Through the borders of the Western World, Artorious Hall and the head of the Black Sky Disorder, Kai Hiroshi, were engaging in a fierce battle. It was a fight between two peculiar, incompatible powers of shadow and glass.

"At least you are not in denial of your sins, Artorious." In a cold tone, Kai Hiroshi spoke, as he levitated through the power of shadows.

"Whatever had transpired, I did it because I had no choice. If I did not make such a critical decision, we wouldn’t be here by now." With indifference yet a somewhat subtle warm tone, Artorious Hall responded, his eyes turned glass-like, anticipating the next move of the man in front of him.

"Hah. Are you seriously saying that when you... when you became a father of your daughter?! Perhaps... All of us should have died back then." Seething in anger, Kai Hiroshi was reminded of their long days within the Trial of the Stars.

At that time, there was this specific circumstance that the entire group must decide on something... Or else they would rot to death, their soul imprisoned.

During that scenario, Artorious Hall was the leader of the massive group. And what needed to be decided was simple yet grave – the headcount of the participants.

But during that time, due to the cruelty and fairness of the Trial of the Stars, not only adults were sent through it but also children and the elderly. There was even a time when one birthed a new life during the trial that spanned for a long time.

It was then that Artorious Hall, with a heavy heart, had decided to cull those that would not be of help moving forward, angering the likes of Kai Hiroshi, Zebel, and any other executives of the Black Sky Disorder.

[The leader of "Humanity", Artorious Hall, has decided to move forward."

[According to the leader’s decision, the following individuals will be sent into oblivion...]

[The plasma annihilation has begun.]

Word by word, such cold words from the System were etched on the minds of Kai Hiroshi and his companions. They could not believe how a human could decide the fate of others.

Maybe... Maybe there was no other way. But what if there was? Then their lives perished for nothing.

[The time chamber has stopped erasing your existence.]

They had decided to move forward in the midst of schism. After all, they had no choice but to honor the lives of those that were lost.

"Hypocrite." Kai Hiroshi muttered. He then continued as he spread his arms wide, "If I am going to die, then everyone should do."

At that moment, a burst of dark Mana emanated from his body. He was one of the successful subjects of accumulating Chaos Mana, albeit with several complications. But it didn’t matter, after all, he planned to perish with it, giving humanity what it wanted – the continuous advancement of the human race.

"W–what are you doing!?" For the first time, a shaken expression was painted on the seemingly always stoic Artorious.

The slave Vampires that were being mind-controlled to shatter the portion of the Black Veil was being empowered by Chaos Mana. Seeing this, Artorious Hall activated a skill.

[Activating the Skill: Fragility (S)]

[Any surrounding Mana will be temporarily sealed in a vacuum named Fragile Jar.]

However, it was too late. The life force of the leader of Black Sky Disorder was quickly drained.

"HA—!"

Before his body collapsed, he muttered:

"Do your best... to protect your daughter, Artorious."

Crack—!

Something broke like a glass.

Sensing the ominous crack, Artorious Hall’s expression froze. He could not believe the malice contained what was beyond the veil.

***

"Master, I feel its destruction."

Lunaria, in her maid outfit, addressed her Master as they escaped the Obelisk Organization’s hidden facility that contained her.

[You have accomplished the mission.]

[Rewards will be given...]

[You have received...]

[Any power of disguise can now be used.]

As the messages registered in Russell Moon’s mind, he nodded to Lunaria as a deep sigh escaped his mouth.

"It was inevitable, huh? I mean... it was faster than I expected."

Freya Moon, his sister, and Amelie Rose only listened. They were cognizant as they were informed of what would be the next phase whenever the Black Veil was cracked.

Just as their thoughts lingered, the System addressed everyone throughout the continent.

[WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT!]

[The Black Veil that separates Planet 342 into two has been slightly opened.]

[The Mana will be more condensed!]

[Player, new opportunities have been presented to every race.]

[May you find your way, Player!]

"Opportunities atop of mass death." Russell could not help but ridicule the message. Almost everyone had no idea what they were just informed of in the midst of a rampaging battlefield between the races.

But it just meant that one’s growth rate would increase multiplicatively. However, the problem lies on what resides on the other side of the world.

"We won’t be given time to grow.

"Anyway, let’s go. There’s still time left. We have to get Artorious Hall before he becomes curious enough to hurt himself." Russell said, glancing at Amelie.

With her teleportation ability, the four of them blended into shadows and disappeared.

***

Obelisk Space Station, above the atmosphere.

The man in charge, who betrayed Artorious Hall, and spread the news that he was a criminal, also received the same messages.

"Hoh? What’s this now? Did Kai, the boss, succeed? That fucking Artorious..."

He was reminded of his grandma who was also sent to the Trial of the Stars. Clenching his fist, he continued to mutter:

"Even if she was old... Grandma would be far more useful than some young adults!"

His nostalgia made his breathing ragged; his mind vividly remembered the voice of Artorious Hall who decided to cull several lives just to move forward in that trial.

"...He did not even ask the Administrator if there was another way!"

At that moment, something caught his sight as his eyes fixed on what was outside the Obelisk Space Station. The dense dark clouds covering the other part of the world emanated a green light.

"Huh? What’s that?"

This green light’s size grew larger and larger quickly as though it was approaching.

It was then that the man in the suit realized that it was nearing him. However, it was too late, the green light suddenly hit the Obelisk Space Station, causing its total destruction.

Boom—!