William_Kom

In a world ruled by magic, bloodlines, and brutal power, Cyrus Aurelius enters Galactus Academy — but unlike others, he has no powers. Trained since birth to become a master strategist, manipulator, and survivor, Cyrus hides a dark secret: he slaughtered his own family to escape their control.

Now, surrounded by the heirs of the Dominion’s most powerful Houses, Cyrus begins his silent climb — observing, calculating, and uncovering secrets far beyond this world. When a mysterious Transgressor appears, offering knowledge of realms unknown, Cyrus faces a dangerous path where power, survival, and existence itself are all part of the game.

Knowledge.

The ancient Vault pulsed gently, as if alive.

Its deep, rhythmic hum echoed through the chamber like a slumbering beast.

The group stood in a loose circle.

Nobody spoke at first — everyone waiting for someone else to make the first move.

Cyrus took a slow breath, his mind working like clockwork.

Selene (smiling, light teasing tone):

"Well then, who wants to play leader?"

Her voice carried confidence, but her eyes studied everyone — reading their reactions carefully.

"There's no need for a leader yet. First, we need to understand what this Vault requires."

Her shadow flickered unnaturally beneath her feet.

"The symbols on the door suggest a multi-soul resonance lock. This means... it responds to multiple bloodlines combined."

Liora (playful tone, twisting her hair):

"How convenient. All of us here, so perfectly selected."

She glanced toward Adrien with a sly smile.

Cyrus stayed silent, eyes flicking between each of them.

> Bloodline resonance... so that's why he gathered us here. Not for our power individually, but together.

That means he couldn't open it alone.

"You've all been brought here because each of you carries a unique key within your blood."

At his name, some of the heirs glanced sideways.

Vynne (quiet mutter, suspicious tone):

"The Aurelius line was wiped out. He shouldn't even exist."

"It doesn't matter who he is. If he can help open the Vault, that's all that matters for now."

Kaito (smiling politely, tone with hidden sharpness):

"Indeed. We all have much to gain. Let's not let old bloodlines distract us."

"That's the spirit. But... before we proceed — full transparency."

He turned toward the group like a performer preparing for his act.

"This Vault was sealed by an entity far older than the Twelve Thrones. A being known as The Architect of Chains."

A slight chill passed through some of them.

"It holds forbidden artifacts, sealed knowledge... perhaps even relics of the First War of Creation."

"Artifacts that could threaten the Dominion itself..."

Cyrus (finally speaking, voice flat but sharp):

"And you're willing to risk the balance for that?"

Adrien turned, smiling at him — like a man who had waited for this question.

"The balance is an illusion, Cyrus. You, of all people, should understand that."

Cyrus held his gaze for a moment, unmoving.

But that doesn't mean I trust him.

Unspoken tensions swirled around them — like dry leaves dancing before a storm.

The floating platforms rotated slightly faster, as if growing impatient.

"Something else is watching us..."

Cyrus's sharp eyes scanned the floating runes now glowing brighter across the chamber.

> The Vault wants them to proceed. But it also hungers for something.

"We must begin the synchronization ritual. Everyone, to your positions."

As the group began moving, Cyrus stayed still for a few seconds longer.

Chapter 19 — The Silent Storm