The Dimensional Vagabond

Kruel placed a hand on Kael's shoulder, his expression more serious than ever.

> Kruel:

"Listen to me, Kael. This time, you'll have to go through the City of the Forgotten. But know this—this territory wasn't created by our Ancestor. It's… the graveyard of the Kura."

Kael frowned.

> Kael:

"A graveyard?"

> Kruel:

"Yes. And I won't be able to follow you. The gates only open to those who carry the Kura symbol. Everyone who's tried to enter without permission… was found dead at the gates. Bodies dried up. Even though you're not a true Kura, the symbol you carry should be enough to let you through."

Kael nodded firmly.

> Kael:

"All right. I'll go."

---

The Entrance to the City

Kael stepped cautiously toward the massive gates. Dim runes were etched across the black stone. He placed his hand on the door—and instantly, the runes lit up with a golden glow. The gates opened slowly with a heavy groan.

The moment Kael stepped inside, he understood why it was called The City of the Forgotten.

There were no graves. No tombstones. No mausoleums. Instead, houses stood in rows like a frozen town. Deserted. Still. Silent.

A silence deeper than death hung over everything.

Each step Kael took echoed unnaturally, like he was disturbing something sacred.

---

The Throne

In the center of the city, Kael found a floating platform. He jumped onto it and saw a dark, cracked throne—waiting.

He stared at it, wary… then finally sat down.

Instantly, the city came to life.

Children laughed, merchants shouted, lights flickered in windows. It looked like a living town once more.

Kael stood up—everything vanished in an instant.

> Kael (to himself):

"This throne... it's the key. These aren't illusions… they're memories."

He sat again, eyes focused.

---

Echoes of the Past

The vision resumed. Children played in the streets. Music filled the air.

Then—

The sky turned blood red.

An army marched in from the horizon.

Headless riders. Skeletal mages. Wraiths in shattered armor.

And leading them—a woman in a crimson robe. In her hand: a glowing violet stone.

Kael's eyes narrowed as he stared at it.

> Kael:

"Again… They still haven't stopped? Fine. I won't show mercy. I'll correct this anomaly."

The vision flickered and disappeared.

The throne fell dark.

---

The Runic Message

Kael stood. Glowing arrows appeared on the ground, pointing him toward a sealed gate.

He followed them.

When he reached the door, it wouldn't open.

Then, glowing runes appeared on the surface. Kael read them silently:

> "You who have entered this place… If you wish to leave,

you must stop those behind you from doing the same."

Kael turned around slowly.

The army from the vision—now real—stood behind him.

At their front, the woman in red.

> The Woman:

"How long… have I been trapped in here? Cursed be the Kura who sealed me! Every time someone enters, I'm forced to attack. But the runic seal weakens now. Today… I will break free!"

She raised the violet stone.

The army charged.

---

The Battle

Kael sighed.

> Kael:

"She really believes that…?"

His body split into multiple copies. Some charged head-on. Others fired from afar. A few darted around the flanks as distractions.

> Kael (thinking):

"They can't hit all of me at once…"

The spectral army reeled under the sudden assault.

And in the chaos, the real Kael slipped past unnoticed, weaving between broken shadows and crumbling illusions.

He finally reached the woman in red.

His blade rose—ready to strike.