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CHAPTER 31: THE VISION (Refined)
EARLY DAWN
Morning light spilled through the stained-glass windows of the La Jaran Grand Council Chamber, casting colored patches on the obsidian floor. Hovering data screens rotated slowly above a central podium like orbiting satellites. The air held the scent of old parchment, static energy, and faint perfume—though today, no one felt at ease.
The once-decorative chamber had become a war room. Even the robed nobles wore protective gear under their garments, and guards stood double in each corner. Eyes turned as General Iven Augustus stepped forward, his polished white suit and single golden pauldron reflecting the blue ambient light. A flowing purple cloak rippled behind him, and his fingers briefly adjusted the collar of his neck tourniquet.
He didn't need to raise his voice.
"We begin," he said.
His words cut through the chamber.
"As we prepare for deployment to the eastern coast, we must first examine the canyon report. Raymond, step forward."
Raymond—battered and unshaven—walked forward with Scott at his side. Holographic projectors activated around them, displaying combat footage from La Jaran Canyon. The center screen focused on the mutated beast's corpse: skin layered like obsidian scales, collapsed upon miles of cracked terrain.
"It was not an ordinary beast," Raymond said, tone steady despite the tension. "It had traits we've only seen in Desert Dragons. But it wasn't a pure breed."
"It had traits that... shouldn't coexist," Scott added. "Camouflage, tunnel burrowing, high mana retention. It was like... it had been enhanced."
Raymond nodded. "And mid-fight, something happened. Kaido—"
Scott stepped aside as Kaido approached. All eyes followed the stoic young man as he stopped near the center, gaze lifted toward the glowing screens above.
"I... had a vision," he said.
A beat of silence.
"I stabbed the beast—my blade went deep. Then there was this surge. A pull, like mana... but not exactly. It blacked me out."
He closed his eyes briefly, recalling the moment.
"It wasn't a dream. It felt like a memory. But not mine."
The chamber stayed quiet, tense.
"I saw the creature's past—its hatching, containment, pain. But then... it shifted. I saw someone else."
He hesitated. "Frank."
A hushed murmur rolled through the council.
"there was this man," Kaido said"Taller. Covered in shadow. I couldn't see his face, but he turned slightly. Eyes—gold, or amber, something between."he added...
"And then I heard it. Not spoken. It was like the memory echoed in my mind. Just one word: Vance."
The name fell like a thunderclap.
Gasps followed. Some council members exchanged panicked glances. Others whispered to one another—many in disbelief, some in awe.
"Did he say... Vance?"
"Are you sure?"
"That's impossible—Vance is just a legend!"
Augustus's brows twitched. Even through his shaded lenses, it was clear his expression had changed.
"You're certain you saw it?" he asked.
Kaido nodded. "Yes. It was him. The figure beside him was unfamiliar... but Vance's name came through clear."
"Was it the figure who said the name?" a councilwoman pressed.
"No," Kaido replied. "he didn't move he's mouth. The name... it echoed in my head. Like it came with the memory."
Raymond stepped in. "Then it could've been the beast's interpretation of its life or Vance"
"Or its own thoughts," Augustus added quietly.
Joel, from her seat in the viewing section, folded her arms. "He acted strange after that fight. Said almost nothing. Looked distant."
Tayla nodded. "We didn't push him, but... now it makes sense."
The murmuring resumed. A noble rose. "If this vision is true, then Frank is tied to Vance directly."
"This changes our entire understanding of him."
"Do you believe him?" a voice asked Augustus directly.
Augustus raised a gloved hand, silencing the room.
"Visions. Names. Powers we don't understand." He turned slowly. "If these are echoes of Vance—whether vessel, descendant, or curse—we cannot ignore the threat... or the opportunity."
He faced Kaido directly.
"You did well to speak. Your honesty may change everything."
Kaido gave a curt nod and stepped back beside Raymond.
The council settled. No one dared speak next.
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LATER DAWN
CLANG.
Frank's eyes cracked open as a sharp metal clatter rang through the cold air. His back ached from the uneven slab of stone beneath him. The faint hum of magical containment runes pulsed through the collar around his neck.
Six robed disciples stood before him. One held chains, another an orb scanning him top to bottom.
"Seriously?" Frank muttered. "You people again?"
"Time to prepare," one of them replied. "You'll be cleaned up before seeing Lord Jack."
Roi stepped forward from behind the group, arms crossed. "Look at you. Still got that smug look."
"Good morning to you too," Frank muttered as they hauled him to his feet.
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A second vehicle hovered behind the first Frank was in accompanied by the rest....
"Where are they taking him?" one of the followers with a covered face only revealing the eyes whispered.
"They're not executing him," said the female agent beside him.
Elias nodded. "That means there's still time?"
The woman gave a soft grin. "You know, you're kinda cool. For a new recruit."
Elias didn't answer.
When she turned to him again—he was gone. Only a wooden stick sat in his place.
Her eyes widened.
"Wait—Zack??"
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Frank blinked hard as they pulled the sack off his head. Warm light bathed his face—sunlight—and for the first time in days, he felt the breeze on his skin.
He stood inside a long corridor of what looked like a noble's estate. Golden trim, velvet banners. Floating surveillance drones lined the corners.
"Welcome," a deep voice said.
Leader Jack stood ahead, arms spread, robes flowing as if to embrace the moment.
"You're still a bit rough around the edges," Jack smiled. "But don't worry. We'll polish you soon enough."
Frank raised an eyebrow. "Can we skip the culty foreplay and get to the part where you tell me what you want?"
Jack chuckled.
"You'll see. After the bath. You're going to dine with us. And then—"
He stepped closer, his voice colder.
"Then we begin the awakening."
Frank's mouth twitched into a half-smirk.
"Sure. Long as breakfast is included."
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