**Season 2, Episode 7 – Unseen Bonds**
Eden's eyes snapped open. He wasn't in the real world anymore.
He lay on a floor glowing with ancient runes, and around him floated ghostly figures—echoes of the Fallen. Their voices whispered in unison:
*"You were never meant to awaken so soon… but the world is collapsing."*
Then a familiar shape formed—Kairos. His spirit.
**Kairos (spirit):**
"Eden, you must build the new Gatekeepers… or everything burns."
Suddenly, Eden sat up with a gasp. Back in the ruined world, surrounded by his team—Kairo, Aiko, and Jin. The air around them trembled.
---
They stood in front of a Gate Dungeon unlike any before. The monsters inside were… silent.
**Kairo:**
"Something's wrong. They're not attacking."
Without warning, the ground cracked. A chained beast with glowing eyes emerged.
**Test Guardian:**
"Only the worthy shall command the Gates."
**Aiko:**
"He's challenging our bond—not our strength."
Their weapons vanished—summoned away by force. They had to rely on each other now.
- Aiko shielded Eden with her bare arms.
- Jin redirected flames with his hands, burning his palms.
- Kairo closed his eyes, guiding them through instinct alone.
It was chaos. But it was unity.
When they stood as one, the Guardian vanished into particles.
---
**System Message:**
*Gatekeeper Crest Activated – [2/7]*
Glowing light enveloped Eden's arm. The second Crest.
Suddenly, in the shadows of the gate, a girl in a crimson cloak watched them.
**???:**
"Eden Jin… you awaken too fast. Should I stop him now… or later?"
The game had changed.
And the enemy was closer than they thought.