The white space stretched endlessly.
But now—
There was a structure ahead.
A single gate.
Not like before.
This one was clean.
Perfect.
And closed.
Mira stepped forward slightly.
"…That's our way out?"
Ashar shook his head.
"No."
A pause.
"That's the next phase."
Eryx walked toward it.
The Observers didn't stop him.
Didn't react.
That silence was louder than anything.
Then—
The system voice returned.
Clear.
Stable.
"Progression condition detected."
Eryx stopped.
"…Condition?"
"One unit must remain."
Silence.
Mira froze.
"…What?"
Ashar didn't look surprised.
Soren looked away.
Eryx's voice hardened.
"…Remain where?"
"Current layer."
The meaning hit instantly.
Mira stepped back.
"No."
Ashar spoke quietly.
"This is how it works."
Eryx turned sharply.
"You knew?!"
Ashar didn't deny it.
"I didn't know it would be here."
A pause.
"But I knew it would happen."
Mira shook her head.
"We're not doing this."
The system didn't respond.
Didn't argue.
Because it didn't need to.
The gate flickered.
Waiting.