The wind continued to blow across the valley. Aero held the torn banner of the Eclipse Rebellion. Across from him,Elior remained silent. For a moment, he considered keeping everything secret.
The Keys.
The Shrine.
Zeff.
Aetherion.
But Aero wasn't just another trainer. He was one of the first people who believed in Elior.
That evening, beside a campfire, Elior explained everything. The story of Fate and Faith. The First Key. The Second Key. The mysterious name Aetherion And the dangerous path of Zeff. Aero listened quietly.For once, he didn't interrupt.
After hearing everything, Aero stared at the flames.
"Then this isn't just your fight anymore."
Elior looked up. Aero smiled.
"If Zeff is planning something that could affect the entire region...Then I'm helping."
The two rivals bumped fists once again.
Elsewhere...
Far from the mountains. Far from Wang Tang. Inside a forgotten temple hidden beneath the desert of western Luminara—Two golden keys floated above an ancient altar. The First Key. The Second Key. Standing before them was Zeff.
A massive stone wall stood behind him.
Countless symbols covered its surface.
Most were unreadable. But one area had begun glowing. A location hidden beyond normal maps. A location sealed from history.The Third Key's Location.
Zeff smiled.
"So that's where you are."
Beside him, Kael stepped forward.
"The final key?"
Zeff nodded.
A single name appeared upon the wall.
Aether Isle
A place erased from modern history. A place believed not to exist.
"If the legends are true...Nobody who reached that island ever returned."
For a brief moment—Zeff laughed.
"Then we'll simply be the first."
Meanwhile
The next morning—Elior and Aero reached a bustling city near the League grounds.Everywhere they looked—Trainers were arriving. Some from distant towns. Some from famous academies. Some who had already competed in past Leagues. The atmosphere was electric.
Massive banners hung from buildings. Luminara League Championship Only two weeks remained.
As Elior and Aero walked through the city—A group of trainers passed by. Each carried eight badges. Each looked incredibly strong. One of them briefly glanced toward Elior. Then toward Infernarx. A small smile appeared on his face. As though he had already chosen his next opponent.
That night—Deep within the ocean. Far beyond any known route. A violent storm surrounded a hidden island. Lightning illuminated ancient ruins. At the center of the island stood a colossal stone gate. Three empty keyholes were carved into its surface.Then—One of the keyholes suddenly glowed.Then the second. The island had sensed the activation of the First and Second Keys.
Slowly...
Ancient machinery began moving for the first time in thousands of years.
And a voice echoed through the storm.
"The third bearer approaches..."
TO BE CONTINUED...