Chapter 4 – The Sign of Ruin
Dante stood still as a strange warmth spread through his entire body. It wasn't painful—it felt empowering, like a current of divine energy coursing through his veins. His eyes widened. He looked at his hands, glowing faintly with a deep red aura.
"I… I don't know," Dante said. "I feel something… like a god."
Ronan, standing nearby, blinked in awe. "Hey, Grandpa—what is that on his chest?"
Ojjisan turned sharply, eyes narrowing as he saw a symbol burning bright over Dante's heart—shaped like a crumbling circle surrounded by dark flames.
"The Sign of Ruin…" Ojjisan muttered, stepping closer. "I've only read about it in ancient books. Legends and forbidden articles. It hasn't appeared in a thousand years."
Dante furrowed his brow. "What's the Sign of Ruin supposed to mean?"
Ojjisan exhaled deeply. "It's a prophecy. The one who bears this sign is the chosen one. Chosen by destiny to either bring salvation… or complete destruction."
Ronan's jaw dropped. "Whoa… So Dante's like, a god or something?"
Dante raised an eyebrow. "Wait, am I? A god?"
Ojjisan chuckled softly. "I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. You're… different. That much is certain. Flow itself has recognized you."
The air around them pulsed lightly, as if responding to Dante's presence.
"Alright," Ojjisan clapped his hands, breaking the tension. "Let's continue the session. Ronan, step into the Chamber of Flow."
Ronan nodded and stepped into the circular chamber filled with shimmering energy strands. As he stood in the center, the room began to hum.
Ojjisan watched carefully as the strands reacted to Ronan's presence. "Hmmm. Good. You have a healthy flow level—stronger than average."
Ronan smiled, relieved. "So I'm not weak after all."
"No," Ojjisan replied. "You're not Dante—but you are strong. Everyone plays their role. Even the chosen one cannot do it alone."
As he said this, he glanced again at the symbol on Dante's chest. It was dimmer now, but still there.
---
Far across the realm, at the towering headquarters of the Union Enforcers Association (UEA), a different kind of energy brewed.
On the highest floor of the obsidian tower, Asher Bartholomew, the Chairman of the UEA, stood before a round table surrounded by generals and top officials. His white beard and piercing eyes gave him a presence that demanded respect.
"So," Asher said, his voice deep and commanding, "how is the enforcer training progressing?"
One of the generals stood and bowed. "Sir, training is going smoothly. The new recruits are adapting well. However, we recommend increasing defense forces near the outer realms. There have been reports of strange flow spikes."
Asher stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm… Flow disturbances near the outskirts? Has it reached the government yet?"
"Not yet, sir."
"Inform them immediately," Asher ordered. "And prepare the Shadow Squad. If the rumors of the Sign of Ruin are true… we may be entering a new age of conflict."
The room went silent.
Asher looked out through the glass wall behind him, watching the distant storm clouds swirling over the horizon. "The world is shifting. The old balance is cracking. Something—or someone—is coming."
---
Back in the training chamber, Dante stood near the wall, silent. Ronan was still in the chamber, now practicing minor flow manipulations. He summoned a sphere of wind, then a spark of light.
But Dante couldn't focus.
He touched his chest where the sign had appeared. Though invisible now, he could still feel its presence—like something ancient had marked him.
"Ojjisan…" Dante said quietly. "Why me?"
The old man looked at him, eyes full of mystery and sadness. "Maybe because the world is broken. And someone has to face what's coming."
Dante looked down. His hands were still trembling—whether from fear or power, he couldn't tell.
But one thing was clear.
Everything had changed.