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Chapter 3 - BLACK PRIMODEAL FLAME

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Scene: The Arrival at the Inn and Kayle's Dream

As he stood still, admiring the peaceful surroundings, Ilham placed a hand on his shoulder and said sincerely,

> "You are a young soul… don't let life overcome you."

Kayle took a deep breath and smiled.

> "Let's go. Show me where I'm staying—because I don't plan on moving now,"

he said with a touch of humor.

Ilham nodded and began walking. They passed through lush paddy fields and gardens adorned with blooming cherry blossoms. Kayle's heart filled with joy—but not for long.

His mind drifted to his master.

> "Will Master be alright? The King might imprison him. I have to save him… once I gain control of my flame."

After a few minutes, they arrived at an inn.

> "You even have inns here?" Kayle asked, surprised.

> "Yeah, we have everything—from pubs to guilds," Ilham replied casually.

He stepped forward and knocked on the door. A girl around Kayle's age opened it, her expression clearly annoyed.

> "Who've you brought in now? Will you ever learn?" she snapped.

> "Don't say it like I let just anyone in. He's… special. You might even get along, Elina," Ilham said, trying to charm her with a grin.

> "In your dreams, old man," Elina scoffed.

She turned to Kayle and stared straight into his eyes, making him nervous.

> "Follow me, new one."

Without another word, she led Kayle inside the inn.

Just as he stepped in, a boy suddenly jumped out at him with a loud, "BOO!"—but Kayle didn't even flinch.

> "You're something else," said the boy, grinning. "I'm Antony. And you?"

> "I'm Kayle. Nice to meet you. But… was that really necessary?"

> "Nah, I just wanted to see if you'd get scared. Looks like you've seen worse."

> "Hmm… can you show me my room? I'm really tired," Kayle said, his voice weak.

Antony smiled and pointed to the staircase leading up.

> "Then follow me, tired one," he joked.

Kayle followed him up to the attic.

> "This is where you and I will be staying—roomie," Antony said proudly.

The attic was surprisingly clean, with two beds. One was placed beside a small balcony, and the other sat near a corner where a hole in the ceiling let sunlight stream directly onto the cushion.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in Kayle's head.

> "I'm not staying here. I am a Divine Flame," said Arthur.

> "Now you speak? Why the hell were you silent all this time?" Kayle asked, half irritated, half relieved.

> "Didn't seem like a good time. Besides, watching you all red and nervous was too entertaining," Arthur laughed.

Kayle collapsed onto the bed and closed his eyes, but the beam of sunlight from the hole fell right on his face. He covered his eyes with his arm and drifted into sleep.

But peace didn't last.

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Scene: Kayle's Dream

In his dream, Kayle found himself in a dark, empty place. A lone figure stood before him, cloaked in shadow.

> "Kayle," the man spoke, his voice ancient and strangely familiar,

"Do you know how the flames came into existence?"

> "Who are you? Where am I?" Kayle asked, fear gripping him.

Suddenly, the darkness was pierced by the glow of a flame orb floating in the center.

> "This is the Divine Flame. It birthed all other flame variants known to your world. It created the Flamebound to help humanity. But as you already know… humans are greedy. They corrupted the world with sins unheard of."

The flame flickered violently as the voice continued:

> "The Divine Flame, filled with regret, split itself into two:

—The Main Primordial Flame,

—And the Black Primordial Flame.

The Black Flame descended into the world and fused with the soul of a prince. As he grew older and rose to the throne, corrupt kings and rulers conspired against him. They knew they couldn't defeat him in battle, so they plotted with treachery.

They captured his family and gave him a choice: surrender, or watch them die.

Out of love, he agreed to be killed to save them.

But in the final moment… he saw them murdered anyway."

The figure stepped into the light.

He looked exactly like Kayle.

> "Do you know who Arthur and you truly are?"

Kayle's eyes widened.

> "You are that prince…

And Arthur is the Black Primordial Flame reborn."

The man's voice became commanding:

> "Now… complete the mission I entrusted you with."

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Scene: Awakening

Kayle jolted awake—drenched in sweat, his breath ragged, and tears streaming down his face.

> "What… was that…?" he whispered to himself, trembling.

The fire had awakened within him.

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