Chapter 103 - The Sky Let's Judgement
A brilliant wave of starlight spread across the heavens.
The black chains surrounding Lucien shattered into thousands of crystal fragments.
For a single heartbeat...
The sky was silent.
Then—
Lucien opened his eyes.
Their golden radiance had returned.
He looked down at his trembling hands.
"I..."
"I'm free?"
Kai smiled.
"You never stopped fighting."
---
Lady Vesper rushed forward.
"Commander!"
Lucien staggered but remained standing.
"I thought..."
"I thought I was lost."
He looked at Kai.
"I heard your voice."
"It gave me something to hold onto."
---
The Codex of the Beast Sovereign shimmered.
Soul Restoration Complete
Lucien
Possession:
0%
Soul Integrity:
100%
Status:
Recovered
---
Before anyone could celebrate...
The entire floating continent shook violently.
Another golden pillar snapped.
The Temple tilted sharply.
Massive pieces of marble broke away, falling into the endless sea of clouds below.
---
Temple Integrity
34%...
33%...
32%...
---
Caelum pointed toward the temple's centre.
"The Sky Key!"
A pillar of blue-white light erupted from the highest tower.
But something stood before it.
A lone warrior in ancient silver armour.
He held a spear forged from pure starlight.
White wings extended from his back.
His face was hidden behind an ornate helmet.
The air around him felt timeless.
---
The Codex analysed the figure.
Ancient Guardian
Asterion
Title:
First Sky Warden
Role:
Keeper of the Sky Key
Status:
Spiritual Guardian
---
Asterion lowered his spear.
His voice echoed across the floating continent.
"Only one who carries the will of every Guardian..."
"...may claim the Sky Key."
Kai stepped forward.
"I seek the key."
Asterion slowly nodded.
"Then prove your heart."
---
The world around them vanished.
Kai suddenly stood alone in an endless sky.
There was no ground.
Only floating stars.
Before him appeared seven doors.
Each bore the symbol of one Star Fragment.
A voice echoed.
"Choose one."
Kai looked carefully.
Then smiled.
"I refuse."
The voice became colder.
"You refuse the trial?"
Kai shook his head.
"The Guardians never walked separate paths."
"If I choose one..."
"I'll betray the other six."
---
The seven doors trembled.
Then slowly merged into one enormous gate.
Asterion appeared once more.
For the first time...
He removed his helmet.
He was neither old nor young.
His silver eyes shone like the morning sky.
A gentle smile crossed his face.
"You have understood."
"The Origin Keys do not belong to individuals."
"They belong to unity."
---
Outside the trial...
The Sky Temple stopped collapsing.
The remaining five pillars glowed brilliantly.
Blue light spread across every broken stone.
Sections of the temple began rebuilding themselves.
---
The Codex displayed a new message.
Trial Complete
Keeper's Judgment
Result:
Perfect
---
A small crystal descended from the heavens.
Unlike the Star Fragments...
It resembled an ancient key carved from sapphire crystal.
Tiny stars floated inside it.
Asterion placed it into Kai's hands.
"The Sky Key chooses you."
---
Origin Key Obtained
Sky Key
Progress:
1 / 3
Abilities Unlocked:
- Celestial Flight
- Sky Gate Resonance
- Origin Temple Access
---
As Kai accepted the key...
Asterion's body began dissolving into countless particles of light.
"My duty..."
"...is finally complete."
He looked toward Lucien.
"The Star Wardens were never meant to rule."
"They were meant to guide."
Lucien knelt respectfully.
"I swear..."
"...I will restore our order."
Asterion smiled proudly.
Then vanished into the morning sky.
---
Far beyond the floating continent...
Inside the sealed Gate of Origins...
The first colossal lock rotated.
CLANG!
A deep voice echoed from within the darkness.
"One key..."
"...has returned."
The Chain Sovereign had felt it.
And for the first time...
Something behind the Gate answered.