Axiom Empire Calendar 2847 – Same Day, 05:23 AM

The moment the swastika mark on my forehead began to glow, the surrounding space started to distort. The air itself trembled, and the boundaries of reality became ambiguous. This was not merely a physical phenomenon—the dimensions themselves were changing.

'What is this power…’

For the first time, Guardian’s voice carried confusion. The small crab’s shell trembled slightly. Even this being that had dominated the universe had not anticipated what was happening.

I couldn’t understand the changes occurring within me. However, deep in my heart, some ancient memory was beginning to resurface. It wasn’t a personal memory—it was something deeper, racial, or rather, imperial.

Genetic Memory Awakening

“Return to Swastika… Axiom…"

Each time I chanted the Emperor’s name, the swastika mark on my forehead glowed brighter. The light was not mere luminescence—it felt like a communication device transcending dimensions.

In response to the light, the ground began to shake. But this was no earthquake. Something was awakening from Earth’s core.

'You are… could it be, the Chosen One?’

Fear mixed into Guardian’s voice. The being that had monitored Earth for thousands of years was showing unease for the first time.

The ground’s trembling intensified, and a massive fissure appeared at my feet. From it rose warm, golden light—not sunlight, but something containing sacred power.

Summoning to Payanak’s Sanctuary

A voice echoed from the fissure—compassionate yet carrying absolute authority. Its owner was clearly a being of far higher rank than Guardian.

'It has been long, child of the Empire. I am Payanak, the sacred beast guardian of this land.’

I was drawn into the fissure. Rather than fear, I felt profound peace—like returning to a long-lost homeland.

During the descent, my consciousness expanded. From the small research station to the entire Thai Province, and even to the distant Imperial homeland—my perceptual abilities were dramatically enhanced by Payanak’s power.

Encounter with the Sacred Beast Payanak

Arriving in the vast underground space, I witnessed a breathtaking sight.

The ceiling was too high to see, and the walls were lined with countless reliefs depicting the Empire’s history. But most overwhelming was the massive presence at the center of the space.

A giant golden serpent deity gazed at me. Its body stretched hundreds of meters, yet its eyes held deep compassion and infinite wisdom. This was Payanak—the true form of the sacred beast from Thai legend.

'Nakamura Tensui. The swastika mark upon your forehead is the sacred seal granted by Emperor Axiom herself.’

Payanak’s voice resonated in my heart—not sound waves, but sacred words speaking directly to consciousness.

'Since ancient times, I have guarded this land. But the ancient gods from beyond the cosmos plot to rule this star once more.’

The Contract Ritual

I asked with trembling voice: “What can I do?"

'You are the Chosen One. Blessed by Emperor Axiom, destined to fight alongside me.’

Payanak’s massive head descended before me. Each scale bore ancient characters—primitive Imperial script older than the Empire’s common language.

'Unite the swastika mark on your forehead with my sacred power. Thus shall you transcend humanity.’

I answered without hesitation, my heart filled with absolute loyalty to Emperor Axiom:

“Return to Swastika Axiom. In the name of our Emperor, I will fight alongside Payanak-sama."

At that moment, the swastika mark on my forehead and Payanak’s golden mark resonated, emitting intense light.

Awakening of New Abilities

In the light, I glimpsed the Empire’s true history. Emperor Axiom was not merely Earth’s ruler—she was the absolute monarch of a cosmic empire spanning countless galaxies, and simultaneously a compassionate savior.

Payanak too was not just Earth’s guardian beast, but part of the guardian system the Empire had placed on various planets in ancient times. I had become an important cog in that grand plan.

The sacred beast’s power flowed into my body—overwhelming yet bringing deep peace.

My vision became dramatically clearer, able to perceive minute movements kilometers away. My hearing improved drastically, allowing me to hear the ancient gods’ conversations on the surface.

Most importantly, I could now borrow a portion of Payanak’s power. Concentrating on my right hand, golden light manifested—not mere light, but a sacred blade capable of cutting through ancient gods.

Return to the Surface

'Good. You have now awakened as a Sacred Beast Guardian.’

Satisfaction resonated in Payanak’s voice.

'But the true battle begins now. The ancient gods will sense your awakening and send even more powerful enemies.’

I renewed my determination. With Emperor Axiom’s blessing, no enemy need be feared.

'Now, return to the surface. Your loyal companion Jet is in danger.’

Payanak’s words reminded me of my faithful dog, surely searching for me and facing danger.

I was returned to the surface by Payanak’s sacred power, my consciousness continuing to expand during transport—reaching across the entire Earth and into space itself.

Desperate Situation

Returning to the surface, the situation exceeded my worst fears.

My research station was completely destroyed, and swarms of giant crabs dominated the entire area. And my beloved dog Jet was…

“Jet!"

I shouted my companion’s name. Jet was caught in massive claws, barely breathing, yet hearing my voice, he weakly wagged his tail.

Rage consumed my heart. The swastika mark on my forehead blazed with light, and golden radiance manifested in my right hand.

“Payanak-sama, lend me your power!"

Responding to my call, the golden sacred beast’s power enveloped my body.

The Awakened One’s Combat

I charged the giant crab with speed and power unimaginable for my former human self.

The golden light in my right hand became a massive blade, severing the crab’s claw in one strike. The sound of cutting metal rang out as Jet was freed.

'What?! A mere human opposing us?!’

Guardian’s voice echoed.

“I am no human. I am one blessed by Emperor Axiom and fighting alongside Sacred Beast Payanak!"

I declared with newfound authority in my voice.

One by one, I cut down the giant crabs with the golden sacred beast’s power. Each ancient god’s minion fell before me.

Jet, sensing my transformation, bravely joined the battle. The sacred beast’s power seemed to enhance even my companion’s physical abilities.

Harbinger of Greater Threats

However, my prowess had drawn the ancient gods’ attention. New shadows were descending from the massive UFO overhead.

'Interesting. Then let us play in earnest.’

With Guardian’s voice, a massive shadow descended from the UFO—a creature of terrifying form incomparable to the giant crabs.

A gigantic spider-like being, fifty meters in length. Its eight legs were sharp as steel blades, with countless tentacles extending from its central body.

“This is…"

I braced myself. Despite gaining the sacred beast’s power, this enemy was of a different caliber entirely. The true battle was about to begin.

'Fear not, Tensui. My power dwells within you. And you are not alone—other guardians of the Empire will soon awaken.’

With hope in my heart, I faced the new enemy. With Emperor Axiom’s blessing, any foe could be defeated.

Prelude to the Next Development

As the giant spider-creature landed, the earth shook violently. The impact triggered anomalies in distant mountains.

'Hehehe… this will fully activate Earth’s guardian system.’

Guardian’s voice carried a calculated tone.

'Our true purpose is not Earth’s conquest, but awakening the ancient weapons sleeping on this planet.’

A chill ran down my spine. The ancient gods’ plan was more complex than we had imagined.

Yet I would continue fighting—with loyalty to Emperor Axiom and determination to protect faithful Jet.