Romero: Echoes Of The Void

Chapter 12: A Path Set in Stone



Chapter 12: A Path Set in Stone

John and Starla stepped out of the Riftblade Registration Hall, the heavy doors shutting behind them with a deep thud. The whispers from the candidates inside still echoed in his ears.

No one had ever shattered a Resonance Stone. Let alone dozens.

John exhaled, glancing at his hand. The tingling sensation was gone, but he could still feel something lingering beneath his skin—a power that refused to stay hidden.

Starla walked beside him, hands tucked behind her head. "Well, that was dramatic."

John shot her a look. "You knew something like this would happen, didn't you?"

She smirked. "Not exactly. But I knew you weren't going to have a normal test."

John sighed. "You're too calm about this."

"Maybe." She shrugged. "Or maybe I just like watching things get interesting."

They turned a corner, stepping onto the main streets of Romero. The towering buildings, glowing Rift-lamps, and bustling crowds painted a different world than John was used to. Back on Earth, everything felt dull in comparison.

Here?

Here, power ruled.

As they walked, John noticed more people than usual staring at him. Some whispered behind their hands, others gave cautious glances before looking away. The news had already spread.

John didn't care. He was more focused on what came next.

"So," he said, breaking the silence. "The Awakening Ceremony. What exactly happens?"

Starla stretched, her golden eyes flickering with amusement. "Nervous?"

John scoffed. "No. Just curious."

She chuckled. "It's simple. All participants will be tested under a controlled Rift field. If you awaken a Riftblade, you pass. If you don't…"

"You're out."

"Exactly."

John absorbed that information. He had no doubts about his potential—his power had already proven itself. But there was something that unsettled him.

That last page in the Romero history book.

That single word burned into his mind.

Chaos God.

Why did it feel so familiar?

Before he could dwell on it, Starla nudged him. "Stop thinking so hard. It'll ruin that brooding look you've got going on."

John rolled his eyes. "Did you bring me out here just to mess with me?"

"Not this time." She gestured ahead. "We need to get you some proper gear."

They arrived at a shop lined with Rift-infused weapons. Swords, spears, daggers—each one humming with energy.

John raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to buy something?"

Starla smirked. "Nah. Consider it a gift."

John frowned. "Why?"

At that, her expression softened just slightly. She looked away, rubbing her arm. "Let's just say… I don't want you dying before the fun part."

John blinked. For the first time, she seemed genuinely concerned.

He tilted his head. "Why do you care?"

Starla froze.

A light blush dusted her cheeks, her usual confidence wavering for a split second. She quickly turned away, clearing her throat.

"D-Don't ask stupid questions."

John smirked. "Oh? What happened to the usual attitude?"

She shot him a glare. "Shut up and pick a weapon."

John chuckled but didn't push further. He turned to the weapons, reaching out to a mid-sized black blade. The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt—

A pulse of energy shot through his body.

John's eyes widened. The Rift energy inside him stirred, reacting to the weapon like it had found something familiar.

He exhaled. This one felt right.

Starla watched him carefully. "That's your choice?"

John nodded. "Yeah."

She smirked. "Then let's hope you know how to use it."


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