Later that evening, after the party had gone to rest, the Duke remained alone in his private study. The room was silent except for the subtle ticking of an ornate wall clock and the crackling of the fire.

  He stood and walked to a bookshelf near the far wall. His fingers traced the edges of the leather-bound tomes until he found one without a title. Pulling it forward caused a faint click—an unseen mechanism unlocking. The shelf shifted, revealing a secret compartment.

  Inside was a black journal with a golden crest of the royal family—crossed out violently in ink.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  He placed it on his desk and flipped it open to a bookmarked page. His hands trembled slightly.

  > Year 392, Cycle of Dawn — “Project Abyss” has begun. Only the High Seat, the Royal Council, and the Cardinal Circle are aware of it. Its purpose: to control the forces of the void and create the perfect weapon — Abyss Born.”

  > Year 393 — Subject Zero, the first Abyss Born, escaped. We lost over two hundred men. The royal family ordered a complete cover-up. Only the royal heir and the head of the Church know the full truth. The prophecy was altered. The original remains with me.

  The Duke exhaled sharply.

  > “He will descend cloaked in silence, born of two worlds. He will wield the void and bring balance or ruin. The one who survived death shall command the abyss.”

  “...Kazuki,” the Duke whispered. “You’re not just part of the prophecy… you might be the key to ending it.”

  He closed the journal and locked it away once more. As he turned back toward the window, a shadow flickered in the firelight.

  “I hope I didn’t make a mistake… letting you go.”