> [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."
---
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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