Valerian's heart stilled.
"What?"
> > "The game began long before you were born. And the one who wrote it… knows every ending."
Then the Herald's arms split open, revealing writhing glyphs like veins.
It charged.
---
The impact drove Valerian back into the canyon wall.
Stone shattered.
Blood ran from his lips.
But he didn't fall.
Because something inside him refused to break anymore.
He whispered:
"Synchronize."
> [Command Accepted.]
> [Umbra Evolution: Initiated.]
The sword screamed in his hand.
It unfolded—blades upon blades forming a skeletal greatsword with a glowing central eye.
Valerian struck.
This time, the Herald shattered completely—splitting into data and smoke.
> [Herald-Class: Destroyed]
> [Stabilization: 46%]
> [Time Remaining: 02:07]
But another rose.
And another.
And behind them—
The sky split open.
A rift. Pale light. And a silhouette watching from beyond.
Selene gasped. "That's—!"
"I know," Valerian said. "The Architect."
