After several days of traveling through the mountains, Elior finally reached his destination. Before him stood the legendary city of Wang Tang. Built into the mountains themselves, the city seemed ancient and majestic. Dragon statues lined the roads. Stone dragons coiled around towers. The sound of roaring waterfalls echoed through the valley.
Elior smiled.
"So this is Wang Tang..."
But Something Feels Wrong. Normally, a city this famous would be crowded with trainers. But today— Something felt off. The streets were unusually quiet.Many shops were closed.People seemed worried.
At the center of the city stood a massive structure. Dragon Shrine a place said to house records dating back thousands of years. The same shrine mentioned in the rumors.
As Elior approached the shrine, a voice called out.
"You're Elior, aren't you?"
Elior turned around and saw Standing there was a young woman wearing traditional dragon-clan clothing.
Lian
Lian studied him carefully.
"The trainer who defeated Morrigan."
Elior scratched his head.
"...News travels fast."
Lian didn't smile.
"You arrived at a bad time."
She led Elior toward the shrine. Along the way, several Dragon Pokémon could be seen acting strangely. Some were agitated. Others stared toward the mountains. As if they sensed something approaching.
Inside the shrine, ancient murals covered the walls. One mural immediately caught Elior's attention. It showed Ignis and Vernix. But behind them... A third figure appeared. Its face had been damaged.
Its name erased.
Elior's eyes widened.
"...Aetherion."
Lian immediately turned toward him.
"How do you know that name?"
The room fell silent.
Elsewhere...
Deep inside a hidden base of The Eclipse Rebellion,
Zeff
Stood before a large map. Several locations had been marked. Gravetower. Ancient ruins. Dragon Shrine. One symbol remained unmarked. A symbol hidden beneath Wang Tang.
Zeff Smiles
"The second key is here."
Kael stepped forward.
"Should we move now?"
Zeff looked toward the mountains.
"No."
"The shrine will reveal it for us."
Night fell over Wang Tang.
Deep beneath Dragon Shrine... An ancient chamber trembled. A stone dragon statue suddenly cracked. Golden light escaped from within. And for a brief moment... A single ancient symbol became visible. The exact same symbol found in Gravetower.The symbol of Aetherion.
TO BE CONTINUED...