The winds over the empire had changed.
Word spread—of a sovereign cloaked in shadows, of miracles and massacres in the Sanctuary, of a boy with eyes that held three lifetimes.
But among the rumors, truth and illusion danced like fire and fog.
---
Within the Crimson Sky Sect
Whispers grew louder.
Some claimed Serian was a savior.
Others… that he was the storm that would break the world.
In the training grounds, disciples sparred harder. Elder Rina stood watching from the balcony, arms crossed, eyes distant.
> "They think he's a myth," she murmured. "But myths are born from truth."
Behind her, Councilor Hyen approached.
> "He's becoming a problem. A symbol we can't control."
> "No," Rina said softly, "he's becoming something greater."
---
Serian's Isolation
Beneath the moonlight, Serian stood at the edge of a forgotten cliff—where the old world had once burned in war.
In his mind, Azel and Lira spoke.
> "Slaughter them."
"No. Save them."
He gritted his teeth.
> "I told you—I'm not either of you."
From the shadows, a familiar figure appeared—his third self, the Demon Clone.
> "Then why do you sound like me when you're angry?" the clone smirked.
Serian didn't respond. Not at first.
> "Why are you here?" he asked.
> "Because one of your bullies just got promoted to Archbishop. Thought you'd want to know."
Serian's fists clenched.
---
Meanwhile — Hero Clone's Mission
In the capital, the Hero clone was dispatched with his party to subjugate a rebellious border town.
The town never raised a blade.
They welcomed him with songs. With banners. With hope.
And it terrified him.
> "We're not supposed to be gods," he whispered at night. "Then why do they look at me like I am?"
A girl from his party—a fiery mage named Elen—watched him curiously.
> "You dream of someone else again?" she asked.
He nodded.
> "A mirror. A crown. Blood that wasn't mine."
---
Tensions Rising
Elsewhere, war councils formed. Cults gathered. The gods grew restless.
A high priest called a secret conclave.
> "He walks among us. The one who should not exist. The echoes of the War Era are returning."
> "We must prepare."
> "We must kill him before the three become one."
But they were too late.
Serian was no longer just a vessel.
He was the storm.
---
To Be Continued…