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The World of Beryon… a Dying Land
Beryon was in shambles. No—worse. It had become a living hell no soul wished to endure. Among the ashes of fallen kingdoms and shattered hope, a secret organization emerged from the shadows, unknown to the masses. They called themselves The Dawn Wardens.
At the head of this hidden rebellion stood the enigmatic librarian—John Shelby. A man of silence and secrets, yet one whose resolve burned brighter than any flame. He was among the few who once believed in Grind during the darkest days of his life. To Grind, no man was more worthy of respect.
John was not alone in his efforts. Within the quiet halls of his library worked two companions—Harry and Isabella. Though not official members of the organization, their true task was clear: uncover the hidden truths of the world. As for The Dawn Wardens, their mission was absolute—free the world from the Demon's grasp.
One day, John revealed everything to Grind. And together... they descended into the depths beneath the earth.
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Beneath the Library – The Forgotten Prison
The underground chamber was shrouded in suffocating darkness. With a flick of John's fingers, a flickering light pierced the gloom, revealing a rusted cell—inside, a man scarred beyond recognition, his face hidden behind a black mask.
"So... after all these years, you've come, old man," the prisoner rasped. "Would you like me to continue the story?"
His voice was heavy—haunted.
Grind narrowed his eyes.
"Can you repeat the tale, Thanos?"
Thanos's mask tilted slightly.
"And who's the child with you? A new recruit?"
"I'm Grind Fland. Once a warrior of the Beryon squads... now, I walk alone."
Thanos let out a breath, and the tale began.
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The Demon's Whisper
"After the Great Demon War, thirty years ago… something changed in me. That night, I lost control—as if a curse took root in my soul. I felt like a servant to the Demon himself. So I ran… I abandoned my comrades… I had to, or their blood would be on my hands.
My mind was no longer my own. I was drawn to a place… guided by a man with eyes colder than death. That night, I learned the truth...
The Demon... is always right.
Always. Always. Always—"
"Step back, Grind!" John shouted suddenly.
The air trembled as John raised a crystal. A Seal Crystal—an ancient artifact that could halt any disturbance.
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A Chilling Revelation
Grind turned to John. "Tell me the truth… is Raven being controlled by the Demon?"
John froze. His eyes widened in shock.
"That friend you once spoke of…" he muttered. "It's possible, Grind. Come. We must return to the library. There's something you need to know."
Back in the candle-lit study, John's voice turned grave.
"Grind… who do you think is humanity's greatest enemy? The Demon? Or... humanity itself?"
Grind's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying, John?"
"What if… the Black Organization serves the Demon? What if our enemies are not demons… but humans who've surrendered to them? I've pondered this theory for years."
He leaned in.
"So tell me… do you want the power of the Celestial Star, Grind?"
Grind's heart pounded.
"You… you know where it is? Please… tell me everything!"
John nodded solemnly.
"The Star's power must be claimed—before the Demon does. It lies hidden… in a realm beyond our own. A world they call The Greater World."
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The Greater World – A Secret Never Told
"A world?" Grind echoed.
John answered, "No one knows of its existence—not even the children of Beryon. But this world is vast… 300 nations span across it. Those who hate Beryon call it the Demon World. They believe demons are born there.
But in that realm… it is known as the World of the Gods.
Once… I saw that world, Grind. A city where joy filled the air, where people lived in peace. Towering buildings, endless lights. But then… in the blink of an eye, I stood again on Beryon's icy mountains.
That city… it holds secrets the world cannot yet understand."
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A Memory Reawakened
Grind's thoughts spiraled. A voice echoed from his past.
"Listen, Grind," Raven had once told him. "There is a land no one can reach. Let's go there together—someday."
Young Grind had asked, "Where is that land, Raven?"
And Raven had smiled, "We'll find it when we're older."
Now, Grind's voice trembled. "Raven… he mentioned that land, John. I heard it from his lips."
John's eyes widened, excitement flashing through his aged face.
"At last! Someone else seeks it. Did he tell you anything else?"
"I don't remember much... But he knew it existed. Do you know where it is, John?"
John shook his head slowly. "Not exactly. That day… I had just finished a brutal battle. My body was broken. I stumbled into that city… but how I got there remains a mystery."
Their conversation ended, and Grind left the study.
Outside, he encountered Xairos—another warrior—and with him, a girl named Arina.
"Grind," she greeted him warmly. "So... you've joined the team?"
Grind nodded. "Yes, Lady Arina. But… where is my room?"
"Go see Venil, he'll guide you."
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A Quiet Night – Grind's Solitude
In the quiet of his room, Grind sat in the dark, haunted by memories.
"Can I… bring you back?" he whispered.
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A New Day Begins
At sunrise, the team gathered at the long dining table, their laughter echoing through the hall.
Grind looked around.
"Where's Old John?" he asked Isla as she served food.
"He's gone to the library," she replied. "He also told me to give you this."
She handed Grind a sealed letter—it contained coordinates. A location where one could strengthen their Crystal of Use.
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An Invitation to Power
Later, Kris approached Grind.
"There's a place, Grind. A hidden spot that'll make you stronger. Will you come with me?"
Grind shook his head gently. "I have other matters to attend to, Kris… not yet."
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A Mysterious Meeting
Grind made his way into the heart of Beryon—into an old shop that sold ancient weapons. Behind the counter stood a man, eyes sharp and calm.
Grind stepped forward.
"Are you... Master Mayo?"
The man smirked.
"So, you're the new recruit. Come. We have much to discuss."
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