A Gateway to Forgotten History:
Upon reaching the deepest point of the temple, Ivan beheld another massive stone structure standing tall at its heart. He stepped closer to examine the ancient inscriptions, only to be confronted by an unbelievable sight—one that he studied with the utmost gravity.
Ivan: (Murmuring, his hand brushing against a relief carved into the great second gateway; he felt a pulse—distinct and unlike any he had experienced before.) So, this was the true face of the ancient gods' deeds. They orchestrated the "Holy Grail War" merely to select the races they desired, all to satisfy their own base lusts and pleasures.
Ivan: "Moto!" (His expression, though tinged with a flicker of rage, remained deeply serious.)
He saw carvings of the Moto clan being slaughtered and wiped out by the gods—foremost among them, Zosin. The sight inadvertently stirred his aura, and, without even realizing it, tears began to stream down his face. He witnessed the children of the clan being murdered and violated by the celestial inhabitants—young girls among them. Then, he beheld a figure of unparalleled grandeur: the legendary, ancient Silver-Winged Dragon King, standing alongside a descendant of the Moto clan. Together, they had led a great revolution—a war against the ancient gods.
Ivan, with intense, unwavering resolve: "Zosin, Obers, and the rest of you... the die is cast." (He gazes toward the pantheon of gods.) "I shall annihilate every last one of you, and I will make the celestial inhabitants taste the true terror of their own actions." Balerion replied, "You still have a long way to go, you impudent lad. These beings represent the absolute pinnacle of power—a novice like you has a long journey ahead. Take Yasasha, for instance—the last of your kind to finally grasp the truth; now, everything rests on her." (Sasha Moto, the previous heir to the dragon Balerion).
Ivan slowly pushed open the second colossal gate. It let out a faint creak—a sound like a groan from the distant past—that echoed through the profound silence. As the entrance gradually opened, it revealed a dark corridor, distinct from the first, thick with the scent of ancient earth and dampness. Faint, pale golden shafts of light filtered in through narrow cracks in the high ceiling, illuminating small statues scattered along both sides of the passage—silent sentinels watching every step.
Balerion (warning him, his voice laced with gravity): "Ancient temples are often riddled with traps and riddles, you impudent lad. The denizens of ancient Babylon were incredibly skilled at guarding their secrets. Do not take a single step without first sensing your surroundings and ensuring your path is safe."
Ivan (with a hint of mockery, yet following the advice): "How intriguing—a scoundrel like you, offering counsel? Does it actually matter to you if I'm wiped out, you deceitful dragon? Haven't you always wanted to be rid of me and claim my body for yourself?"
Balerion (letting out a short, sharp laugh, clearly amused by the exchange): "What a naive fool you are!" "Your death here would mean my end as well—at least for now. Don't be a fool. Keep your focus on what matters most: staying alive."
Ivan moved forward with extreme caution, his crimson eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, and every carving on the walls. He noticed that some of the small statues bore symbols similar to those he had seen on the giant monolith outside the temple—a detail confirming that this place was linked to his discoveries regarding the continent of Babylon and its secrets.
The Tome of Ancient Knowledge and the Stone Guardians:
A few meters further, Ivan came to an abrupt halt. The corridor opened into a vast chamber, illuminated by a faint glow filtering down through a large aperture in the ceiling—as if celestial light were seeping into the heart of the earth to reveal its hidden truths. In the center of the hall stood a massive stone altar, intricately carved, upon which lay an open book crafted from an unknown material. It emitted a soft blue light, pulsing rhythmically like a magical, energy-filled heart.
Ivan: (Whispering, as he slowly approached the altar, a sense of awe creeping over him) "What is this? I've never seen anything like it. It radiates a strange energy."
Balerion: (Responding with a tone of profound reverence—a rare display from him, revealing his deep respect for ancient treasures) "This is the Tome of Ancient Knowledge, Ivan. It is said to contain the secrets and history of Babylon, and even prophecies concerning the fate of all worlds. It is a forgotten treasure, left unopened for thousands of years."
As Ivan approached the altar, four colossal statues suddenly rose from the ground surrounding it, emitting the harsh, grating sound of stone rubbing against stone—as if awakening from a deep slumber. These statues were far larger than the ones he had encountered before, depicting strange and imposing hybrid creatures: one with the head of a lion and the muscular body of a man; another with the wings of a giant bird and the coiled body of a serpent; a third with massive ram horns and multiple arms wielding ancient weapons; and a fourth with the fierce face of an ape and the lithe body of a wolf. Their stone eyes opened slowly, beginning to glow with a deep, crimson red as they turned menacingly toward Ivan.
Balerion: (In a tone filled with challenge) "Guardians of the temple, Ivan. They won't let you reach the book so easily. These are the first true trials of Babylon. Brace yourself."
Ivan: (Drawing his swords, a faint, fiery aura gathering around him—a reflection of his resolve) "Understood. So, these are the 'riddles' you spoke of, Dragon? It seems I'm in for some excitement."
Balerion: (Letting out a booming laugh that echoed through the depths of the temple) "This is only the beginning, boy. Ancient temples do not surrender their secrets to the faint of heart or the weak of strength. Prove your worth, and their secrets shall be revealed to you! Let me see what you learned on the Mountain of the Gods—and whether you are truly worthy of having come this far." The lion statue struck first, letting out a silent roar—yet one powerful enough to shake the very foundations of the hall, causing ancient dust to rain down from the ceiling. Ivan moved with astonishing agility, narrowly evading a massive, stone-hewn claw strike capable of pulverizing solid rock. He countered instantly with his twin blades, leaving a trail of sparks across the statue's body—a testament to his own formidable strength.
Ivan: (In a cold, steady tone, bracing for the fight) "Quite the warm welcome! It seems things are about to get interesting."
Balerion: (With a voice that savored the spectacle, as if watching a gripping theatrical performance) "That is the nature of such ancient places, boy. They test those who dare to enter. Prove your worth, and they shall reveal their secrets to you. Let me see what you learned upon the Mountain of the Gods."
The battle commenced within the Hall of Anomika. The clash of steel against stone rang out with thunderous force, and sparks danced through the darkness. Meanwhile, the eyes of the guardians tracked Ivan's every move, poised to defend the temple's treasures. Ivan faced a new kind of challenge—one that demanded not merely physical might, but keen wit, lightning speed, and the ability to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic realm. Furthermore, one must be well-prepared, for the world of Erthos—the Unified World—comprises ten distinct continents.
Among these are the first two: the great continent of Babylon, where Ivan currently stands, and the continent of Virginia—the land of his birth, back when he was known as Leo Takahashi. The scene shifts to the continent of Virginia, where, in the heart of the Kingdom of Astergard, an aura of demonic magic erupted within a dormant volcano. The volcano began to erupt with great intensity, triggering a powerful earthquake that prompted everyone to sound an emergency alarm.