Night settled over Dawnveil, cool and silver. Lanterns swayed gently as Aurel Veyron walked toward the old watchtower where he had requested a private room.
Inside, the room was empty… except for the quiet hum of something ancient hiding beneath the floor.
Aurel touched the stone with his boot.
Aurel (whispering)
"So… the Gate really is here. Perfect."
A creaking noise behind him made him turn.
It was Fenric, the young guard, clutching a stack of maps.
Guard Fenric
"S-sir Aurel? I brought the town records like you asked."
Aurel softened his expression instantly.
Aurel
"Thank you, Fenric. You've done well."
Fenric blushed, embarrassed but proud.
Fenric
"I—I want to be strong like you someday."
Aurel placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Aurel
"You will be. Trust in yourself… and trust in me."
Fenric nodded eagerly. He had no idea the gentle smile was a mask.
---
The Hidden Switch
After Fenric left, Aurel knelt and pressed a rune on the floor.
The stone shuddered, then opened, revealing a spiraling staircase descending into darkness.
Green light pulsed below.
Aurel
"Time to meet the Gatekeeper."
He descended, boots echoing softly. At the bottom, the chamber opened into a circular hall. Runes floated in the air like glowing insects.
A figure emerged from the shadows: tall, robed in bone-white cloth, with horns curling back like a ram's.
A Cobalt Elf — one of the many races of Aurel's world.
Gatekeeper Sael'var
"Aurel Veyron… pretending to be a hero again?"
Aurel's smile sharpened.
Aurel
"It works every time."
Sael'var chuckled.
Sael'var
"So why come to me? Most 'heroes' sleep at night."
Aurel raised his hand toward the floating runes.
Aurel
"I need the Gate activated. The dimensional passages must open."
Sael'var's expression turned cautious.
Sael'var
"Opening the Gate will bring other races through—goblins, wolfkin, drakari, even the shadowborn. Are you ready to control them?"
Aurel's eyes gleamed with cold certainty.
Aurel
"Control? No. I want them to believe in me. To follow me as the savior who connects their worlds."
Sael'var hissed softly.
Sael'var
"You play a dangerous game, human."
Aurel stepped close, his voice silky.
Aurel
"I'm not playing. I'm preparing."
---
The Gate Awakens
Sael'var reluctantly lifted his staff. The runes swirled, glowing brighter.
Sael'var
"Very well. But once opened, the Gate cannot be easily closed."
Aurel watched as a vertical tear split the air, revealing swirling blue light.
Whispers echoed — voices from other dimensions.
Through the Gate, strange silhouettes moved:
a wolf-man with silver fur, a tall feathered harpy, a tiny goblin clutching a lantern.
The first one stepped through, blinking at Aurel suspiciously.
Wolfkin Scout Rharok
"Who calls us here? Speak, human."
Aurel bowed slightly, hands open in welcome.
Aurel
"I did. I summoned you to offer peace… and guidance."
The goblin snorted.
Goblin Snit
"Humans never offer peace unless they want something."
Aurel leaned down to meet the goblin's eyes.
Aurel
"I want harmony. Your people deserve a place in this land. Let me help you find it."
The races murmured among themselves.
Sael'var watched in quiet awe.
Sael'var (whispering)
"He speaks like light… yet his shadow grows larger each time."
Aurel turned to the gathered newcomers, spreading his arms dramatically.
Aurel
"I will be your bridge. Your shield. Your hero.
Let us build a future—together."
They hesitated… then bowed.
They believed him.
Aurel's smile widened in the dim light.
They will follow. Every race. Every dimension.
The age of Aurel begins now.