The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Shiebe's room. Slowly, he woke, the fatigue from the previous night still lingering in his muscles. His mind was heavy with thoughts of his new power, Syreum X, and everything that had happened. The night before had marked a turning point in his life—his understanding of his abilities, his relationships, and his role in the world had all shifted.
He sat up in bed, stretching his arms. He felt lighter. Alive. He had made it this far. There was still so much to uncover about his past, his parents, his power—but for now, he had a clearer sense of direction.
Shiebe's gaze drifted toward the window. The city stretched out before him, alive with movement in the early morning light. It was a perfect contrast to the storm brewing inside him. He knew his journey was far from over. The mysteries of his previous life, his parents, and the constant threat that loomed over him never truly left. But for now, he was alive. He had friends. He wasn't alone anymore.
Shiebe: "This... This is just the beginning."
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice from the doorframe.
Julius: "Shiebe! You awake yet?"
Shiebe turned and blinked, his mind still sluggish.
Shiebe: "Yeah, I'm up. What's going on?"
Julius: "Eros wants to meet everyone downstairs. He's calling a gathering."
Shiebe stretched once more, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.
Shiebe: "Alright, I'll be down in a minute."
Julius nodded and left. Shiebe took another moment, staring out the window for a second longer. It was a new day, and he knew it was time to start moving forward.
As Shiebe entered the main hall, the others were already gathered, waiting. The room was quieter than usual, but there was an air of calm understanding. The coldness that had once hung over them seemed to have dissipated, replaced by something warmer—a shared resolve to move forward, together.
Eros, usually sharp-eyed and stern, softened his gaze as he noticed Shiebe's entrance.
Eros: "Ah, Shiebe. You're up. How're you feeling?"
Shiebe offered a small smile.
Shiebe: "I'm fine."
Eros: "Good to see everyone awake. Now, let's get to the important part."
A heavy silence filled the room as everyone awaited what Eros had to say. The tension was palpable—everyone's eyes flicked toward him, waiting for the next bit of news.
Eros: "The results are in. But... there is no winner."
Confusion spread across the room, faces going from expectant to puzzled. Shiebe's brow furrowed, his mind racing.
Shiebe: "Wait, what do you mean? After all that fighting, no one came out on top?"
Eros chuckled lightly, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Eros: "Funny, isn't it? You all pushed yourselves so hard, but in the end, rankings don't matter. What matters is what you learned, and how you'll use it moving forward."
Mona, who had been silent up until now, let out a small, bemused laugh.
Mona: "Not like any of us needed that ranking anyway. We know where we stand."
Eros nodded, his expression turning serious again.
Eros: "Exactly. But what matters most now is the future. The Henokai Academy Exams are coming up. You all have seven years until the entrance exam. And let me tell you, that exam is brutal. You'll face some of the strongest candidates from across the globe."
The room grew still. Seven years—seemingly both an eternity and a blink of an eye. The weight of Eros's words settled in. The stakes were higher than ever, and the true challenge had just begun.
Eros: "But I know you'll be ready. All of you have incredible potential. So start preparing. Train harder. I'll be watching."
Shiebe, lost in thought, snapped back to attention. His resolve firmed as he nodded.
Shiebe: "We'll be ready. We won't let you down."
Eros gave a brief smile, his approval shining through.
Eros: "Good. Now, go. Rest, train, and when you're ready, we'll move forward."
The others began to filter out, but Shiebe stayed behind for a moment. His mind raced as the reality of Eros's words sank in. Seven years—he had time, but that time would be spent pushing forward. He couldn't afford to waste a single moment. The world wasn't waiting for him. His parents were still gone, Luni was still out there, and Zaneff... Zaneff was taken. He had to keep moving.
He turned toward the garden outside, feeling the cool breeze brush against his face. The sky was clear, the sun warm—such a peaceful contrast to the chaos of his mind. He stood there for a moment, taking it all in.
Shiebe's mind reeled through everything he'd experienced since coming to this world. The loss of his parents, the trials, the friendships—everything had led him here. He wasn't the scared kid who had stumbled into this world. He had people now. He had a purpose. And for the first time in a while, the weight of that didn't feel crushing.
Shiebe: "I won't stop. I'll keep going. I'll find them... I'll protect those who can't protect themselves. I'll make a difference."
He stood in the garden for a long while, the words settling into his heart. It wasn't the easiest path, and there were many unknowns. But the resolve was clear.
Shiebe: "Let's go."
With that, he turned and made his way back inside, ready for whatever came next.
—----------
7 years from now
Hewill stand before the legendary gates of Henokai Academy.
Taller. Colder. Stronger.
A lone figure surrounded by whispers and fear.
Half of his hair burned red like embers, the other pale as frost.
One eye hidden by a patch… the other hardened by things no child should ever see."
"They'll speak his name like a rumor.
They'll wonder what he endured.
What he became.
And what he lost."
"But the boy who stands there—he isn't the same boy who once found peace in a garden,
or comfort in the eyes of two friends who had just found their way back to each other.
That boy is gone.
Changed.
Forged in silence and pain."
"What happened in these missing years?
What trial broke him—and what force stitched him back together?"
"This is not the end of his story. It's only the pause between storms."
"Because the world does not wait.
The future does not forgive.
And the sky above still turns, piece by piece."
The next chapter begins with a question…
Who is He becoming?
Find out in the next arc—The Cogs of the Forgotten Sky.