Golden lightning continued to tear across the sky.
The shattered remains of the ancient seals drifted through the air like glowing fragments of glass.
No one moved.
No one dared.
Kael stood at the edge of the palace balcony, facing Solis.
Behind him, the Guardians prepared for battle.
Above them, crystal dragons circled the capital.
Far beyond the atmosphere, the Devourer fleet waited in silence.
The universe itself seemed to be holding its breath.
Solis lowered his outstretched hand.
"So you have made your choice."
Kael met his gaze.
"I've made one choice."
"But I haven't chosen a side."
For the first time, Solis looked intrigued.
"What do you mean?"
Kael looked toward the stars.
"The Devourers want destruction."
He turned back to Solis.
"You want absolute order."
He clenched his fist, white starlight gathering around it.
"I want people to choose their own future."
A quiet smile appeared on Solis's face.
"So... you truly are Aetherion's heir."
Aetherion's voice echoed within Kael.
"You have already surpassed me."
Before Kael could respond, the sky trembled violently.
A crimson beam streaked across the heavens.
It crashed into the empty plains beyond the capital.
The impact shook the entire First World.
A pillar of black fire rose into the clouds.
Veyrath had arrived.
His laughter echoed across the land.
"How fortunate."
The Devourer King stepped from the flames, his crimson eyes moving from Solis to Kael.
"The three of us together."
His smile widened.
"History repeats itself."
Orion's expression darkened.
"It happened before..."
Kael glanced at him.
"What happened?"
Orion answered quietly.
"The Ancient War did not end because one side won."
"It ended because all three sides destroyed each other."
Silence spread across the battlefield.
Kael slowly looked between Solis and Veyrath.
Neither showed fear.
Neither intended to retreat.
Solis spoke first.
"I have no interest in fighting you today."
Veyrath laughed.
"I know."
"You're waiting for the Heir."
The two ancient enemies looked at Kael at the same time.
One wanted to save the universe through control.
The other wanted to consume it.
Both believed Kael would decide the outcome.
Kael realized the truth.
He wasn't simply fighting a war anymore.
He had become its center.
Suddenly, the Throne behind him released another pulse of white light.
A map of the galaxy appeared above the palace.
This time, dozens of blue lights flickered into existence.
Unknown worlds.
Unknown civilizations.
Still alive.
Still resisting.
Aetherion's voice carried new determination.
"We are not alone."
Hope spread through the palace.
The Guardians raised their heads.
Lyra smiled.
"There are others."
Kael looked at the glowing worlds.
Then at the two enemies standing before him.
He finally understood what had to be done.
"If the universe is divided..."
He raised his hand toward the star map.
"...then I'll unite it."
The white beacon blazed brighter than ever.
Across distant galaxies, forgotten allies looked up toward its light.
The call of the Last Core had reached them.
The first to answer had already begun their journey.