The metallic heartbeat resonated through the stone like a living signal. It wasn't just a sound—it was pressure. Rhythm. Command. The very bones of Veydril responded to it, and the ghosts flickering in the hallways scattered in fear.
Haruto drew the Nullblade as the seal fully opened.
A wave of cold washed over them.
The chamber beyond was massive—circular and dark, carved from blackstone laced with silver veins that pulsed with ancient magic. At its center hovered a massive structure: part shrine, part containment. Chains of golden script bound a shape within—too large to be human, too fluid to be beast.
It was sleeping. But barely.
Serenya's voice cracked. "That's not just a guardian. That's a time-bound construct. One created from pieces of gods."
Lucien took a step back. "Please tell me this thing isn't going to wake up just because you showed up."
As if hearing him, the entity's head shifted.
It had no face—only an ever-shifting void where eyes should be, as if time itself refused to define it.
Haruto approached slowly. "This is the Herald of Ends. A creature made to protect the seals… and to destroy any who might unlock them."
The Herald spoke, its voice like layered echoes folding into one.
"Bearer of Null. He who walks the road between selves. Speak your purpose."
Haruto didn't flinch. "I seek the seal."
The Herald stirred, its bindings tightening with a shriek of magic.
"Then you accept the burden. The first seal tests not your strength… but your will to rewrite fate."
It raised a hand—and reality cracked. A shard of time itself broke free and hung before Haruto.
Within it, a vision played:
Serenya, dead on the floor of an unknown battlefield.
Lucien, consumed by darkness.
Haruto, alone atop a throne of ash.
Serenya gasped, grabbing his arm. "Don't look at it. It's not real—"
"Yes," the Herald said, "but it could be. It will be… unless you choose otherwise."
The test had begun.
Haruto stared at the shard—and stepped forward.