On a distant planet, one forgotten by the warmth of sunlight, the air trembled with ancient whispers.

The planet was called Noctara — a world of endless night, ruled by shadows and memory.

Through the darkness, a group of figures moved in silence. Cloaks fluttered against cold winds as they approached a towering black castle — the King’s Castle, long sealed since the age of war.

At their head walked a man clad in heavy armor — the General. Beside him, a small procession of hooded priests. And behind them all, leaning on a silver staff, the Professor, whose eyes gleamed with mischief even in the dark.

“Professor,” the General’s voice was deep and measured, like iron striking stone. “Are you certain this plan of yours will work?”

The old man chuckled. “After all these years, you still doubt me? I don’t gamble on failure, General. I only bet on certainty.”

“If the King disapproves of this,” the General warned, “it won’t be my head that rolls.”

“Then perhaps,” the Professor smiled faintly, “you should worry less about his approval… and more about what happens when he wakes.”

The massive doors of the castle creaked open, revealing a grand hall bathed in an eerie green light. Ancient torches burned without smoke, illuminating walls etched with the history of conquest.

And at the center of the hall — lay a single tomb, its surface cracked and silent, untouched for a thousand years.

The Professor stepped forward, took the General’s hand, and sliced across his palm. Blood dripped onto the tomb’s stone lips.

The ground trembled. A crimson glow burst through the cracks. The air thickened — ancient, suffocating. Every creature across Noctara dropped to its knees as a long-forgotten aura filled the planet.

The King had returned.

From the shattered tomb rose a man pale as death, his body weak but his presence absolute. Power radiated from him — cold, immeasurable, divine.

All around him, the robed figures bowed deeply.

“We greet the King.”

The man inhaled slowly, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Ahh… I’ve missed this air. Tell me — how long has it been?”

“One thousand and five years, my King,” the Professor replied, head bowed low. “Since the final war. But do not worry… the plan is already in motion.”

“Good,” said the King, his crimson eyes narrowing. “Then update me. How fares the Crystal Fall?”

Before the Professor could answer, the General stepped forward. “My King… before that — I request a spar.”

The King’s lips curved into a faint grin. “I awaken after a thousand years, and my General greets me with a challenge? Hah. Very well. Let’s see what strength you’ve forged in my absence.”

The General charged, his armored boots cracking the floor beneath him. His fist flew like thunder—

—but the King moved with effortless grace, sidestepping and countering in one smooth motion.

A single blow sent the General crashing to the ground.

“That’s all?” the King said coldly. “A millennium of preparation… for this? Pathetic. If this is the might of my Generals, how do you expect to defeat the Wolves?”

He turned away, sitting upon the throne as if he had never left it. “Get yourself patched up.”

The General could barely move. His mind was reeling.

That wasn’t even his full strength… and I couldn’t resist at all. Just how powerful is my father? And the one who once defeated him…

The King rose again, his tone commanding. “Professor. Walk with me. Tell me everything about the Crystals — and the state of this world.”

The heavy doors closed behind them.

And the shadows of Noctara began to move once more.

---

Scene Transition – Back on Earth

Light pierced through darkness.

A holographic dungeon shimmered into existence — the entrance exam grounds.

Omega raised his shield just in time, blocking the Goblin Boss’s downward strike. The force rippled through his arms, nearly breaking them.

He gritted his teeth and pushed back with every ounce of strength he had.

The impact opened a brief window. Hex darted forward, lightning dancing along his blade.

One precise slash — and the Boss fell, smoking, lifeless.

Jennifer exhaled hard, lowering her bow. “I thought that was the end for us… Guess you really are the real deal, Hex.”

Hex smiled, brushing dust from his shoulder. “Took you long enough to say that. But hey, Omega’s the real MVP here.”

“M-me?” Omega stammered. “I didn’t really do much.”

Kazeem grunted impatiently. “Yeah, yeah. You can flirt with death later. Let’s get out before the gate closes.”

The portal behind them began to hum. The group leapt through, landing back on the academy platform just as it sealed shut.

Their results appeared moments later: F-Class.

“All of you,” the instructor announced firmly. “Collect your uniforms and dorm assignments. Your emblem marks your level, and it functions as communicator, currency, and GPS. Treat it as your lifeline.”

Omega’s emblem lit up: Room 17.

Kazeem — Room 15.

Hex — Room 20.

Hex leaned closer with a grin. “Hey, Omega. What’s yours?”

“Room 17,” Omega replied.

“Perfect.” Hex smirked, tapping his wristband. “Don’t worry. We’ll be roommates.”

Before Omega could respond, Hex swapped rooms with another student in seconds.

And just like that — the storm and the quiet one became roommates.

Somewhere deep inside Omega’s chest, that faint spark flickered again.

The one from the dungeon.

The one he still couldn’t explain.

Whatever it was — this was just the beginning.