The Hall of Origins
362 Words
The Last Door of Time
Chapter 13: The Hall of Origins
As the golden doorway closed behind him, complete silence filled the air.
Aditya looked around.
He stood inside an enormous hall carved from white crystal. Thousands of glowing clocks floated in the air, but none of them moved.
At the center of the hall stood a single throne made of light.
A calm voice echoed through the chamber.
"Welcome, Aditya Patel."
A figure slowly appeared.
He wore shining silver armor, and a crown of stars floated above his head.
"I am Aurelius, the First Time Keeper."
Aditya bowed respectfully.
"I've heard about you in the ancient legends."
Aurelius smiled.
"Legends only tell half the truth."
With a wave of his hand, the walls transformed into living memories.
Aditya watched the birth of the Chronos Realm.
He saw the First Time Keepers creating the Sword of Time, the Pocket Watch, and the Crown of Eternity to protect every timeline.
Then the vision changed.
A young guardian appeared beside Aurelius.
His name was Kael.
"He was my greatest student," Aurelius said quietly.
Aditya immediately recognized him.
"The Shadow Keeper..."
Aurelius nodded sadly.
"Yes. His heart was once filled with kindness. But his fear of losing the people he loved drove him to seek absolute control over time. In trying to prevent every tragedy, he became the very darkness he feared."
Aditya remained silent.
"Can he still be saved?" he finally asked.
"For every shadow," Aurelius replied, "there is a chance for light. But the choice must be his."
Suddenly, the Hall began to shake.
The floating clocks cracked one by one.
A dark portal ripped open above the throne.
The Shadow Keeper stepped through it.
"You always fill his mind with hope," he said coldly.
Aurelius stood.
"And you still have a choice, Kael."
The Shadow Keeper's eyes flickered for a moment.
Then he raised his black sword.
"My choice was made long ago."
Dark energy flooded the Hall of Origins.
Aditya drew the Sword of Time.
The greatest battle he had ever faced was about to begin.
End of Chapter 13
Coming in Chapter 14: The Battle for the Hall of Origins
- Writer
