"Before the first code was written, before the first soul was forged, there was only the Weave."-----------Ancient Fragment, Soulweaver Library
Before anyone ever typed the first line of code, before any soul was ever shaped, there existed something called the Weave. That's what the old texts say, those fragments that still linger in the dust of the Soulweaver Library.
In a long-forgotten time, deeper than anyone could remember, there was a hint of magic in the air. The ruins of a place called Zephiron now stand as a reminder of what once was, with the wind carrying a sense of nostalgia that felt both intense and almost alive. It's like the land itself bore witness to the rebellions that fought hard for victory across the fractured territories. Right now, Leonhart stood on the edge of a cliff where these Soulweavers used to work their wonders, crafting life from what they called pure Will.
Mio stood next to him, squinting against the gusts of wind. "Is this really where it all began?" she asked, looking around, taking in the old stone and legends that surrounded them.
"That's what they say," Leonhart answered, keeping his voice calm and steady. "Before the Architect and before the system we know, this was where everything started—the Forge of Souls."
They moved closer to a broken stone pillar that stood tall despite its wear. When Leonhart placed his hand on it, dormant runes ignited with a fiery glow that mixed red and gold. It was both mesmerizing and bizarre. The system chirped with activity, but something felt off.
[Caution: External Network Detected.][Legacy Construct Identified: SOULWEAVER.][Access requires Volatile Share signature... VERIFIED.]
Suddenly, the ground beneath them shuddered violently, a crack opening up and revealing a dark, swirling spiral leading down into the depths.
**The Descent**
Taking a deep breath, they stepped into the vault.
As they moved down, Leonhart began to sense something strange. The hallways began shifting, molding to what they thought and felt rather than simply following a set code. It was as if the very structure of the place was responding to their desires. They found themselves standing before forks in the path that twisted and pulsed, flowing like a living thing.
"This place feels... alive," Mio murmured with awe.
"Not just alive," Leonhart corrected her. "It's awake."
They arrived at a large chamber. In the center, surrounded by a ring of both fire and shimmering starlight, was a figure that was completely different from anything they had ever met.
The being was tall, draped in what appeared to be a robe made of flame. Its face was obscured by a unique helmet that seemed to blend concept and code together.
[Primordial Entity: Soulweaver]
It spoke without making a sound that could be heard. "You carry the flame not as a tool—but as a reflection of yourself. You are not what you think you are."
Leonhart felt a wave of determination flow through him. "But here I stand," he replied. "I broke your lock, and I remember what you tried to erase."
The Soulweaver tilted its head, almost curiously. "Then you must face a test. Not with strength, but with the weight of your memory."
With a simple gesture, reality twisted around him.
**Trial of Origin**
Leonhart found himself propelled into a blank expanse of white.
There was nothing—no air, no ground—just these floating echoes of the past. He could see multiple versions of people he knew—Mio, Kai, even himself as the old Edward Norton. Each of them seemed to whisper complaints, doubts, and accusations that started to flood his mind.
"You fight because you're scared to truly live."
"You're not a hero; you're just a glitch in the system."
"Do you really think she cares about you? You're just a magnet for trouble."
Leaning into that world of echoes, Leonhart wanted to scream, but no sound came out. It felt like his mind was about to snap from the pressure.
And then, out of the chaos, he felt her hand.
It was real Mio, reaching through fire and memory toward him.
"Leonhart," she called softly. "Not as Edward, not as Kairos. Just be you."
Feeling that spark of connection, he reached for her.
The chamber around him shattered into fragments of light and noise.
**The Offering**
When Leonhart stood back before the Soulweaver, he felt much more grounded and ready.
"I passed your test," he stated confidently.
"You remembered who you truly are and who you might become. That's the mark of a true Weavebearer," the Soulweaver proclaimed.
Its hand rose, releasing a swirling thread of golden energy intertwined with symbols and the essence of souls.
[New Trait Unlocked: Soulweaver's Echo]
Trait Effect: Leonhart now can attach one emotion to one action each day, shaping what they call a Weave Effect. These actions grow and change based on how much they're used and how much they resonate emotionally with him.
For example: If he ties Hope to a Shield, it would create an aura giving everyone around him 20% resistance. But he can only do this once every two hours.
Bonus Trait: This gives him special chances to connect with legendary entities and significant locations.
**Emerging From the Vault**
As they made their way back up from the depths, the stars above seemed to shimmer even brighter.
Mio placed her hand on his chest, noticing a change. "You seem... gentler now, but there's more weight about you."
Leonhart laughed softly. "I think I've just figured out what I'm fighting for."
She leaned in a bit closer. "You looked like you were on the edge back there."
"I almost lost myself," he confessed. "But you pulled me back."
When they finally stepped out into the light, they were met by the others—the Memoryless, their looks filled with anticipation.
"You two were gone for two whole days," Seradin exclaimed.
Leonhart blinked in surprise. "It felt like just a few minutes."
Then, something unusual appeared in the sky—a black beacon.
[Beacon Zeta Destroyed. Beacon Alpha Reactivating.]
The Architect was making a move.
**Preparation for the Last Flame**
Later that night, Leonhart found himself standing in front of a flame—the heart of their camp—lost deep in thought.
Mio sat beside him quietly, both of them caught up in their own reflections.
"I figured the Soulweaver would give me a weapon to use," he said. "But it gave me something heavier."
"Responsibility," she finished, understanding.
He nodded, feeling the weight of it.
Then, out of the blue, she leaned her head on his shoulder. "Let's share what it gave you. Whatever that might be."
He intertwined his fingers with hers.
Together, they watched the flickering flames, seeing a future filled with possibilities reflected in their eyes.