⚙️ Chapter 26
"Some truths are so ancient, even time fears their return."
📍 Location: Sinjai Academy – Forbidden Archive Tower
Aeren woke up in an unfamiliar chamber — stone walls covered with glowing runes, timeworn scrolls scattered around. He was lying on a ritual bed, surrounded by five elders of the academy.
In the center stood the mysterious Scholar-Master Veyren, the oldest living Seeker of the Eastern Region. His presence alone made even Platinum-tier Seekers bow their heads.
"You're finally awake, child," said Veyren, eyes glowing silver beneath his hood."We have much to discuss. Especially about this."
Veyren tapped a sigil-projected image of the Serpent Mark glowing on Aeren's back.
🔎 Aeren's Forgotten Origin?
Aeren tried to speak but paused. He didn't remember collapsing. He didn't remember fighting. But something inside him did remember. His instincts twitched.
Veyren continued, "This mark hasn't been seen in thousands of years. It's part of a forbidden prophecy — one erased from all known history: The Chrono-Bloodline."
"Chrono-Bloodline?" Aeren repeated.
"A bloodline capable of bending time, interfering in dreams, reading minds, and... one day, commanding entire dimensions. It belonged to a being known only as the Timeless Vessel."
Veyren looked directly at Aeren.
"And now... it belongs to you."
⚠️ The Sealed Gate Under Crosnic Lake
Meanwhile, academy researchers finally deciphered the seal that appeared under Crosnic Lake after the Eclipse Fang's attack.
A giant door made of obsidian, pulsating with purple energy, was buried beneath the water — visible only when Aeren used his power.
They called it The Rift Gate — a myth from ancient scriptures believed to connect the world to the Origin Plane, home of ancient monsters and void gods.
"It's waking up again," said one researcher. "And the mark on Aeren matches the seal's lock."
👁️ Eclipse Fang Watches
Far away in a ruined temple, the Eclipse Fang council met. Shadows danced around their throne.
A voice echoed:
"The boy is manifesting too early. That mark should not have awakened yet.""We must force the gate to open… before he learns to control it."
🧬 Back at the Academy: More Powers Emerge
Aeren was sent back to his room after intense observation. His body was stable, but the serpent mark now glowed faintly on its own. He began to hear faint thoughts — whispers in the minds of people around him.
"Why's he alive?""Was he the one who stopped the attack?""He's dangerous..."
And Aeren could even see flashes of people's memories when they touched him.
He felt dizzy. He wanted to shut it off — but couldn't.
Anshi entered his room quietly. She had recovered but looked pale.
"Why didn't you tell me?""I didn't know what I was doing…" Aeren whispered."Then let me be your anchor," she said. "Don't face this alone."
🔥 Meanwhile: Competition Temporarily Halted
The Academy delayed the tournament due to the attack. All first-years were put under tight training and surveillance. No one could leave without permission.
But Veyren and the council weren't planning to wait.
"If that door opens… we may face another Era Fall," Veyren warned."Train him… or seal him. Before it's too late."
🌀 Final Scene: Dream Collision
That night, Aeren was pulled into a dream — but it felt too real.
He was standing atop a blackened battlefield, skies red and torn by thunder. In the distance stood a giant version of himself, cloaked in gold and silver robes, his eyes glowing like stars.
Around him, Level 9 and 10 monsters bowed again — including Varnyx, trembling in fear.
Then the cloaked giant spoke:
"You are not a child of accident.You are the Chrono Flame.And soon… the gate will open."
The dream exploded.
Aeren woke up gasping for breath — the seal on his back glowing stronger than ever before.