The Sage

As Eclipse Zero stepped through the grand gates of Lunaris Sanctum, the atmosphere immediately shifted.

The city wasn't like Requiem Prime or any other major capital they had visited.

Here, there were no bustling markets filled with merchants shouting their deals. No guards patrolling the streets in full armor.

Instead—this place felt quiet. Tranquil.

The streets were lined with glowing crystal lamps, casting a soft blue light over the ancient stone pathways. Tall libraries stood on every corner, their ornate silver doors carved with Arcana symbols, each leading to massive collections of knowledge.

Eclipse Zero walked slowly, taking in their surroundings.

The scent of old parchment and ink filled the air, mixing with the warmth of fresh bread from a small cook store near the edge of the plaza.

Scholars and researchers—many dressed in flowing white and navy robes—moved between buildings, carrying stacks of books, scrolls, and glowing Arcana tablets.

The entire city seemed to breathe knowledge.

Nathan's eyes darted everywhere, struggling to take it all in.

"This place is insane," he muttered. "There's a library every five steps!"

Darius snorted. "Yeah, well, don't get too excited. Books won't save you in a fight."

Ethan, looking mildly impressed, adjusted his gloves. "Depends on the book."

Lena sighed. "Let's just focus. Where's the Sage?"

Hugo, walking at the front, glanced around, his expression calm but curious.

"We find the biggest library," he said simply. "That's where they'll be."

And with that, Eclipse Zero continued deeper into the city.

Eclipse Zero walked through the center of Lunaris Sanctum, following Hugo's instinct to the largest library in the city—the Grand Archive.

The building was massive, carved into the very mountain itself, its towering silver doors engraved with celestial markings of the Corona, Luna, and Voltra Cores.

Scholars whispered as Hugo and the others passed.

They had heard rumors.

The Hero of the Eclipse had arrived.

Inside, the Grand Archive was endless—towering shelves of ancient texts and glowing Arcana scrolls filled the hall. Floating wisps of light drifted between aisles, guiding researchers to knowledge hidden in the depths of history.

At the very back of the chamber, seated within a circular meditation hall, was the Sage of Lunaris Sanctum.

A tall, serene figure, cloaked in deep blue robes, their face partially concealed beneath a silver-trimmed hood. Their eyes shimmered like the stars, an ethereal presence of wisdom and understanding.

The Sage slowly lifted their gaze, their eyes immediately locking onto Cosmos.

And then—they frowned.

A pulse of ancient energy rippled through the air.

"...I see."

Their voice was deep, but calm, carrying the weight of ages past.

"You wish for my guidance."

Hugo nodded. "I need to reawaken Eclipse Mode."

The Sage did not react at first. Instead, their gaze darkened.

"That sword is not what it once was."

A tense silence filled the room.

The Sage's expression remained unmoved.

"I sense the Voltra corruption within its core. Your connection to Corona and Luna has been severed. You cannot wield Eclipse Mode… because you are no longer the same warrior who once mastered it."

Hugo's grip on Cosmos tightened.

"I'll fix it."

The Sage sighed. "It is not a question of fixing anything. It is a question of accepting what has already changed."

Hugo frowned. "Then you won't help?"

The Sage was silent for a long moment.

Then, they looked past Hugo—at Eclipse Zero.

They studied Lena's determined stance, Ethan's steadfast resolve, Stella's unwavering eyes, Darius' casual but ready posture, Nathan's burning ambition, and Iris' calm but sharp focus.

"…Interesting."

Their gaze returned to Hugo.

"You still carry wounds from the past. You cannot achieve balance because you are still trapped by what you once were."

Hugo remained silent.

The Sage's voice softened slightly.

"If you wish to reawaken Eclipse Mode, then you must first achieve inner peace. You must accept what has changed, let go of the burdens you still carry."

The air grew still.

Finally, the Sage nodded.

"I will help you."

Eclipse Zero exhaled in relief.

"But understand this," the Sage continued. "This will not be a battle of strength, but of the soul. If you cannot face what is within, then you will never move forward."

Hugo met their gaze, his white eyes steady.

"I'm ready."

The Sage closed their eyes.

"Then we begin."