In the comfort of their raised lodge, after the night’s long events, Li could not help but toss and turn as more and more memories came back to him. This time, he was sitting in a large, marble conference room. There was excitement in the air yet the large, somewhat overweight man in the front spoke gravely. 

“The Covenant of Guardians is honored with the sacred duty of maintaining peace and stability within the pockets of the universe that we are able to grasp. We are not conquerors, nor oppressors. We are the unseen shield that protects growth for the greater good. Our purpose is not to dictate the path of a civilization, rather, to ensure safety so that they may follow their own path, free from the predation of the Horrors. 

We exist not for glory, and pride, but to protect those who cannot yet protect themselves. For centuries past, and centuries to come, we have successfully ensured the safety of every system that has maintained a covenant with our Order. 

The work we do is often unthanked, unrecognized, even criticized- but it will be necessary.  From this moment forward, you are no longer just a soldier, worker, or scientist. You are a Guardian. On each of your shoulders is the weight of a thousand worlds and the trust of those who look up at you. The trust from those who may never know your name. 

From this day forward, it will be the responsibility of each of you to uphold the peace of this universe.Welcome to the Covenant. May the Divine One bestow blessings and protection on all of us.”

Li sat, this event that happened so long ago. It was now all of a sudden so vivid in his mind. The hairs stood on the back of this neck. If this was the day that Li had first been admitted into the Covenant of Guardians, that must mean that Xiao Shu was still alive! Li glanced at his right, which if he had remembered correctly, was where Xiao had been sitting that day. 

The scene suddenly changed before he got a chance. It was now a graduation ceremony outdoors. Thousands of peers stood around him, shouting with their cards in raised hands, shiny blue gowns flowing in the warm summer wind. Someone had their arms around his shoulder; it was Xiao, alive as ever! He was cheering with Li, both of the young men longing for the days when they would officially serve the Covenant. Li went awash with the feeling of sadness and longing for this happy moment. 

The scene changed once more. Li was back in his apartment. The familiar smell of mantou and two boiled eggs, a sharp contrast to the scent of his previous surroundings pervaded the room. The clock above the stove read 6:30 AM.

“Li, hurry up! You’re going to be late.”