Spirit Academy – Headmaster's Chamber
"They've uncovered it," Garran said grimly, eyes locked on an ancient map. "The Gate of Ash. Half-buried in the Wailing Sands. Still… breathing."
Christian stared at the arcane script beneath the markings. Breathing? A Gate?
"You'll go with Kien. Quietly. No teams. No backup. If the rumors are true—about the Gate's pulse—it might be tied directly to the First Sin."
Kien's hand found Christian's. "We'll find it before anyone else does."
"But not before someone tries to stop you," Garran warned. "There are whispers among the upper ranks. Students. Even staff. They think you're too close to the edge."
---
Academy – Dormitories
Liora Vale met with others in a hidden chamber. Jun Seran sat nearby, silent.
"He's dangerous," Liora said. "This isn't about power anymore—it's about influence. Christian walks like he's the next legend. What happens when the Void decides to finish what it started?"
"We act," murmured a spirit artificer from Elite Class One. "We watch. And if he crosses the line…"
Jun's eyes narrowed. "Then you'll what? Kill him?"
"No. We'll contain him."
---
The Wailing Sands – Outer Region
Christian and Kien rode across the sand dunes under a sky choked with purple clouds. The wind screamed like lost voices.
The Void within Christian buzzed like static.
"We're close," he muttered. "It's… calling."
The Gate of Ash wasn't a door in stone—it was a gaping wound in the earth, rimmed in scorched glass and spiraling sigils that bled heat and cold at once.
Around it, dozens of skeletons—cloaked in old spirit robes, fused into the black stone.
They had died guarding it.
---
At the Gate – A Test of Will
Kien reached out first—her spirit aura probing the edges. It screamed in resistance.
"This isn't just sealed. It's sentient."
Christian stepped closer.
The Void Core within him reacted. The Gate opened—not wide, but enough to release a whisper.
> "So the Gatekeeper comes… late. The First Flame waits beneath. Will you burn to hold it… or be hollowed to release it?"
He staggered back.
"What did it say?" Kien asked.
"That it knows me. And it's waiting."
---
Meanwhile – The Shadow Moves
Back at the academy, Liora receives a message through a secret spirit channel.
From Nyra of the Infernal Legion.
> "The Gatekeeper is nearing the seal. Let him. His awakening will draw the First Flame. When it opens… you strike."
Liora paled. "You want us to side with the Legion?"
> "You already have. You just don't know it yet."
---
Gate of Ash – Final Scene
Christian stepped to the Gate's edge. Heat licked at his skin. The Void hissed.
A shimmer appeared before him—Vaelen Sol, broken blade in hand.
"You've reached the first root," he said.
"Is the First Sin real?" Christian asked.
"Real enough to end us all. Unless you choose."
"Choose what?"
Vaelen's eyes glowed. "Whether to seal it again… or become what was never meant to live."
Christian's eyes burned black.
And far below the sand… something opened its eyes.
---
To Be Continued…