The academy hadn't rested since the World Walker ceremony. Whispers filled every hall, scrolls flew between towers, and new security formations shimmered in the sky.
Inside the World Walker chambers, Jin and Yooha stood before a glowing map. Each pulse of red marked a region where energy from the Forgotten Realm had leaked in.
Jin traced a mark with his finger. "We don't have time."
Yooha placed her hand over his. "We'll make time. Together."
Behind them, Bo kicked open the door, half-dressed and holding… a frying pan?
"I've cracked the code!" he yelled.
Jin blinked. "Code for what?"
Bo grinned. "The Forgotten Realm's energy lines. They're not random—they follow ancient ley lines. I matched them to the ruins under Ghost Gordon."
Meiqi peeked in. "You mean the forbidden ruins where students 'accidentally' disappear?"
Bo: "That's the one!"
Yooha narrowed her eyes. "Then that's our next move."
At the Forbidden Ruins...
Mist curled like ghost fingers. Ruined statues, long devoured by vines, stood half-sunken in time.
Jin led. Yooha followed close, her hand near her blade, Silent Veil whispering faint warnings.
They reached the center.
A large stone circle glowed—etched with phoenixes, dragons, and… a cracked sword.
Suddenly, voices echoed.
Xie Luang appeared.
"Did you really think I wouldn't be watching the new World Walkers?"
Jin: "Xie… you followed us?"
Xie: "I'm here for answers too."
But then—black lightning tore through the circle.
The mark of the Forgotten Realm burst open like a wound—and from it stepped a twisted figure with half a mask, draped in robes of decay.
"You carry her scent," the figure hissed at Yooha.
Jin stepped forward, furious. "Who are you?"
The figure laughed. "I was the first Guardian of the Realms. Until she betrayed me."
Yooha's heart raced. "Me…?"
And then—his mask cracked slightly.
Inside were golden eyes.
Eyes just like Jin's.
The masked figure whispered:
"You carry the flame of the one who sealed me. Jin… you are his son."
To be continue...