CHAPTER FIFTEEN

(Written by Solomon Paul)

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Sasuke was filled with shock—then rage. He suddenly grabbed Commander Joe by the neck.

Sasuke (furious):

“What’s the meaning of this? Is this some kind of joke, huh?!”

Joe (struggling):

“P–Please, calm down—”

Sasuke (angry, his grip tightening):

“Oh, I am calm. If I weren’t, I’d already be punching your face in. I left Amon in your hands for thirty minutes, and now you’re feeding me stories?”

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the tension.

Captain Luis:

“That’s enough!”

Sasuke turned his glare toward him.

Sasuke:

“What do you mean, Luis? Amon was entrusted to me—and you’re telling me this nonsense?”

Captain Luis (calmly but firmly):

“There’s nothing we can do. They’re in a different dimension—completely separate from ours. Likely in the deepest part of the macrocosm. We’ll have to wait for the next opening to launch a raid. I understand your pain, brother.”

Sasuke (furious):

“No, you don’t! I’ll do this on my own. I can’t let those entrusted to me die.”

Captain Luis:

“What are you saying? There’s no time for reckless actions. A war is at hand—you’re far too important to go missing. If you continue this path, your license will be revoked.”

Without hesitation, Sasuke tore off his badge and license, dropping them on the desk with a loud clink.

Sasuke (coldly):

“If that’s the only sacrifice I have to make—then so be it.”

He grabbed his bag and left. On his way out, he called Claire, explaining everything.

Claire (sadly):

“I’m sorry, Sasuke. I won’t be able to join you. We need all our forces for the upcoming war.”

Sasuke’s eyes shifted to the prison tower where Diane was held. He muttered under his breath:

Sasuke (quietly):

“Don’t worry… I’ll be back soon. But first—I think I know what to do.”

Elvador

The silver moon of Elvador bathed the land in an ethereal glow. Ancient trees rose like towers, their branches whispering secrets in a language from other dimensions. Beneath their shade, Amon and Elioth followed Rufus, their elven guide, deeper into the sacred grounds.

Rufus:

“This place is known as The Vale of Origins. Only those chosen by fate may enter. By agreeing, you’ve stepped into a covenant far greater than yourselves.”

Elioth (frowning, whispering to Amon):

“Tch… I don’t like this. Every step feels like we’re walking into a trap.”

Amon (softly):

“Maybe we are. But if what they said is true… this is the only way forward.”

They arrived at a clearing where glowing runes pulsed beneath their feet. The air grew heavy, vibrating with energy that made Elioth’s skin prickle.

Rufus:

“Your training begins now. But beware—the prophecy does not favor the weak. Some who enter this circle never leave alive.”

Elioth (eyes widening):

“You never mentioned that part!”

Amon (stepping forward firmly):

“Then we’ll be the ones who make it out.”

The runes flared, swallowing them in light.

Amon & Elioth (screaming):

“What’s happening to us? it suddenly feels dizzy!”

They collapsed, falling into a trance.

Rufus (calmly):

“It seems their training has begun.”

From the shadows, a cloaked figure stepped forward.

Mysterious Cloaked Being:

“Indeed… yes.”

Rufus (uneasy):

“But why are you so interested in this boy, Amon? Who is he? And who are you, anyway?”

The cloaked figure chuckled, removing its hood to reveal part of its hidden face.

Mysterious Being:

“Amon is a child of destiny… a story beyond comprehension. Let us simply watch how he copes.”

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Prison Quarters

Meanwhile, Diane sat in silence, straining her mind to reach her father telepathically. But her attempts were met with nothing but static in her head.

Just then, heavy footsteps echoed. Sasuke appeared at her cell.

Sasuke:

“Tell me, Diane… Would you consider joining me?”

Diane (shocked):

“…What?”

Her crimson eyes widened, her heart pounding against her chest. Why would he ask that of her? Was this a trick? A way to break her spirit? Or… did he truly need her?

Diane (thinking):

“Join him? After everything he’s done to me… after chaining me like an animal? If he’s lying, I’ll be walking into a trap. But if he’s serious… this could be my only chance to survive… or even to escape.”

She bit her lip, unable to answer yet—but deep inside, a storm began to rise.

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TO BE CONTINUED..