"Complete it? As in deliberately accelerate the process that's going to turn us into a single quantum entity?" Atlas stood abruptly, the teacup on the table rattling from the sudden movement. "That's not why we came here."
"Isn't it?" Cao's expression remained serene despite Atlas's outburst. "You seek answers about void incursions, about your father, about your bond. All paths lead to the same destination."
Sarah reached for Atlas's arm, her touch sending golden energy sparking between them despite the bracelets. "Let's hear him out. We don't have to agree to anything."
The monitoring screens flickered as energy patterns shifted across the global map. Shanghai's convergence point pulsed an angry red, growing stronger with each passing moment.
"Your father understood the ancient cycle,
