The Stellaron that descended from beyond the heavens, the blizzard that responded to wishes, and the Fragmentum erosion and Fragmentum creature invasions that appeared alongside the Stellaron... No matter which aspect you consider, the manifestations of the Stellaron bear a striking resemblance to the [Cocoon of Finality].
Of course, Kevin is well aware that these are actually two completely different entities, but he cannot rule out the possibility that there is some element of mutual imitation between them.
Who knows? Following this clue, he might even be able to return to his homeland in the distant future and see for himself whether they truly can guide the world into the shape they desire.
However, despite these similarities, this world is ultimately different from his original one. When the enemy becomes the so-called Antimatter Legion from the cosmos, whether these humans confined to a single world resist or not isn't all that important.
Fortunately, what comes from the depths of the universe isn't just enemies. There are also the so-called 'Architects' and the Aeon they worship—the Aeon of Preservation.
Yet, even though Kevin can perceive more directly than others that this great existence indeed offers some form of protection over this place, it is also true, as Cocolia said: since He possesses such power, why doesn't He come to change this despairing reality?
Clearly, it is entirely wrong to consider such an existence from a human perspective and line of thinking. The Previous Era also had many believers in gods, but divine miracles never descended, and they never placed their hopes in them.
Therefore, Cocolia never thought of entrusting the future to the 'Amber Lord'... Kevin actually agrees with this point quite strongly.
If a civilization must rely on external help to continuously overcome its difficulties, then that very reliance will mark the beginning of its demise.
This is also why, when faced with the choices presented by the Current Era, he still insisted on the [Stigmata Plan], forcing them to prove for themselves that their path was more correct.
Just as Cocolia always calls him—an outsider... As an outsider, Kevin wants to see this civilization make its own choices. Regardless of whether they seem good or bad from a sensory perspective, unless it is a necessary moment leaning towards annihilation, he has no intention of changing anything.
The reason is, of course, quite simple—he can't possibly stay in this place forever acting as a nanny.
Birds must learn to fly.
Holding such thoughts, Kevin descended step by step down the stairs of Qlipoth Fort, successfully taking in the view of this vibrant city that stood in stark contrast to the icy, snowy wilderness outside.
It's very beautiful, but this scenery does not belong to him.
Just as he stepped into the central square beneath Qlipoth Fort, Kevin spotted Bronya from afar. She had left a short while earlier and was now arguing with a girl who was half a head shorter than her.
"I'm sorry, Miss Bronya, but Lady Cocolia did indeed say that there's no need to report such matters to her anymore. She has her own judgment regarding this."
The blue-haired girl of somewhat unfortunate height held a book in one hand and gently pushed her glasses frame with the other as she stated matter-of-factly.
"But Pela, you should understand clearly too. The casualties on the front lines are severe right now; the situation is completely dire. Especially on the northeastern front—gaps have begun to appear that are difficult to fill."
"[Silvermane Gunners fire team advance twenty meters]... How can there be such an absurd tactical measure?! We are simply not suited for direct engagements with Fragmentum creatures. Every Silvermane Guard is a living life, but those monsters are endless."
"It's just about centralizing battlefield command authority under the Silvermane Guards. Mother isn't someone who clings to power; how could she possibly refuse?"
Bronya was unwilling to see and did not believe such an outcome. She tried repeatedly to confirm with the girl, but the answer she ultimately received never changed.
"I'm sorry, Miss Bronya. I did indeed submit that report truthfully, but Lady Cocolia's reply was indeed a refusal to hand over command authority."
As the 'Supreme Guardian', Cocolia certainly has the authority to command the Silvermane Guards' combat strategies, and people are willing to believe she possesses such capability. But it is also a fact that in recent battles, Silvermane Guard casualties have been heavy.
Faced with these facts, however, most people's thoughts are—after all, the 'Supreme Guardian' is not on the battlefield herself; she must be eager for victory, hence such aggressive command strategies...
But for Kevin, who knows Cocolia's intentions and plans, these actions are most likely for another hidden purpose—to weaken Belobog's defensive forces as much as possible, ensuring less resistance when she finally implements her plan...
Yet all of this is ultimately a choice made by this civilization itself, isn't it?
Only when their argument neared its fruitless conclusion did Kevin choose to step forward and ask softly, "I apologize for interrupting your discussion. I will be staying in Belobog for a while recently. But before that, I'd like you to take me to observe some sites of Fragmentum erosion in the city."
Regarding what exactly the so-called Fragmentum is, Kevin certainly wouldn't simply choose to believe others' descriptions. Compared to that, he prefers firsthand observation on-site.
"What? Have you... reached an agreement with Mo... with the 'Supreme Guardian'? Are you preparing to assist us in resolving our troubles, Mr. Kaslana?"
Bronya has never seen anyone who could easily deal with nearly a hundred Fragmentum creatures using special abilities. As an outsider, Kevin naturally represents more unknowns and possibilities.
But unfortunately, Kevin cannot give her any promises.
"I am merely an outsider. I cannot decide Belobog's future. You shouldn't place your hopes on me either."
Without directly answering Bronya's question, Kevin only gave such an ambiguous reply.
Bronya naturally cannot understand that set of ideas in Kevin's mind, but she has understood since childhood the principle of self-reliance. She didn't make further appeals to Kevin but also didn't disregard his request.
"Sorry, I spoke out of turn... Pela, please take this gentleman to the defensive line near the commercial street. I still need to go see Mother one more time."
Judging from her calling her 'Mother' instead of 'Supreme Guardian', Bronya is definitely not as calm on the surface as she appears.
Then again, isn't this precisely one of youth's best traits?
As Bronya quickly left, the girl beside her formally introduced herself to Kevin: "Hello, Mr. Kaslana. I am Pelageya Sergeyevna, Intelligence Officer of the Silvermane Guards. You may call me Pela."
"Kevin Kaslana."
After a brief self-introduction, Kevin abruptly asked: "That 'Supreme Guardian'... is she Bronya's biological mother?"
"Why do you suddenly ask that?" Although somewhat puzzled, Pela answered honestly: "Although there's no written rule, in practice every 'Supreme Guardian' has devoted their time entirely to Belobog and never married. The next 'Supreme Guardian' has always been selected from among suitable children."
"Perhaps precisely because they are the best ones, successive 'Supreme Guardians' have been able to build Belobog better and better."
This was likely just a casual remark of admiration, but it inevitably made Kevin think of many things.
The best? No. Everyone has their own strengths. And looking at an entire civilization, all people are equal.
No one bears heavier burdens than another simply because they must.
(There is an illustration here; it can be viewed after updating to a newer version.)