Chapter 12 — Moonlit Encounter & The Transgressor's Offer
---
The night air was cool.
The twin moons of Dominion Nexus hung high above, bathing the academy in pale silver light.
Soft winds rustled the Spiral Gardens as leaves shimmered under the soft glow.
---
Cyrus walked alone.
No purpose — only breathing.
---
> Even in a world that demands power... moments like this feel distant.
Almost... real.
---
The stone pathway beneath his feet was faintly warm, absorbing the remaining heat of the day.
Above him, glowing insects danced gently in spirals, weaving strange luminous patterns across the night sky.
---
He paused by a marble balcony.
Beyond it, the endless floating spires of Galactus Academy shone like towers reaching toward infinity.
---
Soft laughter echoed from distant student dorms.
Gentle ripples stirred across the floating koi ponds nearby.
---
> Peace...
---
Cyrus let his eyes drift to the moons.
Their light reflected softly in his sharp eyes.
---
> Existing. Simply existing.
This too... has meaning.
---
But his peace, like always, was short-lived.
---
A faint pressure—
Like static in the air.
Subtle. Controlled. Intentional.
---
Cyrus's gut twisted slightly.
His gaze shifted sideways.
---
By the base of an ancient willow tree — a figure stood.
Still. Watching.
---
Adrien.
---
The strange one.
The Transgressor.
---
Cyrus narrowed his eyes slightly, though his expression remained calm.
> Again?
This feeling… deliberate.
Like he waits precisely for me.
> Not coincidence.
Timing.
Pattern.
---
Adrien slowly stepped forward, his hands calmly folded behind his back.
His smile was faint but polite, as always.
---
"Good evening, Cyrus."
---
Cyrus didn't respond immediately.
He let the silence breathe for a moment.
---
Finally, in a steady tone:
"You have a habit of appearing at moments you shouldn't."
---
Adrien chuckled softly.
"Or perhaps I appear exactly when I should."
---
Cyrus's eyes sharpened slightly.
> He plays with perception. Subtle provocation.
Not random. Controlled.
---
Adrien spoke again, voice smooth.
"You've been researching, haven't you? After our last conversation."
---
Cyrus's silence was answer enough.
Adrien nodded.
---
"You know now... at least the term.
Transgressor.
One who steps outside the fabric of their assigned world."
---
Earlier — Cyrus's private research (Flashback)
---
Ancient forbidden texts.
Scattered documents hidden even within the academy's restricted archives.
---
> Transgressors — rare anomalies.
Beings who do not originate from their assigned reality.
They carry fragments of foreign existence.
Impossible knowledge.
Disruptive potential.
Most are eliminated or sealed by the Twelve Thrones.
---
The realization had unnerved Cyrus.
Not because he feared Adrien —
but because the implications were... enormous.
---
If true, it meant:
Adrien came from another world entirely.
His knowledge may include things no one here could comprehend.
His existence alone could destabilize entire bloodlines.
---
But still—
Cyrus needed more.
---
Back to present
---
Cyrus finally spoke, voice low:
"I've read.
But words are not proof.
And I do not trust words alone."
---
Adrien's smile widened slightly.
"Wise. Very wise. That's why I came."
---
He stepped closer, hands still behind his back, respectful of distance.
---
"Come with me, Cyrus."
"There is a dungeon near the Outer Veil sector — a minor rift dungeon."
"It's unstable. Forbidden for most students."
"There... you will see enough to decide for yourself whether I lie."
---
Cyrus studied him.
The offer was deliberate.
Dangerous.
Tempting.
---
> A dungeon?
The academy normally forbids unsanctioned dives.
Either he's reckless, or he knows far more than he should.
Risk vs reward.
Information vs danger.
---
But Cyrus never answered too quickly.
His eyes lowered briefly, breathing calm.
---
Finally:
"I'll consider it."
---
Adrien nodded slowly.
"Good."
"I knew you would. After all… curiosity is also a survival instinct."
---
Without another word, Adrien vanished into the moonlit shadows — as silently as he had arrived.
---
Cyrus stood alone once more.
The wind returned.
The moons watched quietly above.
---
> A Transgressor.
Another world.
And perhaps... a door I was never meant to open.
---
But his pulse was calm.
---
> If power lies beyond... I will find it.
One step at a time.
Always calculating.
Always aware.
---
End of Chapter 12