By the time the next dawn rose over Vaythos, the ocean itself had changed.
Where there had once been an endless expanse of water, a vast new landmass now stood, rising from the depths as though it had always belonged to the world. From high above, I hovered beside Vivi, both of us watching in satisfaction as the newly formed continent stretched across the horizon.
Its shape was neither perfectly symmetrical nor chaotic. It followed a natural design, its coastlines uneven and alive, its terrain shifting gradually as if shaped by the will of the world itself rather than forced into existence.
Within its borders, the land was divided into regions that radiated distinct elemental forces.
To one side, mountains rose in jagged formations, their peaks glowing faintly with controlled volcanic energy as streams of molten fire flowed steadily without destruction, creating an environment where heat and pressure tested the limits of those who entered.
Elsewhere, storm-filled plains churned endlessly beneath dark clouds, lightning striking the ground in rhythmic intervals that transformed the land into a training ground of raw power and reaction.
Vast forests spread across another region, saturated with life essence so dense that the air itself seemed heavier, nourishing growth while simultaneously demanding endurance from anyone who stepped within.
In contrast, deep canyons carved by violent winds formed natural corridors where air currents cut through space with such intensity that even standing still required strength.
At the heart of the continent lay its most dangerous region, a vast central zone where all these forces converged. The closer one moved toward its core, the more oppressive the environment became, as if the world itself resisted the presence of those unworthy of its depths.
Essence gathered there in overwhelming concentration, turning the region into a natural proving ground where only those capable of enduring its pressure could advance further.
I folded my arms as I observed it.
"You’ve created something dangerous," I said, though there was a faint trace of approval in my voice.
"That was the intention," Vivi replied, hovering beside me with clear satisfaction.
"What are we calling it?" she turned slightly toward me.
"We are going to call it Gladiara," I replied.
Without wasting time, I extended my will.
The laws I had mastered began responding instantly. Space, time, elements, resonance, sealing—each one moved in harmony as knowledge refined through countless battles surfaced within my mind. Techniques began forming rapidly.
Essence gathered around me.
Then, slowly, it began to take form.
Scrolls appeared in the air, one after another, until they numbered in the thousands. Each one carried a technique, a method, or a refined understanding of power, ranging from elemental manipulation and weapon mastery to movement techniques and law-based applications that could push a warrior beyond their limits.
They hovered around me briefly, forming a vast array of knowledge suspended in the sky.
Then, with a single motion of my hand, they dispersed.
The scrolls shot across Gladiara like falling stars, scattering into every region of the continent. Some vanished into the depths of forests, others embedded themselves within mountains, while many disappeared into the most dangerous zones near the center, waiting to be discovered by those strong enough to reach them.
Vivi watched the entire process with quiet fascination.
"That will keep them busy," she said.
"Yes, I hope it will give them direction," I replied.
Then I turned toward her.
"I need your help with one more thing."
She nodded immediately.
"I know."
Her presence expanded at once, her connection to Vaythos spreading outward like a vast, unseen network. I closed my eyes briefly before allowing my voice to carry through that connection.
When I spoke, my voice was broadcasted to the entire Vaythos.
"My name is Billion Ironhart, and to those who walk this world, I am known as the Guardian of Vaythos."
Across cities and villages, across mountains and plains, people paused as the voice reached them. Soldiers halted mid-training, merchants looked up from their work, and children turned toward the sky with wide eyes.
"I have returned to this world after a long journey beyond its boundaries, and I have seen what lies beyond the safety you now live in. The universe is vast, and the threats that exist within it are far greater than anything this planet has faced before."
I allowed a moment for the weight of those words to settle before continuing.
"For that reason, I have created a new land within this world, a place where those who seek strength may rise beyond their current limits."
Images of Gladiara flowed through their minds as I spoke.
"This continent, known as Gladiara, has been shaped to test every aspect of your ability. Its regions are filled with natural forces that will challenge your endurance, your control, and your understanding of power itself. The deeper you travel within it, the greater the difficulty you will face, and the greater the rewards you may obtain."
My voice carried steadily, not as a command, but as a call.
"Across this land, I have left behind techniques and knowledge that I have gathered through my journey. These are not gifts that can be taken lightly. They must be earned, discovered, and understood."
I let the connection extend further, reaching even the most distant corners of the planet.
"If you wish to grow stronger, if you wish to stand against the threats that may one day reach this world, then you must take that step yourselves."
The final words carried both weight and intent.
"Gladiara now exists for that purpose, and it awaits those who are willing to challenge it."
I let my voice carry a little further, deeper into the hearts of those listening.
"If you are content with the strength you have, then remain where you are. Live your lives in peace and safety, and there is no shame in that. But if there is even a part of you that seeks something more... if you feel the desire to grow, to rise, to stand against the limits placed before you..."
I paused briefly.
"Then set out."
"Leave behind the comfort of what you know and begin your journey toward Gladiara. Cross the seas, face the unknown, and search for the path that belongs to you. Within that land are challenges that will break the weak, but for those who endure, there is strength beyond what you can imagine."
My voice softened slightly, but its weight did not lessen.
"You will not be guided. You will not be protected. The path you take will be your own, and the power you gain will be earned by your will alone."
A final moment passed before I spoke again.
"So go."
"Find Gladiara."
"And in doing so... find your destiny."
The connection faded, and I exhaled slowly, a wide smile forming on my face as I looked down at the world below.
"You look happy," Vivi said, hovering beside me.
"I am," I replied. "I’m excited to see what Vaythos becomes from here."
For a moment I simply watched the distant movement of people already beginning to stir across the land, the ripple of change spreading faster than I had expected.
Then a thought crossed my mind.
"Actually, Vivi," I said, turning slightly toward her, "let’s make things a little more interesting."
She tilted her head.
"How?"
"Let’s make reaching Gladiara difficult," I said. "Right now, anyone determined enough will eventually get there. I don’t want it to be that simple."
She narrowed her eyes slightly, listening.
"I’ve already placed failsafes on the techniques," I continued. "No single person will be able to hoard everything. The stronger ones will have to keep moving deeper, and others will follow behind them."
I paused briefly.
"But the journey itself should be a test too."
Vivi hovered in place for a few seconds, thinking.
"And you’ll keep an eye on everything happening there," I added.
She nodded.
"So... you want to make reaching Gladiara difficult?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
She went silent again, her small form floating motionless in the air as she thought.
Then suddenly—
Her eyes lit up.
"I have an idea."