Chapter 40

As the days passed, future Knights of Yggdrasil began to gather around the banks of the God's Eye River, drawn together by a shared purpose yet cautious of the mysterious island nestled within its waters. Despite their curiosity about the island, they focused on getting to know their fellow knights-to-be, forging bonds that would strengthen them in the trials to come.

The villagers, initially wary of the sudden influx of strangers who neither resembled northerners nor southerners, soon warmed to their presence. Learning that these men and women served the same god as they did, the villagers embraced them as allies rather than strangers. Still, they couldn't help but be astonished by the gathering of such formidable individuals, whose numbers swelled with each passing day.

Word of the foreign knights reached the lords of nearby lands, who, under the command of their Lord Paramount, sent emissaries to learn their intentions and perhaps hire them for defense against potential Lannister sieges. However, the knights of Yggdrasil refused to meet with these lords, much to their fury and embarrassment. Though tempted to take action against the slight to their pride, they refrained, mindful of the tensions of wartime.

Edmure Tully, feeling the pressure of the foreign knights' stance, increased his vigilance, ensuring that spies monitored their every move. Though wary of the strangers' intentions, he knew he could not afford to let his guard down, for the fate of his lands hung in the balance.

Xerneas watched over the children who had grown into strong adults, satisfied with their progress and the blessings they had received. Despite the challenges they faced, they possessed the physical prowess necessary for rigorous training, their strength surpassing that of ordinary individuals. But Xerneas had greater plans for them—he intended to grant them the power to wield his own abilities. However, this final blessing would only be bestowed upon those who could pass the last trial he had set before them. Their performance in this trial would determine their rank and the extent of the strength they would receive.

Yet, Xerneas knew that their journey did not end there. As long as they remained true to the principles of Yggdrasil, they would continue to grow stronger, their potential limited only by their dedication and virtue. For Xerneas drew his power from the positive emotions and noble qualities of those who followed him, and as long as they remained steadfast in their beliefs, he would continue to flourish.

Lost in contemplation over how to allocate ranks among his knights, Xerneas suddenly felt the presence of another powerful being— dragon of order.

Xerneas slowly released his soothing fairy aura, he felt the tension in the air counteracted by the powerful Aura Break emanating from Zygarde. Xerneas assumed his battle-ready form, his expression betraying his displeasure at the intrusion. After a moment of silence, Zygarde's voice resonated in Xerneas's mind.

"It's unusual of you," Zygarde remarked, prompting Xerneas to remain silent, awaiting the reason for Zygarde's unexpected presence. With a sense of authority, Zygarde continued, "I thought you had no interest in mortals, even harbored disdain for their ways."

Xerneas maintained his silence, his gaze fixed on the source of the communication. Zygarde's powerful Aura Break surrounded them, making his presence felt even more strongly. "Have you forgotten our vow to refrain from meddling in the affairs of the world?" Zygarde inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Finally breaking his silence, Xerneas spoke solemnly, "When the balance falters, we cannot blame those who strive to restore it." Zygarde pressed further, questioning how exactly he had failed in his duties.

With a heavy heart, Xerneas revealed, "You have allowed outsiders to interfere, tarnishing the souls of mortals and sapping the life force from them to grow stronger." Zygarde dismissed their strength, but Xerneas cautioned, "It won't be long before they become a formidable threat."

Zygarde fell into a contemplative silence before asking once more, "But why did you choose to intervene in mortal affairs?" Xerneas's response was resolute, "I refuse to witness the same mistakes repeated endlessly."

Zygarde's response carried a weight of warning, "Let us hope you do not make the same mistake as Yveltal." Xerneas understood the implication well how Yveltal's actions had led to Valyria learning the ways of blood magic and ultimately challenging the authority of the gods. As fellow dragon, Zygarde were displeased with the fate of their kind under the hands of mortals which led to the destruction of Valyria even though he is reason Targaryen's lineage continued.

Zygarde slowly dissipated his presence, indicating that he was no longer focused on Xerneas. Sensing this, Xerneas gradually withdrew his fairy aura. While mortals couldn't perceive the fairy aura unless Xerneas permitted it, those who had received his blessing were different. They knelt in reverence as they felt the strong aura spreading throughout the God's Eye River.

Xerneas couldn't shake the thoughts of his actions. He knew that if anything went wrong, Zygarde would come after him just as he had done with Valyria and Yveltal. The consequences of meddling in mortal affairs weighed heavily on Xerneas's mind, and he understood the risks involved in his actions.

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