The journey back through the portal was a blur of pain and disorientation. Miko drifted in and out of consciousness, fragments of the battle with Sylas replaying behind his eyelids. The wraith's final warning echoed in his mind: *There are five of us. And I'm the weakest.*They emerged into the controlled chaos of AAU headquarters' medical wing. Nurses and doctors swarmed around them, calling out stats and treatment protocols. Through the haze, Miko caught sight of Coordinator Hayes pushing through the crowd, his usually composed face tight with concern."Get them stabilized," Hayes ordered the medical team. "I need reports as soon as they're conscious.""Sir," one of the doctors approached hesitantly. "The unidentified male—his readings are... unusual. We should isolate him until—""Do what you need to medically," Hayes cut her off. "But keep him with the team. They found him; they stay with him."The doctor looked like she wanted to argue but nodded curtly before returning to her pa

Kaelen repeated, his ancient eyes fixed on the president. "Using a battery as bait. How history repeats itself."The president remained unruffled. "I said nothing about using anyone as bait.""Oh well," Kaelen waved dismissively. "It changes nothing about the fundamental truth we face." He leaned forward, addressing the entire room now. "The Abyss cannot be defeated through conventional means. Its strength grows each day as the current battery fails.""What exactly are you suggesting?" Hayes asked.Kaelen's expression grew grave. "You must strike at the source. The core itself."One of the military officials scoffed. "Impossible. No expedition has ever reached the deepest levels of the Abyss and returned.""Because they didn't know what they were looking for," Kaelen countered. "Or how to find it."Miko found his voice. "You're saying we need to go to the core of the Abyss? To... what exactly?""To cut off the battery and destroy the Abyss's hold on this world," Kaelen stated simply,

The Grand Cathedral dominated the eastern quarter of the capital, its spires reaching toward the sky like fingers of stone and stained glass. Unlike the utilitarian architecture of AAU headquarters or the elegant restraint of the presidential mansion, the Cathedral embraced grandeur for its own sake—flying buttresses, ornate gargoyles, and elaborate carvings depicting humanity's struggle against the Abyss.Miko stood at the base of the massive stairs leading to the main entrance, his AAU uniform replaced with simple civilian clothes. Hayes had suggested arriving without official identifiers at first, to gauge the Church's natural response before revealing his mission."Just another pilgrim seeking guidance," he muttered to himself, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder.The Cathedral's public areas bustled with activity—tourists admiring the architecture, faithful attending prayers, and Church personnel moving with purpose between various duties. Miko followed the signs toward the

Miko moved through the public areas dressed in simple civilian clothes rather than his Academy uniform. His formal challenge against Elara wasn't scheduled until tomorrow, but he'd decided to explore the Cathedral proper today, hoping to gain insights that might help him understand the knights' devotion to their traditions."It's quite something, isn't it?" a soft voice observed from behind him.Miko turned to find an elderly priest watching him with kind eyes. Unlike the stern-faced Father Matthias or the imposing Knight-Commander, this man had a gentle demeanor that invited conversation."It's extraordinary," Miko agreed. "I've never seen anything like it.""Few have," the priest smiled. "The Grand Cathedral took over a century to complete, with each generation adding their own contributions." He extended his hand. "I am Father Dominic, chief archivist.""Miko," he replied, shaking the offered hand and deliberately omitting his last name. "Just visiting.""Are you?" Father Dominic's

The bell's resonant tone had barely faded before Elara was in motion, covering the distance between them with startling speed. Her opening attack—a precise thrust aimed at Miko's shoulder—was a test rather than a serious attempt to wound, gauging his reactions and defensive capabilities.Miko sidestepped smoothly, recognizing the probe for what it was. He countered with a measured strike of his own, similarly testing rather than committing.They circled each other, exchanging exploratory blows that gradually increased in intensity and complexity. The crowd's initial excitement settled into focused observation as they realized this wasn't going to be a quick, one-sided demonstration but a genuine contest of skill."You move well for an Academy student," Elara remarked during a momentary respite, her voice pitched low enough that only Miko could hear. "Most rely too heavily on their elements.""Elemental combat and physical training aren't mutually exclusive," Miko replied, maintaining