Gabriel sucked in a deep breath as his eyes locked onto the familiar figure. The heavy chains wrapped around her arms and torso glowed faintly as they anchored her massive body in place. In that moment, everything became clear to him, because this was not coincidence, not an illusion, not some side effect of exhaustion. This was real, and it confirmed what he already felt in his chest.
He was officially back.
The chained giant goddess slowly raised her head, her fiery red hair shifting slightly as her mismatched eyes settled on him. For a few seconds, she simply studied him in silence, her gaze steady and sharp, before her lips curved into a faint smile.
"It has been a while, champion," she said calmly, her voice carrying through the chamber with ease. "I can see it already. You have grown powerful."
He did not move closer. He stayed where he was, posture straight and expression controlled as he met her gaze without flinching.
