SS rank Xalvathar: The Soulweaver

A shimmering figure descended from the endless expanse above, his form radiant yet calm, a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed Astraviel's mind. His aura radiated creation and purpose, an essence that seemed to challenge reality itself. He spoke with a voice that resonated not with power, but with profound weight.

"I am Aevorin," he said, his words imbued with timeless wisdom. "I am not here to fight, Astraviel. Only to talk."

Astraviel's sharp gaze locked onto him, her fists ready, brimming with defiance. "And why should I listen to you? Who are you?"

Aevorin stepped forward, his presence commanding yet devoid of hostility. "I am creation itself, the firstborn of the Creator. The architect of galaxies, planets, and life. I shaped beings like you, like Earth, and the stars you see above."

Astraviel's eyes narrowed, skepticism etched in her every movement. "You expect me to believe that you're Xalvathar's brother?"

Without a word, Aevorin raised his hand. Between them, the space shimmered, and a galaxy blossomed into existence in his palm. Stars swirled in intricate patterns, their light pulsating with life, harmony, and an undeniable truth.

"Do you believe me now?" he asked softly, his gaze steady.

Astraviel hesitated, awe flickering across her face despite her mistrust. "Fine," she said finally, her voice edged with reluctant acknowledgment. "But why are you here?"

Aevorin let the galaxy dissolve, his expression shifting into something graver. "I am creation, Astraviel. My brother is destruction. It is the natural order. Earth was not meant to survive this long. It lacked balance. It was destined to be destroyed."

Astraviel's voice hardened. "And yet, humanity fought back. We defied your so-called destiny."

Aevorin inclined his head. "Yes. Your kind are remarkable. You mastered Vera in ways I never imagined. When my brother descended upon Earth, he underestimated you. Together, you united and pushed him back. But he was never truly defeated."

Astraviel's heart clenched at his next words. "He wasn't even in his second form."

"What are you saying?" she demanded.

"Xalvathar has fifty-five forms," Aevorin explained, his tone calm yet foreboding. "The first is the weakest. He believed you humans were insignificant, and that arrogance led him to lose his memory. But that victory came at a cost."

Astraviel's fists tightened. "What cost?"

"The balance of the universe," Aevorin said, his voice cutting through her defiance. "Earth's survival tipped the scales. The delicate equilibrium that holds the cosmos together began to unravel. Planets have crumbled into dust. Stars have dimmed. Entire civilizations have vanished. All because of Earth—because of you."

Astraviel's jaw clenched. "So what? You're here to blame us for surviving? For fighting back against annihilation?"

Aevorin sighed, his gaze softening. "I do not blame you, Astraviel. I only speak the truth. Creation and destruction are not enemies; they are two halves of a whole. Without balance, there is chaos. My brother's destruction and my creation are meant to coexist. Yet now, the universe is falling apart."

Astraviel's voice was firm, but uncertainty flickered within. "What do you want me to do? Let Earth die? Let him destroy everything we've fought for?"

Aevorin shook his head, his expression resolute. "No. But you need to release my brother."

Astraviel's eyes burned with fury, her voice rising. "No. I will never release him!"

Aevorin held her gaze, his own unwavering. "The Earth was not the only planet destined to be destroyed, Astraviel. Many worlds needed to fall to maintain balance. Destruction is not evil; it is necessary. It is the natural cycle of existence. If I destroy planets, the universe would unravel. If you destroy them, it would be wrong. It would be true evil."

He took a step closer, his voice lowering but brimming with intensity. "My brother is the only one who can carry out this purpose. His existence ensures balance, no matter how terrifying his role may seem."

Astraviel stared at him, her fists trembling. The truth weighed on her, crashing into her like a tidal wave. She wanted to argue, to deny his words, but a seed of doubt had been planted in her heart.

Aevorin's voice softened. "Astraviel, the fate of the universe depends on balance. If it is not restored, everything—Earth, humanity, every star, and galaxy—will cease to exist. My brother must fulfill his purpose."

Before Astraviel could respond, a shift in the air drew her attention. A shadow loomed in the distance, its presence cold and suffocating. Her heart stilled as a familiar figure emerged, his crimson eyes glowing with a predatory light.

Xalvathar, now free, stood before them, his face unreadable but his power radiating in waves. Yet there was something behind him—another figure. A pale hand rested on Xalvathar's shoulder, belonging to a being who exuded an aura unlike anything Astraviel had ever felt.