Emberfall Chronicles

The night in A1 City was unusually silent. The moonlight barely touched the streets, shrouding everything in a dense, eerie darkness.

Rajiv and his friends had decided to move forward on their journey. The city was hosting a Junior Soldier Selection, an entry point into the World Government's military forces. Anil had once mocked the idea of joining them, but now, Rajiv saw an opportunity—to uncover the truth about Anil's killer and grow stronger for the battles ahead.

As Rajiv, Yokudo, and their new companion Liang Bai walked through the city's outer districts, the weight of their decisions settled upon them.

"So, you're really joining?" Yokudo asked, glancing at Rajiv.

"I have to. If I stay the same, I'll always be behind," Rajiv replied.

Liang Bai smirked. "Heh, looks like I'll be tagging along too. Don't slow me down, energy boy."

With that, Rajiv's path was set.

Ulrich's Arrival

Far from the busy districts, within the Grand Hall of the Noble Family, an unnatural chill spread through the air. The old noble, who had survived the assassination, sat alone in his dimly lit room. His hands trembled as the candles flickered.

Then—a shift in the air.

The old noble turned sharply, his breath caught in his throat. He was no longer alone.

A figure in white robes, blindfolded, yet standing with absolute authority, had entered his room. Ulrich.

"You..." The old noble's voice cracked. "You shouldn't be here..."

Ulrich remained silent for a moment before speaking in a calm, commanding tone.

"I will scan this room."

He raised his hand, his fingers barely moving, yet the very air itself seemed to vibrate in response.

Suddenly, a pulse of golden-white energy rippled through the walls, the floor, the furniture—everything.

Ulrich's power.

Despite being blind, he could "see" everything he touched. Every molecule, every hidden trace of energy. To him, the world was not seen with eyes, but through his absolute sensory perception.

As his energy spread, his expression remained unreadable. He was analyzing everything.

"Strays have been here," Ulrich muttered. "And something else. Something far worse."

His voice carried no fear—only certainty.

Then—a soft sound from the balcony.

A shadow moved, slowly stepping forward. A Stray. But unlike before, this one wasn't attacking.

Instead, it stood eerily still, its glowing white eyes locked onto Ulrich.

"I cannot see too much with energy," Ulrich noted. "This is not real... a clone?"

His hand twitched slightly, and in an instant—he vanished.

The old noble gasped, his heart pounding. Ulrich had moved so fast, it was as if he had never been there.

But the Stray did not move. It simply stared.

Then—it disappeared.

Elsewhere...

While a clone had appeared in A1 City, the real Ulrich stood far away—inside the World Government Headquarters.

"So," he murmured to himself. "This enemy is testing me... but why?"

The mystery deepened.

Who had stolen the spellbook?

Who was manipulating the Strays?

And why was Ulrich a target?

The game was far from over.