Akiko's mind was reeling. The man's words echoed in her head like a ringing bell. "The last of your kind..." She repeated the words under her breath. "What do you mean?"
The man finally stepped closer to her, his shadowy form still unreadable, but his presence was undeniable. He spoke again, his voice low and solemn. "The curse that has plagued this world is not a mere affliction. It is a consequence of a forgotten war—one that was fought long before even the first of your people walked this earth. You, Akiko, are the descendant of those who sealed away the power that now threatens this world."
Akiko's stomach churned as the weight of his words settled into her mind. "A war? Sealed power? What are you talking about? What does this have to do with me?"
The man turned to the stone structure, his hand tracing the ancient carvings etched into the surface. "This is the doorway to the forgotten realm. The power that was sealed here is the very force that controls the world—the same force that corrupted your village and others like it. The curse is not a disease or a natural disaster. It is the result of that power being disturbed. And now, it is awakening."
Akiko's breath hitched. "The curse... the darkness I saw... it's all connected to this?"
The man nodded. "Yes. And you, Akiko, are the only one who can stop it. But the path you must take is fraught with danger. There is no turning back once you begin."
The weight of his words sank deep into her, and Akiko found herself at a loss for what to do next. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, but one thought kept pushing to the forefront of her mind.
"I need to find Kaito. He has to know this too."
The man's eyes narrowed, though they were still obscured in shadow. "Kaito is no longer the person you once knew. He has become part of this world, part of the curse itself. You may find him, but he will be different—if you find him at all."
Akiko felt a pang of fear, but she quickly pushed it aside. "I have to try. I can't let him become lost to this."