Before setting out to face the enemy forces, Ace and the others gathered supplies — healing items and buffs — to prepare themselves.
The remaining troops were stationed only within the Little Fortress, mostly along its outer perimeter.
Why didn't they help each other during the chaos? That was Noah's doing. He had placed an invisible barrier, making it impossible for the enemy to realize that most of the others had already been wiped out.
And this wasn't without reason — it had all been carefully planned long before I arrived.
When the invasion began, everyone knew that a group of villains was trying to seize control of this place. As a result, they evacuated immediately to the Little Fortress.
But were any of them captured? No — because Noah intervened and saved them.
So why didn't Noah help them earlier? Because he is a high god — and as such, he isn't allowed to casually interfere on the battlefield. That was the first reason.
The second reason is that this land already has its own gods and goddesses. But Noah is different. He is more than just a god — he comes from a powerful galaxy. You could say he's a Free God, unlike the native deities here.
The local gods may have lived for thousands of years, but ironically, they can still be killed — by sacred artifacts, especially if wielded by humans.
But Noah... Noah is older and far more powerful than they are. He is a god from the Star Galaxy — a place much like the human world, except that no evil exists there.
Of course, they do have a Galactic Security Force to maintain peace.
Noah himself was born from the collision of two galaxies, right in the heart of the Star Galaxy.
How is that possible? The Star Galaxy emits an immensely powerful and infinite light. Because of this, many beings from other planets migrated there.
But did they bring their evil ways with them? No — once they arrived, they adopted the same nature: protectors and guardians of this realm.
The light from the Star Galaxy only reaches across two layers of galaxies. Beyond that, it is extremely rare and unpredictable.
Noah is one such rare being — formed when the light of two colliding galaxies somehow gave birth to his existence.
The power levels among them vary:
Star Galaxy — "Ordinary beings, but empowered."
Hiro Neo — "Those with greater powers, marked by unique signs — black with shimmering, shifting colors."
Hiro Light — "Exceptionally strong beings, essential for fighting absurdly powerful enemies. Their power may come from lineage, combinations, or unique sources."
Those with Hiro Neo marks? Yes — the mark is in their heart, shaped like a circle.
But even they can be defeated through exhaustion or killed. The same applies to all of them.
If fortunate, though, they can live long lives — though their duty to protect remains constant.
Can all beings obtain this light-based power? No. The chance is only 0.01%, except within the two layers of the galaxy.
"Hey, Noah — is that all you know?"
"There's actually much more, but if I told you everything now, your brain might explode... and your hair might turn white."
"Haha, fair enough. But Noah — what is my true power?"
"Ah, I've been waiting for you to ask that. Since you did — I'll tell you."
"You have only one power."
"What?! Just one?"
Noah nodded firmly.
"So... what kind of power is it?"
"Your skill is based on Imagination. In other words, you can create anything you can imagine."
"Your power is rare — because of the planet you once lived on."
"Huh? Why's that?"
"Your parents' powers are different from yours. And you're the youngest of the Star Galaxy children — about 3,000 years old... which is equivalent to 17 in human years."
"That's why you're growing so rapidly — part of your parents' power was transferred to you."
"Wait — my parents!"
"Yes. Since you are of the same species as the Star Galaxy beings, but couldn't survive well without sufficient light, they gave you a portion of their power."
"Ah, that explains why my father often gets sick after working too long..."
"Hey — don't blame yourself. It was their decision. They wanted you to be safe and free from conflict."
"But isn't that—"
"Shhh. Yes, it's true. But it comes with risks. They never resent one another — they respect everyone's feelings."
"Only about 0.15% of them do — but in the end, they all become guardians of their chosen planets."
"But what about me? Won't I—"
"Don't worry, Ace. Your birthplace is already protected — your uncles, aunts, and cousins are there."
"But... do they know about me?"
"They do — because I am one of them as well."
"Yeah... but what about the planet I used to live on?"
"I altered it slightly. You, your family, and your allies are now in my dimension — safe for now."
"Oh... so you've temporarily erased us from existence?"
"Something like that."
"By the way — do you want to train your powers first?"
"Hmm... sure, let's do it."
Noah then trained Ace until he was temporarily proficient. This training caused no fatigue — it was done in a dream realm Noah had altered, so they could meet before their next mission.
As for Ren — he simply watched.
"Sigh... I can't wait for tomorrow,"
Ren said, bored as he observed Ace's training.