The warning refused to disappear.
CANDIDATE LYRA... PREPARE FOR ASCENSION.
The words floated above the Origin Compass, their pale blue light illuminating the chamber.
No one spoke.
Even the alarms that had echoed through the First Harbor moments earlier suddenly ceased.
The silence felt unnatural.
It was as if the universe itself was waiting for Linh's answer.
She tightened her grip on the Compass.
"I don't understand."
"I've already made my choice."
"I released the Engine."
"I freed every consciousness."
"What else do you want from me?"
The glowing words slowly dissolved.
Another sentence replaced them.
THE RELEASE WAS HUMANITY'S DECISION.
ASCENSION IS YOURS ALONE.
A chill ran through her body.
Behind her, Khang immediately stepped forward.
"She's not going anywhere."
