The flames of the concept furnace burned more fiercely than usual.
Three hundred and seventy-two streams of silver-white light hovered overhead, illuminating the core chamber like a sea of stars.
Lin Ye stood amid the streams of light. Behind him, the river of civilizations had solidified into a translucent crystal cloak, with three hundred and seventy-two points of light quietly flickering within it.
Radiant Stilllight leaned on the [Spear of Definition]. The cracks in his armor had yet to heal, but resolve had returned to his eyes. He sank to one knee. "The Jingguang lineage of the New Era Network pledges to serve as Ember Guardians, unwavering through every generation."
Harmonic Leaping Note knelt, the Crystal Tuning Fork playing a solemn melody.
Myriad Faces and Forms took human form and bowed deeply.
Order's Dawn's projected form solidified and knelt on one knee.
Then came all the civilization representatives within the furnace-
The Lattice Thought Hall, the Resonance Forest, the Melody Weavers, the Mindscape Scroll Clan...
One after another.
In the end, not a single being remained standing.
Lin Ye slowly turned. "Everyone, rise."
"The Ember Guardians are neither rulers and subjects nor masters and servants. We are fellow travelers. Companions willing to carry the memories of the forgotten and keep moving forward."
He raised his hand. A corner of the cloak behind him unfurled, scattering three hundred and seventy-two points of silver light, each landing precisely before a representative.
"This is their welcoming gift-within each strand of light lies a civilization's most essential memory. Perhaps a poem, perhaps a dream, perhaps a victory."
"From today onward, you will protect not only your own civilizations, but theirs as well."
Radiant Stilllight lowered his gaze to the silver light in his palm. Within it, an energy civilization was celebrating the birth of