This Pal named Quivern neither ate nor drank, yet possessed terrifying power, and soon drew people's attention.
Until one day.
A withered leaf fell from the World Tree, which had never wilted.
Only then did people realize that Quivern did need nourishment—it fed on the lifeblood of the entire continent.
The World Tree began to wither, and the vitality of Palpagos Island dwindled rapidly. This was the "Calamity" of ancient times that had nearly wiped out the entire world.
The leaders of humanity at the time decided to muster all their strength to eradicate the Calamity—Quivern.
But Zoe, who had been responsible for studying Quivern, had already formed a deep bond with it through their days and nights together.
In truth, Quivern did not want to absorb the World Tree's energy. It could sense that as the World Tree's energy weakened, all life in the world was fading, and eventually even its master, Zoe, would be unable to escape the catastrophe.
But devouring the world's lifeblood was its instinct. It could struggle desperately to suppress it, but could never stop entirely.
In the end, the eight strongest fighters of ancient times assembled to launch a joint assault on Quivern and Zoe.
Cangli, the Tower Master of Heavenly Sun Township, had been one of those who took part in that assault.
The battle ended in failure, but it was not entirely fruitless.
Quivern and Zoe were sealed deep within the World Tree, slowing its withering...
"So winning eight Key Spheres from the eight Tower Masters is how we earn their recognition."
"Only someone stronger than those eight Tower Masters has any chance of ending this Calamity!"
"How can you have absolutely no interest in something this exciting??"
Spittle flew as Zhong Yi animatedly recounted the secrets he had discovered inside