The climb was silent.
Not because there was nothing to say—but because words would've cheapened what they'd just survived.
Rivan led the way, his new flame casting long shadows up the tunnel walls. It didn't flicker like before. It pulsed with confidence, each step matching the steady beat of the Sovereign Core now buried behind them.
Selina followed close behind. She kept her eyes on him, but even she could feel it—he wasn't just different. He was aligned.
Kael and Ava brought up the rear, weapons drawn, senses tight. Whatever peace they'd gained below, they all knew something waited above.
And they were right.
[System Update: Elevation Sync Achieved | Surface Proximity Confirmed – 3.2 km | External Signal Intercept Detected]
Rivan paused mid-step.
A thin thread of blue static shimmered ahead—barely visible to the eye, but glowing bright to his system.
"Tripwire," he muttered. "Crown grade."
Kael stepped beside him. "How'd they reset traps so fast?"
