The next step forward did not simply carry them further along their path.
Instead… it called something back to them.
Aurelia sensed it as a faint vibration rising from behind her.
Not coming from the road ahead,
But from the traces they had left behind on their journey.
The entity beside Aurelia slowed gradually to a halt.
Its stream of light dimmed just a little,
As though it too could hear and feel the summons.
The units stationed behind remained steady, guarding the core.
Yet now, that core vibrated with a different rhythm,
As if recognising something from long ago.
Kael narrowed his eyes in thought.
"We are being called back?" he asked quietly.
Orion nodded in confirmation.
"A residual echo."
Ragnar let out a long breath.
"Seems like some things are still left unfinished."
Aurelia offered no denial.
Because she felt the truth of it resonating deep within her.
This was no random disturbance or hindrance.
It was… an echo rising from their own journey.
