Flame Emperor Armor

"Ancient Guardian equipment," Ramon explained. "It was designed for key holders to enhance their abilities and provide extra protection."

Lin Ye looked at the equipment and realized events had passed the point of no return. He drew the Dawn Blade.

"No matter what the World Government sends, we have to hold the base," Lin Ye said firmly. "Until the other key holders arrive. Until the defense system is fully activated."

Ramon nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "We waited eight hundred years for this moment. The hope of the Ancient Kingdom and humanity's future are in our hands now."

The base's alarm echoed through the empty hall. A countdown on the screen showed the enemy was almost there. Lin Ye put on the ancient combat suit and felt a power unlike anything he had known surge through his body. He picked up the Dawn Blade. It resonated with the suit, its blade shining bright blue.

"Seven keys in place, heaven opens," Lin Ye repeated from the ancient prophecy. "Let's make sure that day comes."

After the last member of the Truth Eradication Squad fell, the hall finally grew quiet. Only scattered sparks spat from the damaged equipment.

"We... must... move on," the Guardian said in an urgent mechanical voice. "They... will send... reinforcements."

Ace nodded and followed the Guardian through the passage at the far end of the hall. The deeper they went, the wider the passage became. Ace noticed that the patterns were no longer simple historical records. They looked more like technical blueprints, documenting the designs of complex weapons.

The Guardian stopped before a massive metal door. Carved into it was a D-shaped mark identical to the one on Ace's palm, surrounded by intricate mechanical locks.

"Core... laboratory." The Guardian pointed at the door. "Only... the chosen one...