CHAPTER 66 — The Portal and the Awakening
Space was a silent tomb.
Orion floated above Earth, arms slightly spread, particles of light dancing around him like cosmic fireflies. Before him, suspended in the void, a dimensional lamp pulsed softly — an ancient artifact, stolen from the planet Sautohote Nyx by Error and Ryusei, brought back across dimensions like a trophy of war.
He took it.
His fingers brushed the cold metal. The lamp was small, almost fragile, but its core of energy vibrated like a second sun. Orion raised it, turned it toward the empty horizon.
"It's time."
He activated the artifact.
A white light burst forth, then twisted, then opened. The portal was born in a silent tremor — a tear in the void, rimmed with red light and grey ash. Beyond it, one could glimpse an island. An island that existed on no map. An island that did not exist on Earth.
The UGC prison.
Orion smiled.
Not a smile of joy. Not a smile of triumph. A calm smile, almost tired, like that of someone who had waited a very long time for this moment.
"Thank you, Error. Thank you, Ryusei."
He stepped toward the portal, the red light illuminating his face. The Djinns behind him halted. They awaited his command.
He turned back one last time.
"Paladins. You bought time. But time is not infinite."
He crossed the threshold.
The portal closed behind him.
---
On Earth, in the Academy dormitory, morning light filtered through thin curtains.
Zayn opened his eyes.
The ceiling was white. The sheets were white. His body was heavy, as if someone had replaced his bones with stones. He blinked several times, trying to remember where he was.
He turned his head.
Blanche sat on a chair beside his bed. Her arms were crossed. Her gaze was fixed on him. She did not look happy.
"You're awake."
"Apparently."
"Do you know what you did?"
Zayn sat up slowly. His muscles protested. He felt a dull pain in his shoulder, his ribs, his neck.
"I saved the Academy."
"You transformed into Blackhowler."
"Yes. And?"
Blanche stood abruptly. She approached the bed, looked down at him, and pointed an accusing finger.
"You could have lost control. You could have attacked us. You could have gotten yourself killed."
Zayn looked at her, a smirk at the corner of his mouth.
"But I didn't."
"Because Yojuro held you back."
"Because Yojuro held me back, yes."
"And if he hadn't been there?"
Zayn didn't answer. He rubbed his neck. He knew she was right. But he didn't want to admit it.
Blanche looked at him, her eyes bright with anger — or perhaps fear.
"You can't use that Primal like it's a toy. It destroys you. Every time."
"I know."
"Then why did you do it?"
Zayn stood up. He limped to the window, pulled back the curtain. The courtyard was calm. The trees still. The sky grey.
"Because it was the only way."
"That's not an excuse."
"It's not an excuse. It's the truth."
Blanche looked at him for a long moment. Then her gaze softened, just a little.
"You're an idiot."
"I know."
"A dangerous idiot."
"I know."
She sighed. She sat on the edge of the bed, hands on her knees.
"But you're also the one who saved the Academy. So I'll leave you alone. For now."
Zayn turned around. He looked at her, a wider smile.
"That works for me."
He stretched, cracking his shoulders.
"Alright. I'm going to stop skipping classes."
"Finally a good idea."
"Besides, Madame Harihiho's boring heart is not for me."
Blanche raised an eyebrow.
"Madame Harihiho?"
"A nickname. For Yojuro. He's too serious, too calm, too perfect. He annoys me."
"He saved your life."
"Yes. But he could smile, once in a while."
Blanche shook her head, but she was smiling. Barely.
"You're impossible."
"I know."
He headed for the door, stopped on the threshold.
"Thanks, Blanche."
"For what?"
"For being here."
She didn't answer. But she didn't look away.
He walked out.
In the empty corridor, he walked alone, his footsteps echoing on the stone.
But deep inside, a voice whispered.
You used Blackhowler. You'll do it again. And one day, it might not be enough.
He pushed the thought away.
He had classes to catch up on.
---