-: ✧ :-゜・． ᴱᶜʰᵒᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ᴱᵗᵉʳⁿᶦᵗʸ

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 3: sʜᴀᴅᴏᴡs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴛ

The moon hung low over Seoul, casting long, eerie shadows as Jae-hyun and Min-woo made their way back to the bookstore. Despite their fatigue, their minds buzzed with the day's discoveries. They had a clearer picture of the Timekeepers, but the path ahead was still shrouded in uncertainty.

Once inside the bookstore, Mr. Kim led them to the back room where they had initially met. The cozy space felt like a sanctuary, a refuge from the dangers that lurked outside.

"Let's go over what we've found," Jae-hyun said, spreading their notes and documents across the table. "We know the Timekeepers are likely descendants of the Guardians of Time. We also know they have a structured organization. What we need are names, locations, and any weaknesses."

Min-woo nodded, his eyes scanning the pages. "I think our best bet is to focus on their leadership. If we can identify their key members, we can start unraveling their network."

Just then, Mr. Kim entered with a tray of tea. "I made something to help you stay awake," he said, placing the cups on the table. "You'll need all your strength for what's to come."

"Thanks, Mr. Kim," Jae-hyun said, taking a sip. The warmth of the tea spread through him, momentarily easing his tension.

As they continued to sift through the information, Jae-hyun felt a sudden chill. The echoes surged through him, stronger than ever. He closed his eyes, allowing the images and sounds to flood his mind. He saw a grand hall, filled with robed figures. At the center stood a man with an air of authority, his face obscured by shadow.

"We need to find this place," Jae-hyun said, his voice urgent. "I saw their leader, but I couldn't make out his face. It was a large hall, possibly a mansion or an old estate."

Min-woo leaned forward. "Describe it to me. Any details you can remember."

Jae-hyun took a deep breath, focusing on the vision. "There were tall windows, draped with heavy curtains. The room was filled with antique furniture and paintings. I remember a crest—a lion and an eagle, intertwined."

Mr. Kim's eyes widened. "I know that crest. It's the emblem of the Lee family. They own an old estate on the outskirts of the city. It hasn't been used in years, but it's still maintained by caretakers."

"That must be it," Min-woo said, excitement creeping into his voice. "We need to get there and investigate."

"But we can't just walk in," Jae-hyun cautioned. "We need a plan. If the Timekeepers are using the estate, it will be heavily guarded."

Mr. Kim nodded. "I'll make some calls. There are a few people I trust who might be able to help you get inside."

As they waited for Mr. Kim to return, Jae-hyun and Min-woo reviewed their findings, trying to piece together any additional clues. The weight of their mission pressed down on them, but they knew they couldn't afford to falter now.

Mr. Kim returned with a grim expression. "I managed to get in touch with an old friend, someone who has experience with this sort of thing. She'll meet you tomorrow night and help you gain access to the estate."

"Who is she?" Min-woo asked, curious.

"Her name is Soo-jin," Mr. Kim replied. "She's a former intelligence officer, very resourceful. If anyone can get you inside without being detected, it's her."

Jae-hyun and Min-woo exchanged glances. "We need to be prepared," Jae-hyun said. "We should rest and gather any supplies we might need."

"Agreed," Min-woo said. "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

The next evening, they met Soo-jin at a discreet location near the estate. She was a woman in her early thirties, with sharp eyes and an air of quiet confidence.

"Mr. Kim told me about your situation," Soo-jin said, her voice calm and steady. "I'll help you get inside, but you'll need to follow my instructions exactly."

"Understood," Jae-hyun said. "What do we need to do?"

Soo-jin outlined the plan, detailing the layout of the estate and the best points of entry. "We'll enter through a hidden passage that leads to the basement. From there, we can make our way to the main hall. Stay close and keep quiet."

As they approached the estate under the cover of darkness, Jae-hyun's heart raced. The echoes were quiet now, but he felt their presence, like a silent promise of guidance. They reached the hidden passage without incident and followed Soo-jin through the narrow tunnel.

Emerging in the basement, they moved cautiously, avoiding the occasional patrol. The air was thick with tension as they ascended the stairs and approached the main hall. Jae-hyun could feel the echoes growing stronger, urging him forward.

"We're close," he whispered to Min-woo.

They reached a large wooden door, slightly ajar. Peering through the crack, they saw the grand hall from Jae-hyun's vision. The robed figures were gathered, deep in discussion. At the center stood the man with the obscured face, his voice commanding and authoritative.

"We need to get closer," Min-woo whispered. "We need to hear what they're saying."

They inched forward, careful to remain hidden. The leader's voice grew clearer.

"Our plans are proceeding as expected," the leader said. "The timeline is being reshaped to our design. Soon, we will control history itself."

Jae-hyun felt a surge of anger. The Timekeepers were playing with the fabric of time, manipulating events for their own gain. He glanced at Min-woo, who nodded. They had to act, but they needed more information.

Suddenly, the leader's gaze snapped towards their hiding spot. "We have intruders," he said, his voice cold and menacing.

Before they could react, guards swarmed their position. Jae-hyun and Min-woo fought back, but they were quickly overpowered. As they were dragged into the hall, the leader stepped forward, his face now visible. He was an older man, with piercing eyes and a cruel smile.

"Welcome," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "You've saved us the trouble of finding you."

Jae-hyun struggled against his captors. "We know what you're doing. You won't get away with it."

The leader laughed. "Oh, but we already have. And now, you will join us, or be erased from history."

Min-woo glared at him. "We'll never join you."

"Then you will be eliminated," the leader said, turning to his followers. "Take them to the holding cells. We'll decide their fate later."

As they were dragged away, Jae-hyun felt a flicker of hope. The echoes had led them this far, and they wouldn't abandon them now. He glanced at Min-woo, who nodded, a silent promise of resistance.

Locked in a dim cell, Jae-hyun and Min-woo knew their fight was far from over. The Timekeepers had revealed themselves, and now, the real battle for the timeline had begun.