Inside the Quiet Chamber – Hero Base
"So," Timothy asked, folding his arms, "what did you want to talk to me about?"
Sage gave a small nod. "Captain... I imagine you've wondered why I'm really here."
Timothy raised an eyebrow. "Well, yeah. I just assumed you came because the city was in danger. Figured you wanted to help."
"You know where I'm from, right?" Sage asked, his tone calm but direct.
Timothy gave a small nod. "Yeah, Eldor."
"Good," Sage said, his hands folded behind his back. "Then you know Eldorins don't usually involve themselves with people from the civilized cities. We're a self-reliant people raised to protect our own and only our own."
Timothy's expression tightened slightly. He could feel where this might be heading.
"But you see, Timothy," Sage continued, his voice growing heavier, "I've always hated that way of thinking. I've questioned it for years. I argued with the Supreme Sorcerers—challenged their mindset. But it never changed."
His eyes darkened. A frown creased his face, but his voice held steady.
"Then one day... while meditating, I had a premonition."
*Flashback*
"You have to listen to me, Elder Kai. I know what I saw," Sage said, his tone urgent, his eyes pleading as he walked beside the older man.
Elder Kai—a man with gray hair in a sharp buzz cut and stern brown eyes—shot Sage a cold look. His orange cloak swayed in the breeze.
His voice came sharp and tense.
"Listen to what, Elder Sage? You're an Elder of Eldor. You know our customs—you know what we do, and what we don't. Whatever you saw, keep it to yourself."
Sage stopped, confusion twisting across his face. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head slowly.
"Keep it to myself? We're talking about something that could affect all of us—and you want me to keep quiet?"
Kai folded his arms. "I shouldn't even be the one you're telling this to. If you're so against our traditions, go speak to the Supreme Sorcerers—like you always do."
"Yeah, you're right," Sage muttered bitterly. "I shouldn't be speaking to you. You're just as trapped in these beliefs as the rest of them."
Without another glance, Sage brushed past Elder Kai, nudging him aside as he walked away—his eyes burning with frustration.
***
Moments later, Sage stood in a dark chamber. Only a faint light surrounded him everything else remained cloaked in shadow.
A voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
"So, you return again, Elder Sage. What do you have to say this time?"
Sage bowed his head low.
"My Supreme Sorcerers," he said with respect. "I'm here to speak about a vision I received. A calamity is coming one that will throw the world into chaos."
He remained bowed, his face pointed toward the floor, awaiting their response.
A calm, steady voice responded.
"You simply want to associate yourself with the outside world again, don't you, Sage?"
Sage raised his head slightly.
"This is different, Supreme Ones. As I said, I had a vision of a looming calamity. The enemy's face was unclear, but I saw a group of people… people I believe I must join to help prevent what's coming. I need to go meet them prepare with them."
Another voice cut in—measured, but laced with criticism.
"You know, Sage… you are one of the finest minds I've encountered. At a young age, you've grown into a skilled mage, an Elder beyond expectation, and you're developing into someone who could one day lead Eldor."
The voice paused before continuing.
"But what troubles me is your arrogance. Your constant defiance of our ways. You question everything."
Sage's expression darkened. He already knew where this was heading.
The voice continued,
"Now you speak of some vision a premonition of doom. Let it come. Let the world deal with it in their own way. Why must we break our customs just to help them?"
"You say you saw people who will fight to save the world let them. We, the Eldorins, are not part of their world."
Then, with chilling finality, the voice said,
"You go nowhere."
Sage's breath caught. He couldn't believe it. Even with the threat of global destruction, they still refused to help.
His mind spiraled.
Why? he thought.
Why must we never interfere with the outside world?
What happened to the stories of old when all peoples stood together as one?
He dropped to his knees, bowed low, and pleaded.
"Please… Supreme Ones. Let me go alone—I ask for no army, no aid. Just me. I know I've been arrogant… defiant. But not this time. I'll obey, I'll follow any rule just let me go. Please… I beg you."
Silence filled the chamber.
Then, finally, the calm voice returned.
"The only reason we are considering this… is because it is you, Sage. Leave the chamber. We will reach a decision."
Sage quietly stood and exited. He waited outside, tense and still.
Moments later, the voice called him back.
"We've made our decision. You may leave Eldor—on one condition."
Sage looked up, expectant.
"You will not walk beyond our borders until the Heavenly Barrier is placed upon you."
His eyes widened. The Heavenly Barrier it was a magical seal that would restrict his power. A cage for any sorcerer.
So this is their plan, he thought. They want me to choose exile or weakness. They think I'll turn back.
But Sage stood firm.
"I accept your condition. Place the seal."
Murmurs echoed through the shadows. The Supreme Sorcerers hadn't expected that.
Finally, the lead voice declared:
"Even with such a price… you still choose to go. Then so be it. You will leave Eldor, Sage."
*End Of Flashback*
Back in the quiet room where Sage and Timothy stood.
"So you see, Timothy… that's how I ended up here," Sage said, a soft smile forming on his face.
"You went through all that—risked your life just to help a world you were told was corrupt?" Timothy asked, genuine concern in his voice.
"Yes," Sage replied simply. Then his tone shifted. "But now, onto the real reason I brought you here."
He paused for a breath.
"After we defeated Sultan, I asked myself… was that it? Was that the doom I foresaw? But it felt too easy. So I meditated again and what I saw confirmed it. Sultan isn't the one I saw in my vision."
Timothy's expression turned serious.
Sage continued, his voice lower now.
"Sultan… he's just a foot soldier compared to what's coming."
Timothy exhaled sharply, rubbing his forehead.
"So it's that bad, huh? The villains really picked the perfect time—right when Hero Squad was just forming."
Sage chuckled.
"You make it sound funny, Timothy," he said, his face lit by a grin.
Timothy smiled faintly and nodded.
"Then we prepare… whatever's coming, we'll be ready."
"Thank you, Sage," Timothy said sincerely.
"No worries, Captain. I'm just doing what I was meant to do." Sage responded with quiet resolve.
With that, the two exited the room—heading off to rejoin the rest of the team in the main hall.