"Winner Alden."
Cipher's voice broke through his sharpened focus, snapping him back to reality.
His heightened rationality effect faded.
So that's how it works.
He'd assumed Voidheart's effect was always at its peak—but now he understood it surged strongest during key moments.
He then looked towards the audience.
Cipher's eyes were widened slightly.
Even the hooded man beside her gave a slow nod.
Cipher leaned back in her seat.
"Well", she murmured, "You're better than I thought."
Vanyaa, wide-eyed, blinked. She had seen him defend against James, but it was for only a few attacks, so she couldn't really tell if he was strong.
Alden met her gaze. "So, do I get in?"
Cipher only gave him a slight nod. "Follow me."
She walked out of the room without a word.
Neither Vanyaa nor the mysterious figure followed them.
Alden followed without hesitation.
After walking for a while, they arrived in the same room they had been in before – Cypher's office.
