The Oathbound Eclipse

> [You are Marked.] [Visibility across all Floors: Increased.] [Memory-born Entities may awaken in your presence.] [Warning: You may no longer hide.]

Those were the words that echoed inside Seo Joon's mind as he stepped into the quiet glade.

The chaos of the battle was behind them.

The forest parted suddenly—revealing a circular stone platform, etched with glowing blue veins and surrounded by floating orbs of light.

> [You have discovered: The Resting Zone – Whispering Grove]

Kael muttered, "I've only heard rumors of these… They say even the Tower avoids speaking here."

Yu-ri tilted her head. "Why?"

He gestured at the ancient carvings. "Because this is where the Tower remembers."

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The Grove Speaks

As they stepped onto the platform, silence fell.

Too complete.

Even breath felt too loud.

Then, the orbs blinked—revealing spectral eyes.

A voice boomed, neither male nor female. Old as galaxies.

> "You carry fire once lost to time." "You are seen. You are chosen. But not yet ready."

Seo Joon stepped forward. "Who chose me?"

The orbs pulsed.

> "Not who. What. The Flame did." "The Second Flame is not power. It is rebellion." "Its last bearer burned a god's name from history. You may do worse."

Yu-ri whispered, "What does the Tower want from us?"

> "Climb." "Struggle." "Break… or bend."

Kael asked softly, "What happens if he reaches the Tenth Floor with the Mark?"

The voice paused.

Then answered:

> "Then chains will break that were never meant to exist."

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Visions

The orbs hovered around Seo Joon—projecting visions into the air.

He saw...

Himself, older, cloaked in shadow and fire, walking through an army that bowed in silence.

A shattered sky, raining light.

A chained eclipse.

Yu-ri, standing alone on a battlefield, holding Seo Joon's body.

A throne. Empty. Waiting.

Seo Joon clenched his fists.

"Are these visions… prophecy?"

The voice replied:

> "No. They are possibilities. The Tower does not bind futures—only tests the path to them."

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A Choice

At the center of the platform, a new flame appeared.

Soft blue. Cold.

> [Would you like to seal the Mark?] [If yes: You will walk hidden once more, but your flame shall remain dormant.] [If no: Your presence will stir higher powers. The Tower will not protect you.]

Yu-ri looked at him. "You don't have to carry this alone."

Kael added, "This is the last quiet place you'll see for a long time."

Seo Joon looked down at his hand.

The Second Flame pulsed.

Alive.

Waiting.

He stepped forward—and refused the seal.

> [Choice Registered.] [Mark Confirmed.] [You are now classified as: Flameborn.]

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Departure

As they turned to leave the Grove, the orbs pulsed once more.

> "Floor Four awaits: The Hollow Citadel." "There, memory takes form." "And the Tower will show you what you have forgotten…"

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