The moon shone over the League City.
High above the stadium, away from the cheering crowds...Umbreal stood alone. His eyes remained fixed on the stadium where Elior had fought.Then Umbreal closed his eyes.He remembered another young man of his past live of 3 years ago. One who carried the same determination.
One who refused to surrender, no matter the odds.Slowly, Umbreal smiled.
"You truly are different, Elior..."
Umbreal looked up at the moon.
"You are not the child of prophecy.Nor are you destined to save this world But...You possess something far rarer.The power to choose your own fate."
Elsewhere...Far across the sea...Aether Isle trembled.The Three Keys floated before Zeff.Ancient runes glowed brighter with every passing second.The seal protecting Aetherion was beginning to weaken.
Umbreal reached beneath his cloak.From within, he pulled out an old pendant.Its symbol matched the ancient emblem carved into the Gate of Aetherion.The pendant suddenly emitted a faint golden light.Umbreal's expression changed.
"It's begun..."
He had not come to the League to watch battles.He had come to find Elior.Because Elior was unknowingly walking toward the same destiny that had destroyed the world once before.
Umbreal turned away from the stadium.
"The League can wait.If Zeff obtains what lies beyond the gate...everything will end."
Umbreal leaped from the rooftop and disappeared into the darkness.As he vanished, he left behind one final whisper.
"Elior...When the League is over...I'll tell you the truth about Fate...Faith...and Aetherion."
Far in the distance, a bolt of lightning struck above Aether Isle.
The final conflict had already begun.
TO BE CONTINUED...