Chapter 4 – There's No Turning Back Now
We set out at dawn.
The city was still asleep, the streets and rooftops wrapped in a soft mist. I followed Fox, clutching a leather bag with a map, a lantern, and a couple of books—just in case.
"Where are we headed first?" I asked, trying not to fall behind.
"To the northern mountains. Among the ruins of an old monastery lies the first key. Without it, we can't enter the Vault," Fox replied without looking back.
"And what awaits us there?"
"A trial," he said hoarsely, as if he himself still didn't quite believe what was happening. "That place doesn't tolerate the weak. And it doesn't forgive the greedy."
We walked the entire day, crossing fields and forests. By evening, we reached an old tower, overgrown with moss and cobwebs. It looked abandoned, but Fox pushed the door open without hesitation.
I was surprised—places like this had long disappeared from our mega-city.
"We'll spend the night here."
"What? Spend the night? I told Mom I'd be back by evening," I said in shock.
"Don't worry, Sei. Everything is fine. Your mother knows."
I fell silent without arguing.
Inside, it was dark and cool. Fox lit a fire, and the walls came alive in the flickering light. I sat nearby, wrapped in my cloak, thinking about the Crimson Knight.
"Uncle," I broke the silence. "If he was your teacher… is he still alive?"
Fox fell into thought. The firelight reflected in his eyes.
"Perhaps. But if he is, he's no longer the man he once was. The Crimson Knight saw both sides of the truth… and it changed him forever."
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Late night. The tower.
I awoke to a strange sound—as if someone stepped across the stone tiles near the tower. Fox was still sitting by the fire, but his gaze was tense, his hand resting on an ancient dagger.
"You heard that?" I whispered.
"Shh," he nodded. "We're not alone."
I rose carefully. Through a crack in the wall, I saw a shadow—a tall figure in a long cloak, its face hidden under a hood. It stood silently, as if waiting for us to come out.
Fox shot me a quick glance and whispered:
"Don't make any sudden moves. That's a Guardian. He protects the path to the monastery."
"Is he an enemy?"
"No. But he will test us."
We stepped out of the tower. The forest stood still, as if the very air held its breath. The figure took a step forward.
"Bearer of knowledge and keeper of flame," he said in a deep voice. "You have dared to tread the forgotten path. Name the one who trained you."
Fox didn't hesitate.
"The Crimson Knight."
The Guardian nodded, as if that answer was enough. Then his gaze shifted to me.
"And you, young student… Do you dream?"
"Sometimes," I muttered, not understanding where this was going.
"One of those dreams will become reality. Are you ready?"
I nodded, unsure why.
The figure stepped aside, and where there had been only trees, a glowing blue path appeared, as if inviting us to walk it.
"The path is open," said the Guardian, and vanished—as if he had never been there.
I turned to Fox. He gave me a silent nod.
"There's no turning back »