The reversed route remained open after its promised three heartbeats, and the Underworld court stayed visible beneath the Last City foundation.
Five Rings circled Hajin's arm while Collector's Grasp anchored through his bare left palm, carrying Didi's wrist in the same hold.
That contact kept sampled frequency stable without pulling Didi toward black depth or allowing Crowned Frost to lose the scar.
Crowned Frost covered the wound beneath their feet, refusing every command that tried to use royal blood as a road into the protected room.
The court below made no sound that belonged to Ouro, though every shape within it pressed attention through the exposed route.
Hajin heard the broken square behind him, the Watcher's breathing near Ash, and the careful movement of Cessy's support team.
Nothing from the Underworld answered those sounds, since its black ground held no dust beneath the kneeling Collector or the distant throne.
