Silence filled the ritual chamber of the 68th floor. A sea of glowing violet and white runes streamed across the floor like rivers of light, swirling around the massive circle at the room's center.
Amidst that brilliance, Sylvia stood still.
Her gaze wasn't sharp the way it usually was. Calm, deep, and… slightly uncertain.
Sofia held her hand gently.
"What's wrong?"
Sylvia didn't answer immediately. Her eyes drifted to the center of the ritual formation, where holy energy mixed with underworld essence began to gather into a spiral.
"…At first, I wanted to return to the middle world," she finally said.
"Before attacking the gods. I wanted to see Celes and Aurellia… to make sure they're safe."
Alicia hovered to her side, blinking in confusion.
"Huh? Why not go together? Wasn't that the plan?"
Stacia folded her arms, her face serious.
"Unless… you're worried they aren't suited for fighting gods?"
Sylvia nodded.
