Massive golden chains stretched toward the skies, connecting to a colossal floating continent above the clouds.
In this moment, two Astral Core Ascension Thrones, one from the Myrrnith Colony Dynasty and the other from the Drakorith Colony Dynasty, led their powerful forces upward along one of the radiant chains. It looked like a grand procession paying homage to an ancient power.
The Drakorith Throne was a striking, middle-aged man who spoke little, yet emanated waves of terrifying authority with each step he took.
The Myrrnith Throne was a blue-haired, blue-eyed Astral Core Ascension entity whose presence pulsed with a profound sense of reality. She continued her calm conversation with the lesser beings behind her—those far weaker in power.
"I know much was kept under the veil of secrecy. We only told you what to expect in the near future. But we never spoke of the true identity of those whose resurgence we have long awaited—for they are the ones meant to restore order to this Plane. So I will tell you now, as we ascend these Aeonic Chains, exactly who we are paying our respects to. Understand them—and you will understand our history. And why the future belongs only to them."
Each word she spoke crackled with energy, as if her body brimmed with captured starlight.
No one knew how many bundles of stellar essence she had absorbed as an Astral Core Ascension being.
Behind her, the Dharma Manifestation Realm Advanced Humans from both dynasties adopted somber expressions, listening closely as they climbed the golden chain.
The Myrrnith Throne's voice deepened with reverence.
"The Supreme Force among the Nine from the Ancient Times—The Golden Pride of Aeonthar!"
The Golden Pride of Aeonthar.
These were the Ancient Ones they had come to honor.
Her voice rang sharp and clear as she continued.
"Among the Nine Supreme Forces that survived the Collapse and the Long Slumber, few command as much reverence—or fear—as the Golden Pride of Aeonthar. Suspended above the mortal world, tethered by radiant golden Aeonic Chains of Primordial Energy, this floating continent was once a sanctum where power bowed to majesty. It is ruled by the Ancient Royal Panthera—dignified, ancient lions who wield pure Primordial Energy drawn from the origins of the first races of this Plane."
The Ancient Royal Panthera.
Glorious royal lions—this was the ruling race of the Supreme Force known as the Golden Pride of Aeonthar.
"The Ancient Royal Panthera are regal, unyielding, and impossibly pure. They are not merely beasts—they are an Ancestral Race with their lineage tied to the very roots of humanity. With manes of molten gold, wings that shimmer like starfire, and voices that shake the foundations of Existence, they were the arbiters of supreme Order."
She spoke with a respect so unwavering that it eclipsed even her own power.
And she wasn't finished.
"At their head sits the Elder Patriarch Aeontharion—a leonine being of such majesty that even Astral Core Ascension beings like myself once knelt in his presence. The Ancient Royal Panthera rarely leave their realm. But when they do—the sky itself splits to make way!"
As her words echoed, they crossed the halfway point of the chain, drawing closer to the floating continent. In the distance, golden-furred, winged lions stood tall, guarding the pinnacle of the chain where a massive arched gateway shimmered into view.
The Dharma Manifestation Realm Advanced Humans trailing the two Thrones nearly froze.
The guards radiated astral brilliance—they were Astral Core Ascension entities!
The Throne of Myrrnith bowed slightly, her voice respectful.
"The Descendant of the Great Cerulean Mane Lion pays her respects to the Guards of the Golden Pride of Aeonthar."
Beside her, the Drakorith Throne bowed as well.
"The Descendant of the Great Draconian Lion pays his respects to the Guards of the Golden Pride of Aeonthar."
Two rulers—leaders of dynasties overseeing hundreds of millions—bowed their heads to these sentinels of the sky.
Because these guards held power equal to the highest of human rulers—they were Astral Core Ascension beings.
The golden, winged lions gazed down calmly, then gave a slow, regal nod.
"The Master has been expecting you. Your entry into the Golden Pride of Aeonthar is granted."
With that, their group continued across the golden chain. The rough winds at these heights didn't touch them—not with power like theirs.
As they passed between the towering sentinels, they felt golden flames brushing against their beings—flames that could erase them entirely if even a flicker made contact.
The Dharma Manifestation entities trembled.
But the lions stood aside, letting them through.
Fields of green-gold grasslands and ancient trees glowing with serenity.
Life pulsed here—raw and vibrant. The sky above held smaller floating islands orbiting the continent like moons, each radiating its own grand aura.
And from those islands…!
The auras of Dharma Manifestation entities surged—but they were different. Each one seemed more complete, more real than any Advanced Human among them.
These beings, barely visible, took on forms reminiscent of the Ancient Royal Panthera lineage.
They weren't just residents—they were the true Dharma Manifestation entities.
The humans treaded carefully now, every step measured, as if the wrong one might dissolve them into oblivion.
And in that silence, the Throne of Myrrnith smiled.
"Did I not say the ones we came to honor are the answer to all that plagues this Plane? Now listen—listen closely."
"Within this floating continent known as Aeonthar, there exist nine High Thrones—each ruled by a different royal house of the Panthera bloodline. Each throne governs a distinct region, and each High Throne is known as a Panthera Lord."
The Dharma Manifestation Advanced Humans whispered the knowledge to themselves again and again—committing it to memory.
Aeonthar- the grand floating continent with golden waterfalls of energy cascading off its edges.
The Golden Pride of Aeonthar.
Nine lineages of Ancient Royal Panthera—each led by an Astral Core Ascension being known as a Panthera Lord whose power likely and tremendously exceeded anything that the Myrrnith Throne and the Drakorith Throne displayed at this moment!
Such was the grandeur lying before their eyes!