Chapter 17 Supreme Guardian

"Who?!"

Orion was startled by the voice behind him. This was the deepest part of the rift in Rivet Town, and for ordinary residents, there were only a few people like Natasha who ventured into this outer area.

Golden-red light particles gathered, and a powerful gun quickly formed in Orion's hand.

Among all Orion's [Remembrance] light cones, the Judgment of Shamash is used the most. With increased use, the energy needed to create it decreases, meaning proficiency improves.

Despite the threat of Orion's guns, the owner of the voice seemed unfazed. She repeated her question:

"You... can seal the rifts?"

Her golden ponytail fell naturally behind her head, her purple eyes full of anticipation. Her blue and white military coat accentuated her emerging figure. The curves and lines under the coat made her strikingly impressive.

She raised her hands high to show she meant no harm, and her pitiful tone made it seem like she just wanted an answer. With such a posture and demeanor, anyone would likely feel sympathy.

Orion had to admit that the woman in front of him was the most captivating he had ever seen on this planet.

"Answer my question first."

He kept a firm attitude so her beauty couldn't cloud his judgment.

"Alright."

The blond woman answered quickly, as if afraid Orion might refuse to talk to her.

"Why are you here?"

"Investigating the extent of the rift erosion in Rivet Town."

"Where are you from?"

"Upper area."

"Where do you live?"

The blond woman hesitated for a moment but then replied, "001 Belobog Qlipoth Street."

"What force do you belong to?"

"The Architects."

"Who sent you?"

"..."

Orion raised the gun he was holding. The woman hesitated and then said,

"No one."

"I suggest you think carefully before answering." Energy gathered in the guns, and Orion was not satisfied with the answer.

"I'm serious." The blonde woman was firm. She clenched her fists and hit them against her chest. "In the name of The Architects, I came here on my own, not at anyone's instruction."

Orion was silent. He could see that the woman had no ill intentions, but her motives and strength required careful consideration. He had come to the depths of the world's erosion and witnessed the sealing process.

Even though they both belonged to the human side and there was no reason for her to side with the split world, Orion had to be cautious.

Looking at the blue and white military uniform she wore, Orion was thoughtful.

"Coming from the upper-class area, in military uniform, investigating the Fragmentum Rifts, and with good strength..." Considering these factors, Orion had to think about the possibility of cooperating with her.

Noticing that he was staring at her uniform, a faint blush appeared on the blonde woman's face, and she asked shyly, "Have you seen enough?"

Realizing his gaze was impolite, Orion turned his head slightly, took a deep breath, and asked:

"Last question." He and the woman locked eyes. "What's your name?"

With a firm expression, the woman brought her left hand together and waved it down, placing her right fist on her chest, and performed a standard military salute to Orion.

"My name is..."

...…

"Does Cocolia Rand sound like a big shot?" March 7 asked curiously.

As they entered Belobog, the train crew felt the city's enthusiasm and the security of its citizens.

Elderly people sat on quiet benches reading newspapers, the clear pool water in the square sparkled in the sun, children played, cars rushed along the streets, and posters and propaganda were everywhere. The city was lively.

Compared to the desolate scenery outside, it felt like a different world.

As they walked around, the name they heard most was Cocolia Rand.

According to Geppard, Lord Cocolia is the Supreme Guardian who has done the most for Belobog recently. She has built city roads, reformed border defenses, increased subsidies, promoted art, and greatly improved the citizens' living standards.

In Belobog, citizens never have to worry about the Rift's erosion.

When they reached the city center, everyone's attention was immediately drawn to a huge sight.

In the center of the city square stands a monument representing Belobog's urban symbol, unchanged for thousands of years.

Massive mechanical gears, arranged in intricate patterns, surround the icy blue earth crystals and reach up into the sky. Nature and industry blend seamlessly, showcasing a powerful spirit of resistance and determination.

Nearby, children pay their respects, and adults recount the achievements of their ancestors.

As you move forward, another impressive building catches everyone's eye.

The steps leading up resemble a pilgrimage path, and at the top lies the city's heart: the ruling center of Belobog and the office of the Supreme Guardian.

"We're here," Geppard announced from the front.

Geppard, with a serious expression, explained:

"This is Lord Cocolia's office. The messenger I sent earlier has updated you on your situation. Lord Cocolia values you highly. If you're ready, we can go in now."

March 7th, feeling a bit nervous from the rumors heard, asked, "We... don't need to prepare anything, right?"

"No need," Geppard reassured. "Lady Cocolia treats all citizens equally, regardless of status. She's kind, but her time is limited. You might want to organize your thoughts beforehand." Geppard's blue eyes showed respect for Cocolia.

After a brief discussion, the train crew decided to meet the Supreme Guardian now. Opportunities like this are rare.

As they climbed the long steps, the door representing Belobog's highest power slowly opened before them.

Natasha walked up the steps quietly. By now, even the most mischievous child had settled into bed.

Her daily work involves dealing with various patients. In Rivet Town, the unpredictability of monsters is challenging, but the complexity of human emotions can be even harder.

Medication can relieve pain, but it often doesn't resolve conflicts.

While Rivet Town's residents seem enthusiastic, they view Orion as a messenger from the upper-class elite. Natasha shares this view. Lately, she's been increasingly distracted by the children's situations. Finding someone to adopt them would be ideal, but such kindness is rare in the lower-class area.

"Hey~"

The steps were short, and Natasha soon saw Orion and a woman sitting on the steps.

A beautiful blond girl in a blue and white military uniform was talking eagerly with Orion.

The earrings she wore seemed familiar to Natasha. If she was right, the earrings represented...