Inside the snow globe’s frozen world, in the grave the giant had made for himself, Keiron passed the years frozen still as a statue, with the giant as his only company. From time to time, the giant’s fading consciousness brushed against Keiron’s, and in their brief conversations, Keiron found himself contemplating humanity and the world, slipping into dreamlike reveries.0

The giant, an immortal living an infinite life, kept digging into his own origins, but Keiron, who lived a finite life, was certain of his purpose, and his certainty was absolute.0

Was I born to be Sophien’s Guardian, or was it a divine calling for me? Keiron thought.0

This could not have happened due to some destiny assigned at birth, and Keiron’s parents had not brought him into the world for Sophien’s sake alone—it was his choice, and his alone.0

The moment Keiron first saw Sophien, weighed down by ennui, the decision pressed upon him like an unspoken duty, and as he watched her small form moving through the Imperial Palace, Keiron made his decision.0

“Humans walk blind through the world, unaware of whence they came or whither they go,” the giant said, immortal speaking of the mortal. “But now, looking upon you, I have found clarity.”0

The giant’s eyes shimmered with waves—the reflection of every sea he had ever seen.0

“You all believe that the road behind you is all that matters—that your steps, not your origin, shape who you are,” the giant continued, raising his eyes to the heavens.0

Keiron’s eyes followed the giant’s...0