At the age of 6,050, a deep tear opened in the side of the world. People came to see it, but no one could explain it. It didn't glow. It didn't move. It was just… there. Ian walked near it once. It smelled like burnt cloth and old ink.
At the age of 6,200, a great bell rang in the sky. No one knew who rang it. It sounded once. Then silence followed for thirty days straight. Many feared it was a sign. Others simply forgot it happened.
At the age of 6,300, Ian walked past a war. Devils and gods burned the land with powers beyond names. Ian didn't stop. He only watched as flames swallowed both sides. Some called him cruel. Others called him wise.
At the age of 6,400, Jow, God of Rubber, turned a dying beast into a ball and threw it into space. It became a moon. He called it "Bounce." Ian rolled his eyes, but deep down, smiled.
At the age of 6,500, the skies grew quiet.
Ian sat at the edge of a cliff when he felt it. Not pain, just stillness.
He looked up.
