Daoisth2UO3T

In a world where fate is determined by unseen forces, Leon Kairo is cursed—or blessed—with the ability to glimpse the future, but at a cost: he forgets all but the most significant events. Shattered by a traumatic past, Leon battles inner demons while navigating a society riddled with corruption and cruelty.

When he awakens in a parallel world—a place both alien and eerily familiar—Leon discovers his powers have evolved, granting him a "system" tied to the mystical planes of existence. As he unravels secrets about this world, he realizes he’s not just a pawn but a potential player in a divine chess game between the Maker and the Corruptor.

Armed with his unique abilities, Leon must choose: to be humanity's savior, its destroyer, or something entirely new. Along the way, he forges bonds, faces betrayals, and confronts his own fractured psyche.

In this high-stakes world, every move he makes could change the balance of power. The question is, will he play by the rules—or rewrite them?

PARADOX SEER

Chapter 57: Shadows in the Courtroom

The grand chamber of the Vanguard's courtroom stood in solemn silence, its towering columns etched with ancient runes that shimmered faintly in the dim light. The ceiling arched high above, depicting the eternal battle between the Maker and the Corruptor in vivid, haunting detail.

Kealina and Eryndor stood before the Council's long, crescent-shaped dais. The faces of the Council members were obscured by the shadows cast by their ornate hoods, their expressions unreadable. The meeting had just concluded, but the tension in the air lingered like a storm waiting to break.

Kealina's injured eye was covered with a makeshift bandage, the fresh wound a stark reminder of their confrontation with Illarion. Eryndor's arm hung in a sling, his ribs still aching from the battle. Despite their injuries, both stood tall, their presence commanding the attention of those remaining in the chamber.

As the last of the Council members filed out, Chancellor Maris lingered, her sharp eyes studying the pair. Her silver hair glimmered in the muted light, and her expression was one of quiet calculation.

"You've caused quite a stir," she said, her voice cool and measured. "The Council is not pleased with your questions."

Kealina's jaw tightened. "The Council doesn't have to be pleased. They need to be truthful."

Maris arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Truth is a dangerous pursuit, Kealina. Especially when it challenges the foundations of power."

Eryndor stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Foundations built on lies will crumble, Chancellor. You know this as well as we do."

Maris tilted her head, her gaze shifting to Eryndor. "And what do you think you've uncovered? That the Vanguard is flawed? Corrupt? That the Maker and the Corruptor are not what they seem?"

Kealina's voice was sharp. "You tell me, Chancellor. Why was Illarion able to manipulate the Vanguard's resources so easily? Why was the Council so eager to dismiss our findings?"

Maris sighed, her demeanor softening slightly. "You've seen more than most. Fought harder than most. But you must understand, the Vanguard exists to maintain balance—not to question the higher powers. Doubt breeds chaos."

"Perhaps chaos is necessary," Kealina said, her voice low but resolute. "Perhaps the truth lies in the chaos."

Maris regarded her for a long moment before stepping closer. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "There are truths you're not ready to face, Kealina. Doors that, once opened, cannot be closed. Are you prepared for that?"

Eryndor placed a steadying hand on Kealina's shoulder. "We're prepared for whatever it takes. But we won't be pawns in a game we don't understand."

Maris's gaze lingered on them, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded. "If you insist on walking this path, you'll find no allies among the Council. But... there may be others who share your doubts."

She turned to leave, her voice echoing through the chamber. "Seek the Vanguard's archives. The answers you seek may be buried there—but tread carefully. You'll find as many enemies in the shadows as you will in the light."

As her footsteps faded, Kealina and Eryndor exchanged a glance.

"She's hiding something," Kealina said, her tone bitter.

Eryndor nodded. "She's not the only one. But at least we know where to start."

Kealina's gaze shifted to the massive doors leading to the archives. "Then let's start digging. If the Vanguard won't give us answers, we'll take them ourselves."

With renewed determination, they turned and strode toward the archives, unaware that eyes watched them from the shadows, and that their pursuit of the truth would unravel secrets far darker than they could have imagined.

SHADOW'S IN THE COURTROOM