Chapter 7: Shadows of the Past and Sacrifice
Inside the Crystal
Kano opened his eyes, but what he saw wasn't the Gravantis Library. He found himself in an unfamiliar place that resembled an ancient city, filled with towering ruins and walls etched with runic symbols. A cold wind blew, carrying whispers that he couldn't decipher.
"Where am I?" he muttered.
"Welcome to Astralis," answered a voice—the man he had seen before. The shadowy figure stood before Kano, now appearing more tangible. His face seemed familiar, as though Kano had seen him somewhere before.
"Astralis?" Kano asked, confused. "What is this place? And who are you?"
The shadow smirked faintly. "This is where it all began. Before the fall of your old world, before your rebirth. And I... I am who you were meant to be. My name... or your name... is Kanorion."
Kano's eyes widened. "Kanorion? That's impossible. I'm just an ordinary human from my old world."
Kanorion stepped closer, pointing at the runes on Kano's body. "Look at these symbols. You think you were resurrected by chance? No, Kano. You were part of a grand experiment. In the past, you were a warrior chosen to be the vessel of this ancient power. But when the old world fell, your soul was preserved... until it was found again in this world."
Kano felt his head spin. "I don't believe it. If that's true, why don't I remember anything?"
"That's why we're here," Kanorion said. "You must see what happened. Only then will you understand your destiny."
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A Hidden Past
Kanorion raised his hand, and the scenery around them shifted. Kano now stood in the midst of a battlefield. Soldiers armed with advanced weapons fought against massive creatures that looked like dragons, but their bodies were augmented with technology.
Kano saw himself in the middle of the chaos, wearing the same black armor he had seen in the mirror. He was leading the troops, using the runes on his body to unleash devastating attacks on the enemies. The power was immense, but every time he used his magic, his body seemed to weaken, as though something was draining his energy.
"You were the leader of humanity's last forces," Kanorion explained. "We tried to fight against the destruction brought by Voidus, but... we failed. You, I... we are the reason for that failure."
Kano watched as his past self made a pact with a massive shadowy figure that resembled Voidus. Its voice was deep and resonant. "Give me your body, and I will grant you the power to stop them."
"I... made a deal with Voidus?" Kano asked, horrified.
"Not just a deal," Kanorion replied. "You gave him everything. That's why you died. Your body couldn't withstand the power. But Voidus preserved your soul, waiting for the moment you would be reborn."
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A Difficult Choice
The scene shifted again. This time, Kano saw himself in his current world, fighting cursed dragons and shadow wolves. Each time he used his runes, his power grew stronger, but he also lost more control.
Kanorion stood beside him. "That power still belongs to Voidus. If you keep using it recklessly, you'll become his puppet—just as I once was."
"I don't want to be anyone's puppet!" Kano shouted.
"Then you must make a choice," Kanorion said. He raised his hand, and two doors appeared before Kano.
"The first door will return you to your original body, freeing you from the runes' power. You'll become a normal human, but you'll never be able to protect those you care about."
Kano looked at the door, which glowed with a white light. "And the second door?"
"The second door will give you complete control over your power, but it means fully accepting Voidus. You'll gain the strength to protect this world, but you'll lose a part of yourself. You will never be human again."
The second door glowed with a dark blue light, the symbols of his runes shining on its surface.
Kano stood in silence, pondering his decision. On one hand, he longed for a peaceful life free of darkness. But he knew this world needed his strength. Reina, Master Arvyn, and his guildmates had fought beside him. They trusted him.
"Choose wisely," Kanorion said. "Your destiny is in your own hands."
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Return to the Real World
After a long moment, Kano stepped toward one of the doors. He said nothing, letting his resolve speak for itself. As he touched the door, the entire world around him spun, and he was thrust back into his body.
In the Gravantis Library, Reina and the others saw Kano awaken, his eyes glowing brightly. The runes on his body now appeared more vibrant, but his aura had changed—more stable, more powerful.
"You're back!" Reina exclaimed, her eyes filled with worry. "What happened in there?"
Kano took a deep breath and replied, "I've found out who I truly am. And I've decided not to run anymore. I'll fight. For all of you."
But in the corner of the room, Kanorion's shadowy figure stood, watching Kano with a faint smile.
"Your journey has only just begun," he murmured before vanishing.
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End of Chapter 7
With greater control over his powers, Kano now stands at the threshold of a new path. Yet his choice carries consequences he doesn't fully understand. As more of his past is unveiled, the road ahead promises danger, betrayal, and sacrifice.