Cynthia's realm. The rooms provided were spacious and luxurious, a stark contrast to the modest living quarters back in Thran. A sense of comfort washed over them as they settled in, albeit with an undercurrent of anticipation for the upcoming meeting.

As they prepared for the encounter with Cynthia, Nova couldn't shake the feeling of being scrutinized. It was as if unseen eyes were watching their every move, making him realize the depth of Cynthia's influence. 

Meanwhile, Maximilian, Freya, and Ignis exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The three of them, seasoned in the affairs of cosmic powers, understood the delicate nature of dealing with someone as formidable as Lady Cynthia.

While waiting for Ragnar's signal to meet Cynthia, they took the opportunity to rest and discuss their approach. Maximilian emphasized the need for diplomacy, urging Nova to be cautious with his words. Freya and Ignis assured their readiness for any situation, their weapons—Frost and Ifrit—now attuned and resonating with their energies.

The word from Ragnar arrived, summoning Nova, Max, Freya, and Ignis to Lady Cynthia's presence. Prepared for the meeting, they chose attire that reflected both respect and casualness, devoid of unnecessary extravagance. 

As the group gathered, they were escorted by guards and Ragnar himself through the outer gates, embarking on a journey toward the throne room.

The path they traversed within the castle was labyrinthine, a deliberate maze that demanded patience. The surroundings grew heavier with a palpable presence as they approached the throne room. The pressure intensified, but Maximilian, with a subtle gesture, dispelled the unease with a touch of his hand.

As they stepped into the throne room, its grandeur left them in awe. Even Maximilian, accustomed to opulence, found the comparison with his exclusive mansion in Earth-666 unfavorable. He whispered his observation to Nova, "This is not as good as my mansion."

Continuing along the carpet embedded in the floor, they reached the throne. A mysterious figure seated on the throne slowly materialized, and beside it stood Ashura, the Grand Master of COC Alliance. Ashura, having entered the ethereal realm after absorbing the chaos orb, exuded an aura of formidable power.

As they approached, Cynthia's enigmatic presence became more visible. Max, taking the lead, greeted her, "Ah, Cynthia, it's been a while since we met. How are you? And what did you decide about my proposal?"

Cynthia, her response measured and cryptic, replied, "Max, you haven't changed a bit at all, have you? As I said before, if you can defeat me in battle, I will become one of your wives. If not, your family will become mine."

Max, ever the nonchalant character, retorted, "Why are you always so serious?" 

Cynthia, seated on her magnificent throne, looked at Nova with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the layers of time and memory. Nova, on the other hand, was caught in a moment of profound revelation, his past and present colliding in the enigmatic presence of the being before him.

Cynthia, with a regal grace, extended her hand, beckoning Nova even closer. "Come near. I still cannot see you," she said, her voice carrying a melodic undertone that resonated through the throne room. Nova, compelled by both curiosity and a yearning for self-discovery, moved nearer to the throne.

Cynthia's long, dark black hair cascaded gracefully over her shoulders as she continued to observe Nova. Her piercing eyes, reminiscent of galaxies, seemed to hold the secrets of eons. As Nova approached, she spoke again, "I know who you are. How are you even alive? I saw you die with my own eyes."

The revelation echoed through the vast chamber, stirring a sense of anticipation. Nova's heart pounded, and the silence that followed hung in the air like a delicate veil. Cynthia, her gaze fixed upon Nova, delicately stroked her hand through the ambient energy surrounding them.

Nova, caught in a mix of wonder and confusion, implored Cynthia for answers, "My lady, you know who I am? Where am I from? Please tell me who I am."

Cynthia, with a cryptic smile, responded, "Did you not remember who I am? Are you sure you don't remember me?" Her words carried a weight that hinted at a shared history, a connection that transcended the present moment.

Cynthia, her ethereal presence undiminished, motioned for Nova to approach even closer. The air in the room seemed to hum with ancient energies as they stood facing each other, the weight of unspoken words lingering between them.

As Nova stepped nearer, he could feel the resonance of Cynthia's aura, an indescribable force that hinted at both benevolence and an incomprehensible power. Cynthia, her eyes mirroring galaxies, regarded Nova with a mixture of understanding and curiosity.

Nova, feeling a surge of urgency to uncover the truth, spoke earnestly, "When I gained consciousness, I was on a planet called El-kiin. I don't have any memories that I can recall. I began my journey to recover my memories, and I happened to hear your name from Alaric. He said you could help me with my pursuit."

Cynthia, her expression evolving into one of contemplation, nodded thoughtfully. The pieces of the puzzle seemed to fall into place, and her gaze bore into Nova's, as if searching for something beyond the surface.

She then turned her attention to the others in the room, Max and Ignis. "Clear the room. I need to speak with Nova personally," she declared, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.