allen_manhwa

In a world where science and mysticism intertwine, and where supernatural powers stem from ancient secrets and unknown entities, a young man named Elias Corvin wakes up in the body of another person within a city teeming with conspiracies and hidden truths. With no clear memories of his past life, he soon discovers that he has inherited a mysterious legacy tied to the Grand Talisman Codex—a legendary artifact said to hold the forbidden knowledge of ascension.

But there's a problem... Every previous owner of this book has either vanished under mysterious circumstances or transformed into something inhuman. Yet, Elias finds himself unable to rid himself of it, as he begins to see beings that do not belong to this world and hear whispers revealing secrets of the cosmos.

As time passes, he learns that the world is governed by hidden Orders, each seeking to control absolute knowledge. While uncovering the enigma surrounding his fate, he begins to trace the path of the Lost Sequence, a power system believed to be cursed—where all who tread it either become the Lord of Shadows or succumb to existential erosion.

Lord of Shadows: Rise of the Grand Talisman

Chapter 39: The First Revelation

The chamber remained eerily silent, save for the flickering of the torches. Elias could still feel the presence pressing at the edges of his thoughts, like an unseen force testing his mind. The others had not spoken since the ritual ended, their expressions ranging from quiet determination to barely concealed fear.

The masked speaker stepped forward. "You have been acknowledged. That is more than most can claim."

Elias met the speaker's gaze, though the mask hid any true expression. "Acknowledged by what?"

The speaker's smile was slight. "That is for you to discover."

Before Elias could press further, the doors at the far end of the chamber groaned open. Two hooded figures entered, their movements precise and controlled. One of them carried a rolled parchment, sealed with wax. The other held a small, dark vial.

The speaker gestured toward the parchment. "This contains your first true task. A test, if you will. Consider it your introduction to the deeper workings of the unseen world."

Elias reached out and took the parchment. As soon as his fingers touched it, a faint chill ran up his arm. He carefully broke the seal and unrolled the message. The words were written in an old, elegant script:

Seek the whispering door. The city does not sleep as it seems. Follow the forgotten path beneath the bell tower. Midnight will show the way.

Elias frowned. The instructions were cryptic, but he could sense their significance.

Leira read over his shoulder. "This… sounds like it's leading us somewhere specific."

The speaker inclined his head. "It is. You are no longer just an observer, Elias. The path you walk now will demand more than curiosity. It will demand proof of your resolve."

Elias rolled the parchment back up and tucked it into his coat. "And the vial?"

The other hooded figure stepped forward, holding out the small glass container. A dark liquid swirled inside, shifting in color when it caught the light.

The speaker's voice was softer now. "A safeguard. The veil is thin where you are going. This will ensure you are not... pulled too far."

Elias took the vial carefully, his fingers tightening around the cool glass. He didn't ask what would happen if he didn't use it.

The speaker stepped aside, motioning toward the now-open doorway. "Go. Midnight approaches."

Elias and Leira exchanged a glance. There was hesitation in her eyes, but she nodded.

Without another word, they stepped forward, leaving the chamber behind.

The city streets were nearly empty when they emerged from the underground halls. The sky above was a deep, endless black, the stars hidden behind thick clouds. Valesh at night had always felt different—quieter, but never truly still.

Leira adjusted her coat. "The bell tower. That means we're heading toward the old district."

Elias nodded. He had been there once before, long ago. The streets in that part of town wound like a labyrinth, lined with crumbling buildings and forgotten passageways. If something was hidden beneath it, they would have to be careful.

The two moved quickly, their footsteps quiet against the cobblestones. The further they went, the more the city seemed to change. The streets became narrower, the buildings taller, leaning inward as if watching them pass.

Then, in the distance—the bell tower.

A single, hollow toll rang out, marking the hour. Midnight.

Elias exhaled, tightening his grip on the parchment. "Time to see where this forgotten path leads."

To Be Continued…