Silas watched in silence but made no attempt to pick up the beads.
He bowed again, pressing his forehead firmly to the floor. Only after completing his final act of worship did he slowly rise.
"Noxhart."
Silas looked up at the deer-shaped statue.
"That's the name you chose for yourself."
His expression remained calm.
"You may be dead, but I once benefited from your kindness."
Silas lowered his head.
"I will continue to offer you my highest respect."
He turned and left the temple, abandoning the broken prayer beads where they lay.
Back in the glass containment area, everyone was still examining Ethan.
Andona and Feylora had tried several methods, but neither could identify the problem.
Ethan wasn't sick or injured.
It seemed more like he had encountered something his mind couldn't process, causing his consciousness to shut itself away.
While everyone was still trying to make sense of it, the surrounding mechanical walls began to rumble.
