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 58: Secrets Among Commanders

The Vanguard's war chamber was a stark, imposing space. A massive circular table of black obsidian dominated the room, its surface etched with glowing runes. Above it, holographic maps flickered, depicting the ever-changing battlefronts of the Maker and the Corruptor.

Commander Arlith stood with his arms crossed, his imposing frame casting a long shadow across the room. His dark armor was battle-worn but well-kept, a testament to his years of service. Across the table stood Councillor Dareth, his expression strained as he absorbed the weight of the news.

"So," Dareth said slowly, his voice low and deliberate. "Illarion is dead."

Arlith's voice was steady, cold. "Kealina and Eryndor confirmed it. The battle cost them dearly—Kealina lost an eye, Eryndor is barely holding on—but they killed him."

Dareth's jaw tightened as he leaned on the table. "Illarion was a traitor, but he was still one of us once. His death leaves a mark on the Vanguard."

"A mark, yes," Arlith agreed, his gaze fixed on the map. "But it's the infection behind it that concerns me. Illarion didn't act alone, Dareth. He had help from within. Someone is pulling strings in the dark, and we need to find them."

Dareth's eyes narrowed. "And you think it could be one of us? The Council? Or the Vanguard itself?"

Arlith turned his piercing gaze to the Councillor. "I think no one is above suspicion. Loyalty is a mask easily worn. That's why I sent Alric to investigate."

Dareth blinked in surprise. "The Quartermaster? Arlith, Alric is resourceful, but he's not an investigator. Why him?"

"Because he's unseen," Arlith replied firmly. "He's a shadow in our ranks. Alric oversees every resource, every supply line. He knows where people go, what they take, and what they leave behind. If there's a crack in our foundation, he'll find it."

Dareth frowned, his tone sharp. "And if he uncovers something, what then? You bypass the Council and act on your own?"

Arlith's lips pressed into a thin line. "If he uncovers something, I'll decide what to do with it. Right now, I can't trust anyone fully—not even you."

Dareth bristled at the implication. "Watch your words, Commander. I serve the Vanguard, just as you do."

Arlith leaned forward, his voice a low growl. "Then prove it. Help me root out the corruption before it consumes us. If you're not part of the problem, don't stand in the way of the solution."

The tension between them was palpable, the air in the chamber heavy with mistrust. Finally, Dareth exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "If Alric finds anything, I want to know immediately. We can't afford to let this fracture deepen."

Arlith gave a curt nod. "Agreed. But remember, Dareth—loyalty to the Vanguard means loyalty to the truth. Not the other way around."

As Dareth turned and left the chamber, Arlith's gaze returned to the maps, his mind racing. The Vanguard was a bastion of strength, but now, it felt fragile—vulnerable to the secrets festering within.

"Alric," he muttered to himself, "find the truth before it's too late."

SECRETS AMONG COMMANDER'S