[Witch Temple – The Mirror of Fate]

Iris stood before a shallow, silver basin filled with shimmering water. The surface rippled unnaturally, glowing faintly with blue magic. She gestured toward it.

Iris: “Before we move forward, there’s something you must see. Look into the Mirror of Fate. It reveals what will happen to Orland… in eight days.”

Satori stepped closer, hesitant. The moment his eyes met the water, his body stiffened.

The water reflected not his face—but a city in flames. Towers crumbled. Corpses blanketed the streets. Screams echoed through a blood-red sky. In the center of it all, the border city of Orland collapsed into ruin.

Satori (whispers): “So much death…”

He stumbled back, gripping his chest as the vision faded.

Satori: “There’s nothing we can do…? Are we really that powerless?”

Iris turned, her expression grim.

Iris: “Alone, yes. We witches cannot stop the demon army ourselves. Not anymore. But if humanity stood united—perhaps there’s still a chance.”

She waved her hand, and a glowing map of the continent appeared midair, with seven points of light.

Iris: “This land is home to seven nations. Each of them holds a piece of the continent’s strength. If one falls, the rest will weaken.”

She pointed to each one, her voice heavy with warning.

The Seven Nations of the Continent

• Souserm – A human tribe who worship witches as divine beings.

• Eden – The capital of humankind, a city of towering spires and advanced technology.

• Oswall – The holy city, named after Saint Oswall, who once united humanity under a sacred banner.

• Beastkin Territory – Home to the strongest warriors, ruled by primal might and honor.

• Osmin – The mountain kingdom of dwarves, unmatched in craftsmanship and magical forging.

• Avelus – The southern elven nation, wielders of ancient magic and guardians of forgotten knowledge.

• Orland – A human border city, the first line of defense… and the first to fall.

Iris traced a path across the map, her voice darkening.

Iris: “The demons march like an unstoppable tide. If Orland falls, humanity’s defenses will shatter. No army alone will be enough.”

Satori clenched his fists, his breath quickening.

Satori: “Then why are we standing here?! We have to act now—before it’s too late!”

His voice cracked with desperation.

Satori: “If we do nothing, we’ll be blamed. Just like 3,000 years ago. They’ll say we brought ruin again. They’ll curse us again.”

His body trembled as memories flooded his mind—the war, the slaughter, the hatred.

Satori: “We lost so many lives in that war. We can’t let history repeat itself.”

Iris lowered her gaze, solemn.

Iris: “I understand your anger. But to save Orland, we’ll need more than power. We’ll need alliances… even with those who fear us.”

She touched the glowing map, and one by one, each nation's light dimmed slightly.

Iris: “The demons are coming. We have eight days. Gather allies, awaken old bonds… or witness the world fall into darkness.”

Satori inhaled sharply, wrestling with the weight of what lay ahead. In his heart, two identities warred—Satori, the student… and Adel, the forgotten witch.

But in this moment, he knew the truth.

He would not be bound by the past.

Satori (softly): “Then I’ll do it. Not as Adel. Not as Satori. But as myself.”