Arthur paused at the threshold of Gizmo's impossible palace, watching Cassius in the courtyard below. The S-rank hero stood alone, golden armor gleaming in the morning light, his divine aura creating a subtle distortion in the air around him. Where Arthur's presence had begun attracting shadows since his void corruption, Cassius seemed to repel them entirely.
A strategic opportunity, perhaps—or a necessary risk.
Instead of avoiding his self-proclaimed nemesis, Arthur descended the crystalline steps. Hawklight tensed beside him, scarred hand drifting toward his sword, but followed his king's lead without question.
"Cassius," Arthur called, his voice carrying the measured diplomacy of a seasoned ruler. "A word, if you would."
