The Hidden Archive

Chapter 83 — The Hidden Archive

The elder led them through the central district of Verdantia.

The city had already returned to order.

Wounded warriors were being treated.

Children were being moved toward safer areas.

Aether noticed something strange.

Despite the recent attack, the people weren't panicking.

They were organized.

Disciplined.

The elder finally stopped before a massive stone building.

"This is our archive."

The doors opened.

Inside were thousands of ancient tablets.

Aether looked around.

"How much do you know about the Origin Keys?"

The elder sighed.

"Less than we should."

He led them deeper.

At the center of the archive stood a stone tablet.

Six symbols were carved into it.

Wolf.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Serpent.

Moon.

Flame.

Crown.

Spiral.

Aether remembered the symbols from Greyfall.

The elder pointed toward them.

"The keys were created to regulate the Continental Origin Formation."

Evelyn nodded.

"We already know that."

"But you don't know why."

The elder touched the tablet.

A projection appeared.

Six regions appeared across a map.

Each contained a massive Origin Energy source.

"The formation doesn't create Origin Energy."

Aether listened carefully.

"It redirects it."

The elder pointed toward the center.

"And something else."

The projection changed.

The six regions connected to a central point.

Aether's eyes narrowed.

"What is that?"

"We don't know."

The elder shook his head.

"Our ancestors called it the Origin Heart."

Seris frowned.

"Is it a weapon?"

"No."

The elder paused.

"At least, we don't believe so."

Evelyn crossed her arms.

"Then what is it?"

The elder looked at Aether.

"That's the problem."

Aether stepped closer to the projection.

"How many keys are currently active?"

"Four."

The answer surprised him.

"Four?"

The elder nodded.

"Your arrival activated the fourth."

Aether looked at the Verdant Key.

The elder continued.

"Two remain."

"Where?"

The elder pointed toward the northern region.

"One is beyond the Blackridge territory."

Then toward the eastern mountains.

"The other lies somewhere in the Crown Region."

Aether memorized both locations.

Evelyn's expression changed.

"The Crown Region."

"You know it?"

"I've heard stories."

She looked serious.

"No one goes there."

Aether raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because everyone who enters disappears."

The room became quiet.

Aether smiled faintly.

"Sounds interesting."

Lyra sighed.

"I knew you were going to say that."

Aria smiled.

"Of course he was."

Seris looked at Aether.

"You enjoy dangerous places too much."

"Maybe."

Sylvara quietly laughed.

The elder looked at the group.

"There is one more thing."

Aether turned.

"The sixth key isn't in a normal ruin."

"Where is it?"

The elder pointed toward the floor.

"It's moving."

Aether's expression changed.

"Moving?"

The elder nodded.

"According to the ancient records, the final key is carried by a living person."

Everyone became silent.

Aether looked toward the map.

A living key bearer.

That changed everything.

He turned toward the exit.

"Then we find them before Blackridge does."

And this time—

they wouldn't be searching for a ruin.

They would be searching for a person.