That new direction did not open up immediately or all at once.
Something… was holding it back.
Aurelia sensed it as a very subtle pressure.
Not coming from outside.
But originating from within the reality they themselves had shaped and built.
The entity beside Aurelia moved more slowly than before.
Its stream of light no longer flowed in a steady, constant rhythm.
It seemed almost… hesitant, uncertain.
The units stationed behind remained steadfast in protecting the core.
Yet now, that core vibrated and trembled with increasing frequency.
As if responding to the presence of something not yet visible to their eyes.
Kael narrowed his eyes, studying the subtle shifts around them.
"This feels different," he said quietly, his voice low and thoughtful.
"It's not like the trials we faced earlier… this goes much deeper."
Orion nodded slowly in agreement.
"Internal resistance."
Ragnar let out a long, heavy sigh.
"Feels like there is unfinished business somewhere."
