A deathly silence settled over the hidden realm.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
The only sound was the slow, rhythmic pulse echoing from beneath the World Tree.
**Thump...**
**Thump...**
Each beat sent waves of black and golden energy rippling through the air.
John's eyes never left the mysterious figure.
"...Saved it?" he repeated.
The silver-haired man inclined his head slightly.
"Yes."
His voice remained calm, almost gentle.
"The world remembers me as a monster."
"It always remembers the last page of a story."
"It forgets the chapters before."
The Soul Raven's wings flared.
"Do not listen to him."
"He twists the truth."
The man's expression remained unchanged.
"Do I?"
He slowly raised one hand.
Golden light gathered above his palm.
For a moment, it felt identical to the life-giving mana of the World Tree.
Warm.
Pure.
Peaceful.
Then black strands seeped into it.
The warmth vanished.
The light darkened into something cold and hollow.
"My existence..."
