The battlefield fell silent.
Nysera didn't attack.
Kael didn't move.
Between them, the white flames burned steadily, casting long shadows across the ruined city.
For the first time since the battle began, neither side made the first move.
Aetherion broke the silence.
"She is waiting."
Kael frowned.
"For what?"
"Confirmation."
Nysera's crimson eyes never left him.
"So it's true," she said softly.
"The prophecy wasn't a lie."
Kael tightened his grip.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"No," Nysera replied. "You don't."
She lowered her hand.
The crimson energy surrounding her faded.
"I could kill you now."
The words were calm.
Matter-of-fact.
"But if I do..."
She glanced at the white flames around Kael.
"...I'll never learn whether you're truly the one."
Orion stepped forward.
"Leave."
Nysera smiled.
"You still give orders as if the old empire exists."
For a moment, sadness crossed Orion's face.
"It died long ago."
"So did mercy."
A wave of darkness spread across the broken streets.
But instead of attacking—
Nysera turned away.
Kael blinked.
"She's leaving?"
Aetherion answered immediately.
"No."
"She's choosing."
Nysera stopped at the edge of the ruined plaza.
Without turning around, she spoke one final time.
"The other Kings won't test you."
Her voice echoed through the city.
"They won't ask questions."
"They will erase this world."
Silence.
Then she looked over her shoulder.
"When they arrive..."
Her crimson eyes met Kael's.
"...show me that you're worthy of the title they fear."
The darkness swallowed her.
She vanished.
The crushing pressure disappeared.
One by one, the surviving hosts collapsed in relief.
Kael let out a slow breath.
"It's over."
Orion shook his head.
"No."
He looked toward the ancient sky above the cavern.
"It has just begun."
The ruined city trembled once more.
Not from an enemy.
From itself.
The glowing symbols covering the streets lit up.
One after another.
The ancient ruins were awakening.
A massive structure slowly rose from beneath the city's center.
Stone crumbled away.
Blue light poured into the cavern.
It wasn't a weapon.
It wasn't a fortress.
It was a gateway.
Ancient symbols circled its surface.
Aetherion's voice was filled with recognition.
"The Star Gate..."
Kael looked at the towering structure.
"What is it?"
Orion smiled for the first time in days.
"Our only chance."
As the gateway fully emerged, a distant pulse echoed across the stars.
Somewhere in the darkness...
Something answered.