The floating castle was a marvel of magic and metal.
Suspended in the sky by glowing runes and swirling winds, its towers twisted upward like jagged spears, crowned by a central spire where lightning danced constantly. Bridges of light connected each section, with guards patrolling in armor that shimmered like moonlight.
Riku's mouth hung open as he stepped onto the floating platform that carried him and Aria to the main gate.
"Is this place even real?" he asked, gripping the rail.
Aria didn't smile. "It's real enough to die in."
They passed beneath an archway carved with strange, ancient symbols. The air inside was thick with power—every stone hummed like a living thing.
Inside, a large round chamber awaited them, walls covered with relics: floating weapons, preserved monster skulls, and glowing orbs filled with memories.
"You're not the first outsider to be chosen," Aria said, leading him through. "But you may be the last."
Riku blinked. "Why?"
"Because the veil between worlds is collapsing. You were pulled in because the medallion found a compatible soul just before the breach worsened. The others before you… weren't so lucky."
They reached a large council hall, where four other figures waited.
An armored giant with a red mane and battle axe.
A calm woman cloaked in ice.
A hooded elf with tattoos that shifted.
And a tiny child floating cross-legged, surrounded by orbs of fire.
"This is the Crescent Flame Council," Aria announced. "They lead our resistance against the Shadowborn."
The red-maned warrior stepped forward. "You bear the Arcblade. That alone earns our attention."
Riku didn't know what to say, so he nodded awkwardly.
The child floated closer, squinting at him. "He's still raw. Doesn't even know the laws of Aetherion."
"Then we teach him," Aria said firmly. "He killed a shadowbeast on instinct alone. Imagine what he could do trained."
Suddenly, the icy woman raised a hand. "Enough. Let the boy rest. Tomorrow, his training begins."
They led Riku to a room high in the spire, where moonlight poured through enchanted glass. A table held food, and a strange glowing orb floated in the corner.
Alone at last, Riku collapsed onto the bed.
But sleep didn't come.
He stared at the medallion on his chest.
"…Why me?"
As if in answer, the orb in the corner began to glow. A projection appeared above it—his sister, Aki, from his world. Frozen in the moment he'd last seen her—smiling, scared, reaching for him.
Riku's hands clenched.
"I have to find a way back. But if this world's connected to mine, maybe saving one... saves both."
Behind the door, Aria listened quietly.
She touched her staff, which pulsed once with warmth.
"He's stronger than he knows," she whispered.
Far below the castle, in a prison forged from obsidian, a chained creature stirred.
Eyes of red flame opened.
"The Herald has arrived," it hissed. "Soon... the Reckoning begins."
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