The camp fell silent.
After inspecting the chest, no one felt like speaking. Even the fire seemed dimmer, its light flickering weakly against the surrounding darkness.
Daren ordered shifts for night watch.
No one complained.
Not anymore.
⸻
Kael sat a short distance away from the caravan.
Alone.
Eyes closed.
But not resting.
His awareness was fully expanded.
The moment he focused—
He felt it again.
That presence.
Faint.
Subtle.
But real.
His gaze slowly opened.
And turned toward the wagon.
The sealed chest.
"…It's calling," he muttered.
⸻
Kael stood up.
Without a word, he walked toward it.
The others were either resting or on watch, but none stopped him.
As he approached—
The air changed.
The temperature dropped slightly.
Not enough to be obvious.
But enough for him to notice.
The markings on the chest flickered faintly.
Like a heartbeat.
Slow.
Heavy.
Kael stopped just in front of it.
This time—
He didn't hesitate.
He placed his hand on the surface.
⸻
The world disappeared.
Darkness swallowed everything.
Not the absence of light—
But something deeper.
A void.
Endless.
Silent.
Devouring.
Kael stood within it, unmoving.
His golden eyes shone faintly, the only light in that infinite emptiness.
Then—
Something moved.
A ripple in the darkness.
Slow.
Massive.
Ancient.
Kael didn't step back.
Didn't react.
He simply watched.
And the darkness…
Watched him back.
A voice echoed.
Not loud.
Not clear.
But undeniable.
"…Origin…"
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You know me?"
Silence followed.
Then—
The void stirred again.
"…Return…"
The word stretched endlessly.
Faint.
Distorted.
Like it came from something broken.
Kael felt it.
A pull.
Not physical.
Not forceful.
But deep.
Like something trying to draw him in.
Claim him.
He frowned slightly.
"…No."
The moment he said that—
The void reacted.
Violently.
The darkness surged.
The pressure increased.
The presence grew heavier—
Oppressive.
Hungry.
But Kael didn't move.
His Origin Core pulsed.
Golden light expanded outward, pushing back against the encroaching darkness.
Not overpowering it.
But resisting.
Balancing.
For a brief moment—
The two forces clashed.
Light and void.
Creation and emptiness.
Then—
Everything shattered.
⸻
Kael's eyes snapped open.
He staggered back slightly.
The night returned.
The camp.
The fire.
The wagon.
Everything normal again.
But his breathing—
Had changed.
He looked at the chest.
The markings were dim now.
Still.
Silent.
As if nothing had happened.
But Kael knew.
That wasn't just a sealed object.
That was something alive.
Or something that used to be.
⸻
"Kael."
He turned.
Sera stood a few meters away, watching him.
Her expression serious.
"You felt it, didn't you?"
Kael didn't deny it.
"Yes."
She exhaled slowly.
"I thought it was just me at first."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"You sensed it too?"
"Not clearly," she admitted. "Just… something wrong."
She paused.
"…That thing isn't safe."
Kael nodded.
"I know."
⸻
Before they could say anything else—
Kael's expression changed.
Instantly.
Sharp.
Focused.
His head turned toward the darkness beyond the camp.
"…They're here."
Sera's eyes widened.
"What?"
Kael didn't answer.
Because he already moved.
Origin Flash.
Golden light cut through the night as he vanished.
⸻
Outside the camp—
A shadow moved.
Silent.
Careful.
A figure cloaked in darkness approached the wagon from the blind side.
Not a bandit.
Not reckless.
This one was precise.
Experienced.
His hand reached toward the chest—
Then—
He froze.
Kael appeared in front of him.
Instantly.
No warning.
The cloaked figure's eyes widened slightly.
"…So you're the one."
Kael said nothing.
His golden eyes locked onto the intruder.
Cold.
Focused.
The man chuckled softly.
"I was wondering who triggered the seal."
Kael's aura rose.
Slowly.
"…You're not taking it."
The man tilted his head slightly.
"We'll see."
Dark energy began to gather around him.
Not chaotic.
Not wild.
But deep.
Cold.
Familiar.
Kael's eyes sharpened.
This energy…
The same feeling as the void.
The same presence.
The man smiled faintly.
"You've already touched it, haven't you?"
Kael didn't respond.
But that was enough.
The man's smile widened.
"Good."
His aura surged.
Stronger.
Darker.
"This will be easier than expected."
Kael stepped forward.
Golden energy ignited around him.
The night split—
Light against darkness.
And the real conflict—
Finally began.