The desert winds carried a name.
Far to the west, in the temple ruins of Arak'Vahl, a monk sat in silent meditation beneath a ruined dome. His body was still, but his magic swirled like a quiet storm.
His name was Kaien, the Whisper of the Void.
And he had heard the Demon Key's awakening.
Kaien moved like shadow and silence. In three days, he crossed canyons, forests, and rivers, arriving outside Mirewood just as the sun began to rise.
Twilight Zone's guildhall stood calm, but Kaien sensed the change. Magic had deepened around its core.
He stepped into town unnoticed—until Solas met him at the entrance.
"You're not a wandering monk," Solas said. "You're a Watcher."
Kaien bowed slightly. "Not anymore. I seek the boy who touches time."
Solas narrowed his eyes. "You intend to test him?"
"No. I intend to ask him what he fears most."
Julius greeted the stranger with caution.
Kaien looked no older than thirty, but something ancient drifted behind his calm expression.
"You're the guildmaster?" Kaien asked.
"Yes. Julius of Twilight Zone."
Kaien stepped forward and placed a small obsidian token on the table. On it was carved a symbol—the Eye of Nihil.
Rin whispered, "That's a Void Monk token. Only those who've survived the Abyss Trials carry them."
"Why are you here?" Julius asked.
Kaien studied him. "To ask you a question. One only the destined can answer."
He raised his hand.
A pulse of null-magic rippled through the air. Time froze for everyone—except Julius and Kaien.
They stood alone in a colorless world.
"Tell me, Julius," Kaien said. "If time were to break… would you save the world, or let it end to rebuild it better?"
Julius's voice was steady. "I would save it. Because even broken time holds memories that matter."
Kaien nodded slowly. "Then you are worthy of the path ahead."
Time resumed. Kaien turned to leave.
"You won't stay?" Lyra asked.
"I was never meant to stay," Kaien replied. "But the next trial draws near. And the Drach… are no longer sleeping."
He paused at the door.
"Beware the one with no name. The next Key lies in his shadow."
Then he vanished into the wind.
Twilight Zone Guild – Members: 5
Julius (D-Rank Mage, Iron Guild Master)
Lyra (D-Rank Mage, Ice-Make Magic)
Rael (D-Rank Mage, Lightning Magic)
Rin Ayana (C-Rank Mage, Whispering Blade Style – Memory Awakening)
Solas (C-Rank Mage?, Unknown Magic – Seal Fragment Holder)
F Rank Quests Completed: 70/1000E Rank Quests Completed: 10/10000D Rank Quests Completed: 8/1000C Rank Quests Completed: 5/1000
Guild Status: Iron Rank – Promotion to Bronze Approved
Next Chapter Preview: The Nameless Fortress
Deep in the marshes lies a fortress no one remembers—guarded by illusions, haunted by silence. To retrieve the second Demon Key, Twilight Zone must face the truth of a forgotten soul… and the cost of remembrance.