Far beyond the Divine Academy, beyond even the known world—there existed a realm where time did not flow.
It was not heaven.
Not hell.
But a place between decisions, where watchers gathered.
Seven thrones circled a black void.
And on each throne sat a Faceless Entity, their forms cloaked in blinding divine veils. They had no names—only purposes. They were not gods… but they were older than gods.
"He has awakened the first fragment," said the 2nd Watcher, its voice like cracked bells.
"The Sinbound Core resonates again," muttered the 4th.
The 6th Watcher slammed its armrest. "This cannot be allowed! The one who bears the dragon must not complete the cycle!"
"But he has not chosen destruction yet," the 1st Watcher replied. "He still walks the line."
They all turned toward the center, where a mirror floated above the void—showing Jiwoon, walking alone under the morning light.
"This child… is not like Azerion," said the 3rd. "He refuses indulgence. He carries his sin."
"And that," hissed the 7th, "makes him more dangerous than Azerion ever was."
Back at the Academy
Jiwoon had returned to his dormitory, though he barely touched his bed.
The fragment hovered above his table, spinning slowly. He watched it for hours—silent, motionless.
Until a knock broke the trance.
"I know you're awake."
It was Vera.
She stepped in without waiting, her silver-marked eye exposed. She said nothing at first—just stared at the fragment.
"That thing… it changed you."
Jiwoon answered calmly, "No. It reminded me who I used to be."
Vera's gaze softened.
"Then who are you now?"
Jiwoon didn't answer immediately. But his voice was calm when he finally said:
"Someone who remembers too much… and still walks forward."
Elsewhere, again…
In a hidden city floating among forgotten stars, a young man with golden eyes opened an ancient scroll—its ink burned with black flame.
"The dragon has stirred… and the watchers move."
"If Jiwoon rises, the order falls."
He stood, eyes glowing.
"Then let him rise. I'll be the one to bring him down."