At the edge of
Nowhere City stood an ancient structure feared even by the locals.
A black stone tower that pierced the clouds.
A place where countless spirits were said to rest.
Legend claimed that the tower existed long before the founding of the Luminara Region.
Long before the League.
Long before recorded history.
The citizens of Nowhere City gathered outside the tower.
Something felt wrong.
Ghost Pokémon had begun appearing throughout the city.
Not attacking.
Not causing trouble.
Watching.
Waiting.
Standing before Gravetower was
Morrigan.
Her expression was unusually serious.
"...The seals are weakening."
Nearby,
Elior and Mira arrived after hearing reports from the townspeople.
"...What's happening?" Elior asked.
Morrigan looked toward the tower.
"...Someone is coming."
Suddenly—
A black aircraft appeared above the city.
Its engines roared across the sky.
The citizens gasped.
A symbol was painted across its side.
The Eclipse Rebellion
"The Eclipse Rebellion!"
"They're here!"
"Why Nowhere City?!"
Fear spread through the crowd.
The aircraft landed before Gravetower.
Its doors slowly opened.
One by one—
Black-cloaked members emerged.
Dozens of them.
Not attacking.
Not threatening anyone.
Simply marching toward the tower.
Finally—
Zeff
stepped out.
The crowd immediately fell silent.
He calmly looked up at Gravetower.
"...Just as the records described."
Morrigan stepped forward.
Ghostly flames ignited around her.
"...Leave."
"...Now."
The members of the Eclipse Rebellion immediately prepared themselves.
But Zeff simply smiled.
"...I didn't come here for a battle."
Zeff pointed toward the ancient structure.
"...Did you know?"
"...The tower wasn't built to honor the dead."
Morrigan's eyes narrowed.
"...Stop talking."
Zeff continued anyway.
"...It was built as a lock."
The entire city became silent.
"...A prison."
Gasps spread throughout the crowd.
Even Elior froze.
"...A prison for what?"
Before Zeff could answer—
BOOOOOOOOM!!!
The entire city shook violently.
Cracks appeared along the base of Gravetower.
Purple ghostly energy erupted into the sky.
The spirits surrounding the tower began circling frantically.
For the first time—
Morrigan looked genuinely frightened.
"...No."
"...It shouldn't be awakening yet."
The wind blew through his cloak.
"...History doesn't wait."
"...And neither does truth."
At the summit of Gravetower—
An ancient seal cracked.
A single golden eye appeared within the darkness behind it.
Watching.
Waiting.
And from deep inside the tower came a voice.
"...Aetherion..."
"...I remember that name..."
TO BE CONTINUED...