Inside a massive underground hall, silence ruled over every corner like an invisible curse. The ceiling towered high above, supported by ancient black pillars covered in mysterious carvings that seemed older than history itself. Cracks along the stone walls emitted faint golden light, illuminating the darkness with an eerie glow that made the atmosphere feel unnatural and suffocating.
At the center of the hall, a gigantic symbol was engraved into the floor. The ancient mark radiated golden energy that pulsed slowly like the heartbeat of some slumbering beast. Every pulse sent waves of pressure through the air, causing even the cloaked figures surrounding it to remain perfectly still.
Several mysterious individuals stood around the glowing symbol in complete silence. Their long black robes concealed their appearances entirely, hiding their faces beneath deep shadows. None of them dared to move carelessly. The only sound that could be heard was the distant echo of dripping water somewhere within the endless underground ruins.
The atmosphere was cold.
Terrifying.
Heavy with tension.
Then, one of the cloaked members stepped forward. His footsteps echoed softly across the enormous chamber as he lowered his head respectfully.
"We have confirmed the locations of the twins," he reported.
His voice was calm, yet it carried a hint of uneasiness.
Another figure immediately spoke from the opposite side of the circle.
"And the Red Moon child?"
The moment those words were spoken, the air itself seemed to freeze.
At the front of the gathering stood a man whose golden eyes glowed brightly beneath the darkness of his hood. Unlike the others, he radiated overwhelming authority. Even without revealing his face, his presence alone was enough to make the others lower their heads.
A slow smile appeared on his lips.
"We found him as well."
Silence instantly consumed the hall.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
The sound of the glowing symbol pulsing beneath their feet became the only thing filling the room.
The name of the Red Moon child carried fear even among the members of the Aurelius Circle. For years, they had searched across kingdoms, ruins, and forbidden lands just to find him. Many believed the child was merely a legend connected to an ancient prophecy.
But now…
He truly existed.
One of the members finally gathered enough courage to speak.
"Should we eliminate him immediately?"
His question echoed carefully through the hall, almost as if he feared the answer itself.
The golden-eyed man slowly lifted his gaze.
"No."
His voice was deep and absolute.
"The prophecy requires him alive."
Several members exchanged uneasy glances beneath their hoods. None of them questioned the prophecy openly, yet fear lingered within their hearts.
Suddenly, a soft female voice echoed from the darkness near the edge of the hall.
"What if he refuses to cooperate?"
The mysterious woman remained hidden within the shadows, revealing only her glowing silver eyes.
The golden-eyed man turned toward her slowly.
For a brief moment, the entire hall became unbearably tense.
Then he spoke calmly.
"Then Arkhan will drown in blood."
The moment those words left his mouth, the giant symbol beneath them shone brighter than before. Golden light flooded the chamber violently as if reacting to the terrifying future he had just spoken of.
Several members unconsciously stepped back.
Even among the Aurelius Circle, the destruction of Arkhan was not something spoken about lightly.
Far above the underground ruins, beneath the quiet evening sky, the world remained completely unaware of the danger slowly approaching.
Deep within a peaceful forest, Red sat quietly beside a flowing river. The soft sound of water moving across the rocks created a calm atmosphere that completely contrasted the terrifying darkness beneath the earth.
The young boy stared silently at his own reflection on the surface of the river.
The flowing water distorted his image slightly, causing his crimson eyes to flicker beneath the moonlight.
For some reason…
His chest hurt.
It was not a normal pain.
It felt strange.
Heavy.
As if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart from afar.
Red slowly placed his hand over his chest and frowned.
"Why do I feel like someone is watching me…?"
The cold evening wind brushed past the trees, causing the leaves to rustle softly around him.
A strange feeling crept into his mind.
Danger.
Even though he did not understand why, his instincts screamed that something terrible was approaching.
Before Red could think further, a warm hand suddenly rested gently on his shoulder.
Red turned around in surprise.
"Uncle…?"
Behind him stood Uncle Star with his usual calm expression. The older man smiled softly, but for some reason, his eyes carried deep sadness tonight.
"Kid…" Uncle Star said quietly. "If danger ever comes… promise me you'll run."
Red blinked in confusion.
"Run…?"
He did not understand why Uncle Star suddenly said something like that.
The forest village had always been peaceful.
No monsters.
No wars.
No danger.
At least… that was what Red believed.
"Uncle… what are you talking about?"
But Uncle Star simply smiled.
A tired smile.
One filled with emotions Red could not understand.
"Just promise me."
The boy hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding.
"Okay…"
Uncle Star gently patted Red's head before looking toward the distant night sky beyond the forest.
His expression slowly darkened.
Because deep inside his heart…
He knew the truth.
The peaceful days were almost over.
Far away, hidden beneath layers of darkness and secrecy…
The Aurelius Circle had already begun moving.
And once they started…
Nothing in Arkhan would ever remain the same again.