The rift pulsed again, this time with a different energy—cold, precise, alien. Holographic projections shimmered in the air: strange vessels, sleek and angular, gliding through dimensions toward Earth. Kael realized with alarm that the Technoverse was aware of him. They were coming for the key, for the anomaly, for him.
"Eloi?" Kael whispered. "What are they?"
"Entities from beyond your realm. They seek to harness the anomaly for control. They recognize your potential as a bridge. You must act carefully."
Kael's mind raced. He was a novice, a mortal just discovering his powers. And yet he was suddenly the most important figure in a battle he barely understood. Panic threatened to rise, but he steadied himself. Hesitation would be fatal.
He glanced at the glowing key. Whatever path lay ahead, he would need to master his abilities—and fast.