The Ninety-Nine Locksmiths

Synopsis

In a world where destiny is forged through ancient magic rather than fate alone, a boy named Eren is born with an unbreakable lock-shaped locket permanently bound to his chest. No force can remove it—unless Eren willingly surrenders it—and even then, it always returns within twenty-four hours. For years, its purpose remains a mystery, until Eren's eighth birthday, when a chance discovery changes his life forever. By inserting an arcane key into the lock and turning it, Eren unlocks a supernatural ability—revealing the locket as a gateway to unimaginable power. Scattered across the world are 999 magical keys, each granting a unique power, each carrying its own risk. Joined by his three closest friends, Eren sets out on an epic journey to uncover the remaining keys, traveling through distant villages, forgotten ruins, and dangerous realms. Along the way, they face clever puzzles, brutal trials, and moral dilemmas that test their loyalty, courage, and humanity. By the age of fifteen, Eren has unlocked nearly 800 keys, his powers vast but incomplete. Then comes a terrifying revelation: a shadowy adversary has already unlocked over 900 keys—and sees Eren as the final obstacle standing between him and absolute dominance. With the world caught in the balance, Eren is thrust into a deadly race against time, where every choice could determine who reaches omnipotence first. As the hunt for the remaining keys intensifies, Eren must confront a truth more dangerous than any enemy: power does not merely grant strength—it reshapes the soul. Forced to choose between conquest and restraint, Eren must decide whether becoming almighty will save the world… or destroy it.