With a curious yet unsettling smile, Kaelor turned the office handle, the faint creak of the hinges slicing through the stillness. A shadow from the dying lamp stretched across the floor as he stepped out, leaving Professor Edmund behind in the gloom. The corridor beyond was dim and silent, each step whispering against the cold marble—an echo that seemed to follow him, not ahead but behind. He moved toward the library, unaware whether it was curiosity or fate guiding his path… yet certain something was waiting for him in the dark.
Kaelor entered the dim library, dust swirling in moonlight. Searching for clues to his research, he discovered two ancient books hidden behind decaying journals—their cracked covers etched with strange symbols that seemed to pulse faintly.
Kaelor picked up the books—The Forgotten Cosmic Tear and Shadows in the Singularity. Curious, he checked their authors. His breath faltered. Both bore the same name—his great-grandfather's. A cold shiver crawled down his spine.
Kaelor frowned, lost in thought. If my great-grandfather wrote these… why were people never known? he wondered. Perhaps they hold nothing of value—just forgotten words. With a faint sigh, he placed the books back where he found them. But as he turned away, a sudden gust swept through the aisle—cold, deliberate, and whispering his name from the shadows.
Kaelor felt something strange—uneasy, unsteady. His head grew heavy, his hands began to tremble, and a cold whisper crawled through his mind.
"Read… take the… R—"
The voice faded as darkness claimed him. His knees buckled, and for a moment, the world slipped away.
Then, with a sharp breath, Kaelor's eyes snapped open. His heart pounded violently as he looked around the silent library—yet the echo of that voice still lingered in his mind.
Kaelor slowly reached for the book, his fingers trembling as they brushed the worn cover. Drawn by an unseen pull, he carried it to the library table. The air grew colder with every step, as though the shadows themselves were watching. He sat down, the silence pressing against his ears, and opened the book to read.
The book looked ancient, its leather cover cracked and worn with age. Yet some of its pages were written in a strange, unfamiliar language. Kaelor squinted at the symbols—they felt hauntingly familiar, like a memory just beyond reach, teasing the edge of his mind. He couldn't quite place where he had seen them before, but the sense of recognition gnawed at him.
Kaelor's eyes widened as he scanned the pages. Time travel? The words leapt off the ancient paper, revealing fragments of his great-grandfather's unfinished research. Diagrams and sketches sprawled across the margins—twisting spirals, swirling voids, strange shapes that seemed to pulse like a living thing. His breath caught. Is this… a space hole? The thought sent a chill crawling down his spine, as though the book itself was alive, waiting for him to understand.
Kaelor stared at the page, a frown creasing his brow. "Hmn… a space hole is also… कीट hole a トンネル … ग연결 two distant points in space and ト时间 somehow linked across different times…"
A flicker of frustration passed through him. I know all of this. Even in that century, understanding it would be groundbreaking… but why are some words written in a different language?
He took a deep breath and continued reading, forcing his mind past the unfamiliar symbols. "It could act like a shortcut across the universe, and even take you to the past and future—but unstable, unpredictable, and deadly."
Kaelor's eyes widened. Somehow, he had read it correctly without knowing the language. A shiver ran down his spine.
Kaelor's eyes scanned the next passage. "The holes collapse instantly… unless some exotic matter holds them open." His mind raced—so there were elements capable of this. Heart pounding, he turned the page, eager and wary of what might come next.
Kaelor froze, eyes wide with shock. The page was filled with countless calculations and cryptic formulas, interwoven with an unknown language. His head spun, and for a moment, he felt as if he might pass out. No wonder no one ever understood this book… Haaaa!
Kaelor reached for the next book, Shadows in the Singularity. Hmn… the previous one dealt with space and time… could this be a continuation? A sequel… or something even stranger? Curiosity prickled at the edge of his mind as he opened the cover.
Kaelor turned the first page, curiosity tugging at him. What he saw made him blink in disbelief—every line was filled with unknown words, cryptic symbols that made no sense. What nonsense is this? he muttered, a chill running down his spine.
Suddenly Kaelor glanced at the clock. What? It was getting late—far later than he'd realized. He hurried to leave, but a sudden thought stopped him mid-step.
Grandfather… he might know something about this.
Without hesitation, Kaelor gathered the books and tucked them under his arm before heading out.
CONT. In Royal VYRN HOUSEHOLD
7.09
9-5-2025
The VYRN Household stood among the richest, most honorable, and most powerful families in the Vyrnhardt Empire, second only to the royal bloodline itself.
Kaelor's lineage, too, bore royal roots. Generations ago, his great-grandfather had married the empire's only princess. Through his remarkable achievements and unwavering loyalty, the reigning king had bestowed upon him the noble title of Prince Vidvana—and granted him a separate household that governed nearly one-third of the kingdom.
Kaelor stepped through the grand gates of the Vyrn estate, the familiar scent of polished wood and incense greeting him.
"Welcome home, Young Master," the servants chorused, bowing as he passed.
His handmaiden, Mira, hurried forward, lowering her head respectfully.
"Young Master, His Highness is looking for you," she said softly.
Kaelor's steps slowed.
"Father…" he murmured under his breath.
Mira, twenty-one, possessed a quiet grace that set her apart. Her long chestnut hair, tied with a silk ribbon, framed warm amber eyes full of poise and insight. Every movement she made was elegant, deliberate, reflecting years within noble halls. Beneath her gentle tone lay unshakable loyalty—Kaelor's most trusted handmaiden and silent guardian in the Vyrn household.
Kaelor smiled faintly. "Alright, Mira, please prepare my bath. I'm… quite excited before I go to meet Grandfather."
Mira bowed slightly. "Okay, Young Master… but sir, His Highness is still looking for you."
Kaelor sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay… okay. I'll go."
Kaelor stood before the grand doors of his grandparents' chamber. He raised a hand and knocked softly, then pushed the door open just enough to slip inside.
"Grandfather…" he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath.
His grandfather's warm voice greeted him first, followed by his grandmother's gentle tone.
"Kaelor, come in. Sit with us," they said in unison, a welcoming smile on each of their faces.
Kaelor bowed slightly. "Greetings, Grandfather, Grandmother. How have you been? How is your health?"
Grandfather chuckled, eyes twinkling. "We're well, little one. But tell me—what made you come to us instead of your father? He's quite furious, you know. Didn't you think to save yourself? Hahaha!"
Kaelor's eyes widened, worry etching his features. "Really, Grandfather… I truly don't know. Please… save me," he pleaded, his gaze meeting theirs, filled with a mix of fear and helplessness.
His grandparents laughed heartily. "Hahaha, alright, we'll help you—but first, you must try to solve your own problems on your own!"
Kaelor nodded earnestly. "Okay, Grandfather… but I came here to discuss something else, a different matter."
Grandfather's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Oh? And what is it, little scout?"
Kaelor's expression grew serious, curiosity shining in his eyes. "It's about Great-Grandfather… Grandfather, do you know about these two books he wrote?"
He held the worn volumes carefully in his hands, standing before them as if presenting a precious treasure.
Grandfather hummed thoughtfully. "Hmn! No, I don't know about these."
Kaelor's shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment flickering across his face. "Oh… okay. But do you know anything about the code language these books are written in?"
Grandfather's eyes widened as he glanced at the coded pages. A flicker of fear crossed his face, and he gasped in surprise.
Kaelor leaned forward, concern etching his features. "What's wrong, Grandfather? You suddenly look so worried… why?"
Grandfather's voice grew serious, a hint of awe and fear in his tone. "This language… it's the same as the one written in the book my father left. He told me never to give it to anyone—only when his true successor came to find it for themselves, and only then… to bring it to him."
Kaelor's eyes widened, shock making his voice tremble. "What? How… how did Great-Grandfather know I would come looking for it?"
Grandfather leaned back, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "I don't know… some letters, symbols are written in a our residence also."
Grandfather (Jain) leaned back, a distant look in his eyes. My memories are a little hazy, but… he murmured to himself, trying to piece together fragments of the past.
A faceless man sat in the chair, draped in an old-fashioned coat. Golden letters were etched across the fabric, glinting faintly in the dim light, giving him an aura of both mystery and authority.
Jain 12 year old, Jain, twelve, had short, tousled blue hair and sharp azure eyes that gleamed with curiosity. His small, freckled face hinted at mischief and intelligence. Dressed in a plain, old-century tunic with loose sleeves and worn trousers tucked into boots, he moved with quiet energy and unassuming grace."Father… what is this? What do these mysterious letters mean?"
The faceless man's voice was low and solemn. "It's about something… something very important to me. The hidden lies of this horrifying world."
The faceless man's voice cut through the room, firm and commanding. "Listen carefully, Jain. Remember this letter—कэл或. Whenever my successor comes to you with my book, and you see this letter inside, grant this book… and guide him to my laboratory."
Grandfather's voice carried a hint of unease. "Kaelor… come with me to the basement."
Kaelor's eyes widened, a shiver running down his spine. "Basement… wh–?"
Grandfather's tone turned stern. "Don't question me. Just come."
Kaelor swallowed his fear, saying nothing, and followed his grandfather silently down the dim corridor.
He made his way toward the hall room, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. The faint glow of chandeliers danced across the walls, filling the space with a quiet, uneasy stillness.
Suddenly, a furious voice thundered through the hall—
"Kaeloooorrr!"
The sound echoed off the marble walls, sharp and commanding, freezing him in place.
His father's voice roared through the hall.
"Kaelor! I heard you'd returned home, yet you ignored my summons! And now you hide behind your grandfather's shadow, thinking I'll spare you?"
Kaelor turned toward him, worry in his voice. "Father… what happened?"
King Zyric, thirty-eight, had short, light blue hair that shimmered subtly under sunlight—a rare mark of his lineage. His piercing sapphire eyes held wisdom and command. High cheekbones and a strong jaw framed a face of authority, while royal robes draped him with quiet elegance and power.
Grandfather's eyes narrowed, a terrifying glint flashing within them as he looked at King Zyric—like a beast ready to devour its prey.
"What is it?" he said coldly. "If it's nothing important, then step aside."
King Zyric's voice faltered as he tried to defend himself. "But… but, Father, Kaelor is growing more and more arrogant by the day! He doesn't even respond when I call for him—and his sister…"
Grandfather's expression darkened, and his voice thundered through the hall, cutting Zyric off mid-sentence.
"Enough of this nonsense! We'll discuss that matter later. I'm in a hurry now—so step aside, and do not interrupt us again!"
King Zyric froze, confusion flickering in his eyes at his father's sudden fury. His shoulders sank, and he spoke in a low, lonely voice.
"As you say… Father."
Kaelor followed his grandfather in silence as they descended into the basement. The air grew colder with each step, the faint glow of the torches casting long, trembling shadows along the stone walls.
The basement was vast and cold, its stone walls etched with faint, glowing symbols. Dusty shelves lined the sides, filled with old books and strange glass vials that shimmered softly. In the center stood a black oak table carved with glowing runes, surrounded by hanging chains that swayed with every breath of air. An ancient iron chest rested in the corner, sealed and marked with the same mysterious letters.
Kaelor watched as his grandfather approached a bookshelf. "Ah… where is it? Yes, here it is," he muttered. With a practiced hand, he slid the shelf aside, revealing an old, hidden passage. Dust motes danced in the faint light as the entrance opened into a secret chamber, untouched for many years, its air thick with the weight of forgotten secrets.
Kaelor's eyes widened in shock. The hidden chamber was filled with ancient tomes, glowing symbols, and mysterious artifacts, untouched for years. He could hardly breathe, overwhelmed by the secrets surrounding him.
Grandfather used his locket to unlock the chamber door, revealing the hidden room's secrets.
The heavy wooden door creaked open, its iron hinges groaning. Kaelor's eyes widened with curiosity as he peered inside, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within.
They stepped cautiously through the doorway, entering the hidden chamber, their eyes taking in the mysterious relics and ancient tomes that filled the room.
Grandfather's voice was solemn as he gestured around the chamber. "This is the laboratory my father—your Great-Grandfather—used. There are many things left behind by him, and he even forbade me from ever using it."
Kaelor murmured under his breath, curiosity and confusion mingling in his voice. "Why, Grandfather… why?"
Grandfather shook his head slowly. "I don't know… he only said to leave this lab for the successor, until he come to me with those two books."
Kaelor's brow furrowed, confusion clouding his features. "Why… me?" he whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Grandfather stood, his gaze fixed on Kaelor, letting the silence stretch. "The book you've been looking for… it's on that table. I suppose it will satisfy your curiosity."
Grandfather's voice softened, though his eyes remained serious. "Alright, Kaelor, I leave this laboratory in your care. Take good care of it. I must go see the consequences you've caused. Take your time, explore carefully."
Kaelor's voice trembled, worry etched across his face. "Okay… Grandpa," he whispered, fear and anticipation mingling in his eyes.
Kaelor's eyes roamed the room, taking in the countless relics of his Great-Grandfather—ancient books, scattered research papers, and curious inventions long untouched. Dust hung in the air, settling on centuries of forgotten knowledge. Yet, Kaelor's focus remained fixed on the book resting on the table. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and stared at it, heart pounding with anticipation.
Kaelor murmured to himself, curiosity and hesitation mingling in his voice. "Um… what's actually in this book?"
He took a deep breath and carefully opened the first page, eyes scanning the mysterious, cryptic symbols that leapt out at him.
Kaelor's eyes widened as he flipped through the pages. Oh… it looks like this is a translation of the unique language written in the other book.
His expression grew more serious, the weight of the discovery settling on him. Every symbol, every line seemed to pulse with hidden meaning, demanding his full attention.
Kaelor muttered to himself, tracing the symbols with a finger. Hmm… あ = a, খ = b, ग = c, դ = d, e = e…
A determined glint appeared in his eyes. "Alright… let's try to read the book now: The Forgotten Cosmic."
Kaelor began reading, his eyes scanning the pages intently. By the start of the third page, shock froze him in place. The contents were staggering—so many secrets, so many revelations that, if ever exposed, could turn every world upside down. His heart raced, and a cold sweat formed on his brow as the weight of the knowledge pressed down on him.
Kaelor's face was pale, eyes glazed as if he might pass out from the sheer weight of what he was reading. Yet, he pressed on. Hours slipped by—three long, relentless hours—before he finally reached the last remaining pages. His hands trembled slightly, and a mix of exhaustion and awe painted every line of his expression as he prepared to uncover the book's final secrets.
Kaelor's hands trembled as he reached the last pages of the book. The secrets, the revelations, and the weight of it all pressed down on him. His mind raced, trying to grasp the enormity of what he had just discovered. And then, written in bold, cryptic letters, a single line stared back at him, chilling him to the core:
"If I AM IN THE END, THAN WHERE IS THE BEGINNING"