Minutes blurred into one another as everyone waited, yet no one complained. The air hung heavy with anticipation, taut as if charged by unseen currents. Soon, subtle movements were sensed in the distance, streaks of light of varying colors tearing through the air at impossible speeds. Everyone's gaze sharpened instantly, the collective tension signaling that something monumental was about to begin.

As the streaks drew closer, a variety of beings came into view. Some appeared human, others bore the grotesque features of goblins or vampires. Still others seemed crafted from sand, while a few defied classification entirely, their forms alien and mesmerizing. Each moved with purpose, guiding their respective charges toward waiting spaceships.

Yet one guide faltered. Confusion rippled across his features as he realized the Bone race delegates he was meant to retrieve were absent. The data he had been given confirmed their presence, but now, nothing. He frowned, uncertain. Perhaps, he thought, they had wandered elsewhere on the planet, exploring before the journey commenced. So, he waited at their last recorded position.

What he did not know, and would never be told, was that the Bone race members he sought were already dead. The ground on which he stood had become their deathbed. Yet no one corrected him; why should they? The truth held no urgency for those who had already passed judgment.

A figure from the Ant race appeared before Anthony's team, standing tall at an imposing six-foot-eight. His mandibles flexed subtly with each movement, antennas swaying with precision. His body was encased in an exoskeleton that gleamed under the sun, harder than steel, reflecting light in a dazzling display. From his back, two black wings rested, folded neatly yet ready to spring into flight at a moment's notice.

"Welcome, members of the Blue Planet. I am Arizak, designated guide for your delegation," the Ant announced, bowing with a composed grace. Though he exuded no discernible aura, his strength was undeniable, a quiet testament to his capability.

Anthony's sky-blue eyes lingered on him, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Then a voice whispered in his mind, it was Beru.

'My liege, I suggest you kill him and resurrect him to serve you,' the shadowy presence proposed through their mental link.

'And why would I do that?' Anthony asked without so much as a flicker of emotion.

'My liege, he is an Ant. All Ants are meant to serve you, not some Celestial or whatever race he is currently serving,' Beru explained, respectful yet insistent.

'I will decline,' Anthony replied simply.

'My liege… why?'

Anthony sighed mentally, the sound of exasperation echoing faintly in the mental channel. Beru, however, seemed oblivious.

'Because you are the only Ant I want serving me,' Anthony said flatly, careful to ensure no romantic undertones could be inferred from his words, no hint, no suggestion, nothing.

Beru, undeterred, stammered in delight, 'M… My Lieg… My Liege!' before bursting into tears of joy as if Anthony had spoken the most perfect sentence in existence. Anthony immediately tuned him out, fatigued by his overly dramatic shadow soldier.

"Why were you and the other guides late?" Anthony asked aloud, curious rather than annoyed. Others might have found a wait of even a day insulting; Anthony cared little for such trivialities.

"We only depart once the number of waiting delegates reaches a predetermined threshold," Arizak explained, his compound eyes shifting toward Anthony. "A large number of other delegates have now arrived. I am ordered to escort you to the designated waiting area, where you shall remain until the appointed time for the meeting."

Anthony nodded thoughtfully. 'The invitation letter said the meeting begins tomorrow anyway. A short wait won't hurt.' He mused silently. 'I wonder if Aaaninja and Lucian are already here… but knowing them, they likely wouldn't arrive so early.'

"Let's move," Michael's voice resonated through the air, cutting through the stillness. Some of the other delegates had already begun moving, and Michael's patience had clearly reached its limit.

Arizak inclined his head, wings unfurling with mechanical precision. With a powerful beat, he launched into the air, a streak of black cutting through the sky, covering kilometers in an instant.

Anthony, Vega, Kingsley, and the Supreme Monarchs surged forward, closing the distance effortlessly. They passed a floating edifice, partially obscured by clouds, its surface glinting in the sunlight.

"Is that the meeting location?" Anthony asked, pointing toward the towering structure.

"Yes," Arizak replied curtly, offering no further explanation.

Within moments, they arrived at two separate buildings suspended high above the clouds. Anthony's trained gaze immediately classified the occupants. People were already entering, their movement instinctively revealing the hierarchy.

"The older generation occupies the first building; the younger generation, the second," Arizak explained. "There are no rules. None. No one is responsible for any death, injury, or fight." Having issued his instructions, the Ant flapped his wings and returned to the waiting area where other guides stood.

Without hesitation, the Supreme Monarchs ascended toward their designated building, wordlessly ignoring Anthony, Vega, and Kingsley. Their strength demanded no guidance.

Anthony, Vega, and Kingsley approached the building meant for their cohort. Just as Anthony prepared to enter, his Sense Dome tingled. A familiar presence caught his attention. His gaze pivoted, landing on Charles Evander, approaching with a calm smile.

Charles stopped before him, extending a hand. "It's nice to meet you again, Null Anthony," he said.

Anthony shook it firmly. "Likewise," he replied. Words were unnecessary; they were not friends, and their only prior encounter had been a battle, nothing more.

Yet Anthony's attention did not linger on Charles. Something behind him drew his focus, a woman standing with a poised, graceful presence. She seemed to be waiting for Charles, her posture deliberate, yet effortless.

Anthony felt it immediately, the same sensation he experienced when encountering individuals of remarkable significance. He had felt it with Aaaninja, Lucian, Kingsley… and now, with this woman.

Anthony followed his intuition, his gaze trailing from her to Charles and back again. "Hoo… Are you fascinated?" Charles asked with a teasing edge, but Anthony said nothing. His eyes shifted towards Charles, as though urging him to continue speaking.

"All I can say," Charles continued with a sly smile, "is that if she had been present during the Starborn Tournament, you might not have won."

Anthony said nothing. His gaze shifted fully to the woman, and as though sensing it, she tilted her head. Their eyes met, blue on blue. In that instant, it seemed as if the world had faded away, and only the vibrant color; blue, existed.

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