The End of Life

Just as the descriptions had said, it stood eight chi tall. Its upper body was covered in a carapace that encased its head, three pairs of wings spread from its back, and eight squid-like tentacles writhed beneath it.

It moved incredibly fast within the light. The tentacles beneath it squirmed, seemingly providing some kind of propulsion. Once it drew closer to Mukanda Peak, it abandoned those tentacles and began moving by beating the wings on its back.

It seemed extremely wary. At this moment, the carapace covering its entire body looked more as though it were guarding against something.

The old professor suppressed the excitement in his heart. As long as he made contact with the god, he would be able to understand humanity's origins and the truth of this world. He would become the greatest archaeologist of this age.

For a man whose life was nearing its end, nothing could have been more tempting.

The "god" slowly approached them. Wrapped in its facial armor, it seemed to be examining the group. The old professor could barely remain standing. He was already advanced in years, had climbed the mountain all day, studied the stone carvings all night, and now faced such extreme conditions atop the summit.

His female student hurried over, supporting the old professor as they approached the god.

Amid the endless radiance, the god arrived with a beat of its wings. Everything seemed so sacred. The sensation of both body and soul being purified by the light made the old professor feel that bringing his team before the god in protective suits was an act of desecration.

He fumbled at his protective suit, trying to take it off, but failed. Supported by his student, he arrived before the god.

The god extended a hand wrapped in black armor.