The greatest king of the Nilderan Civilization, its most fearless warrior, Quades, sat upon the throne in his shriveled body like a candle flame in the wind, on the verge of being extinguished completely.
The only thing he could do was hand the Axe of the God of War, symbolizing the Nilderans' "fearless will," to the five children. When he saw their flushed faces and watched them struggle with all their might to raise the divine artifact together, he revealed one final brilliant smile.
The warriors had a legacy.
With his final gaze, he looked toward Tang Qi.
The next moment, Tang Qi's promise echoed in his mind.
"I will protect them until they grow up and rebuild Nilderan."
Quades still did not know who Tang Qi was, but a warrior's instincts told him that Tang Qi was a powerful being worthy of trust.
His regrets and attachments vanished, and the last trace of life force within Quades was finally drained away.
That warrior's body, which had once slain deities and saved countless civilizations and races, began to crack apart like sand and scatter in the wind.
Wisps of crimson breath drifted out, splitting into five portions and burrowing deep into the hearts of the five children.
The Nilderan God of War Mark appeared on each of their foreheads.
Quades had not passed down his combat power or any other strength to the five children. All of those had been corrupted.
What he left them was will.
Though the five children were still ignorant, witnessing the death of the great king they revered so deeply filled their hearts with an uncontrollable sorrow.
With reddened eyes, they heard the Voice in the Wind:
"He was a great warrior. He saved countless universes and civilizations. He will become a lighthouse, forever illuminating