The Federation was in chaos as news of the Forefathers' attacks spread far and wide. Every day brought reports of destroyed planets, emptied galaxies, and a huge amount of mortal lives lost.

The Federation had exceeded its population limit as planetary-realm beings and above began seeking refuge within it.

The Human Federation was facing one of the biggest and most severe crises since its creation.

And it wasn't just a crisis they could resolve instantly, but a problem for which they had no solution.

One after another, the beings they had sent out were killed by the Forefathers, and now it was too late. Most of the Forefathers had reached an insurmountable realm, and some had even returned to their Quasi Rank 4 state, which further endangered the Federation.

But the worst part was that even though this was affecting the entire multi-universe, other organizations stood back and watched, protecting only their own members.

---

"How was it?" Theron asked across the familiar discussion table.

Caius sighed.

"Bad. They didn't agree. Worse still, the other organizations didn't either. We are left alone," Caius said as he looked at his siblings.

He couldn't believe it. It was their generation that had to bear such a burden. Even at their age, they were still young, yet the Forefathers showed no concern for them or the Federation.

They did whatever they wanted.

Then what was the point of giving their lives for the continuity of humanity, if everything was going to be jeopardized now?

It seemed senseless to risk their lives for humans, only for those same humans to be destroyed, killed, and devoured by the very beings they had once protected with their sweat, blood, and tears.

"I don't want to sound biased, but I feel we should hold off before thinking about war."

"This whole occurrence is strange, and something is definitely wrong. Even at the multi-universal realm, don't we supposedly have infinite lifespans?"

"Then why did the Forefathers sleep in coffins imbued with attributes of the Tree of Life? If their lifespan is truly infinite, it makes no sense—unless…"

Vaelen took over the discussion as he shared his thoughts.

"Something is wrong with their lifespan," Caius finished.

Vaelen nodded.

"This also explains why their realm fell, and more importantly, why they are only devouring mortals," Vaelen added as everyone gulped.

If this was true… could they really blame the Forefathers?

Only a mortal could proudly say they would live without purpose, because their lifespan would not even reach hundreds of years. But for beings like them, who could witness the deaths of universes and the endless cycling of multi-universes…

How would they behave if they suddenly discovered that their supposed infinite lifespan had been cut short?

"But why is their lifespan cut off?" Theron asked, his brows furrowed.

"A secret from the past," Caius replied, remembering what the First Knight had once said.

"But does that justify mortals suffering? These are members of the Federation…"

"Wouldn't it be better for them to simply die? After all, they have willingly sacrificed themselves for humanity before—so why fall so low now?" Darius said coldly.

"Darius… people change," Caius said as he stood up.

"In summary, we cannot handle this alone. It is beyond both your power and mine as king. It is time to meet our ancestors," Caius concluded.

Darius clenched his fists.

"I will tell Grandpa," Lyssandra said, her eyes glowing white.

Caius nodded.

"Thank you, Lyssa."

The discussion ended with many questions still unanswered.

The only thing they had confirmed was this:

Something was wrong with the Forefathers' lifespan—and that was the reason they were devouring mortals.

---

Far from the Chaos of the Federation

At the edge of the multi-universe, in a distant galaxy…

Dared floated calmly as he looked outward.

Even without seeing it directly, he could feel it.

Murmurs of suffering echoed across existence.

The blood of mortals formed an ominous energy that screamed toward all powerhouses—not just galaxy-realm experts like Dared, but even planetary and universal beings.

The souls of mortals cried in agony as the Dark Age began.

Their so-called leaders, protectors, and guardians had abandoned them as the Forefathers descended.

Children screamed for their parents. Lovers mourned their partners. Families were scattered, and entire bloodlines were wiped out as ruin spread across existence.

Yet even with all this chaos unfolding…

Inside Dreadborne, everything remained peaceful. Training continued. Guidance was given. There were simply no missions for now.

"Why did you do this?" Dared asked, folding his arms, his eyes indifferent.

"There are things you are not aware of. Regardless, it must be done. How have you been?" Azerak replied.

Now he had a physical body. A terrifying aura lingered around him as he looked at Dared.

But all he met was cold indifference.

"Who are you to ask me that? So this was the plan of your Forefathers? Saviors, huh? You're just self-righteous beings feeding on selfish ideals," Dared said.

Azerak chuckled.

"And you are one to speak? Have you forgotten your father attempted to kill the King? The royal family is still searching for you. Do you think they will spare you when they find you?" Azerak replied.

"My father… not me. This is on you and the Forefathers," Dared retorted.

"Like father, like son," Azerak said with a laugh.

Silence.

"Again… what are you doing here?" Dared asked coldly.

"I came to see you. To ask how you have been," Azerak said casually.

"Good enough," Dared replied as he turned and began floating back toward Dreadborne headquarters.

"Oh… wait. I didn't come here only for that," Azerak said.

Dared paused and turned back.

"Then why are you here?" he asked.

Azerak smiled.

"To kill you."

******************

"Hey System… hello…"

Void called out multiple times, but no one answered.

He felt lost… and completely alone as he looked at his own body, thinking out loud.

Looking at his transparent self, Void felt dizzy.

He had never experienced this before. Was this his soul outside his body?

It wasn't as if he had never separated his soul from his body before, but this was different. Normally, there was always a connection—some link, some trace—but now…

He felt nothing. It was as if his body and soul were two completely separate beings.

Like a human and a random mouse.

So weird…

Just then, Void felt a pull as his soul was suddenly drawn back into his body.

"Then I will eat his…"

Suddenly, his body stopped speaking.

His eyes dimmed for a moment, then—

"Fuuuck!" Void shouted aloud as he realized his power was nowhere to be found.

He felt like he was just a normal human.

"What is actually happening?"