That night, Vahn remained awake long after the city lights dimmed.
From the highest observation deck, he watched the Eastern Continent breathe beneath his rule. Trade convoys moved like veins of light. Patrol formations traced quiet arcs through the skies. Life continued, orderly and unaware of how close it had come to collapse.
Renka stood behind him, saying nothing.
For the first time since arriving in the Immortal Realm, Vahn allowed himself a single, dangerous thought.
If he could rise this far, this fast, in a hostile universe that denied him his past, then what would happen when the truth finally surfaced?
When the Galactic Sovereigns learned he existed.
When Celestine was forced to confront the man she hunted.
The Void within him pulsed softly, as if answering.
The next phase would not be about territory.
It would be about destiny.
And destiny, unlike war, could not be negotiated.
---
The war did not end when the banners stopped burning.
