Silence.
Not the kind that brought peace—but the kind that came after war, in the breathless pause between death and the next scream.
Elias stood over the broken remains of the Seraph Engine, its divine core flickering like a dying star at his feet. The black roots of the Forbidden Tree twisted around the wreckage, absorbing the remnants of god-code into the earth beneath Everkeep.
> [System Update]
Soul Points Balance: 327,000
Forbidden Tree – Genesis Tier Achieved
New Branch Unlocked: "Soul Dominion"
– Passive Effect: Subjugate any lesser soul within 1km radius
– Active Effect: Forge Dominion Weapons using harvested soul clusters
But even as power surged within him, a cold wind swept across the ruined battlements.
Kharon clutched his scythe tightly. "The Architect isn't done. Something... ancient stirs."
Elias didn't reply. His gaze was fixed on the sky, now split wide by the Celestial Tear, and beyond it—something moved.
Not fast. Not loud.
Just… inevitable.
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