Kael stared at the symbol, his mind racing. Juno's words echoed in his head: "Run... or listen." He knew he couldn't trust her, but something about her words resonated with him.
Vexa appeared beside him, her tendrils quivering. "The Root is growing stronger," she said. "It's trying to communicate with you."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "What does it want?"
Vexa's gaze was enigmatic. "It wants to sever the bindings that hold it back. But at what cost, I'm not sure."
Kael's grip on his plasma blade tightened. "I don't know if I can trust you or the Root."
Vexa's smile was faint. "Trust is a luxury we can't afford. But I can show you the path forward."
She led Kael through the ship's winding corridors, avoiding areas infested with rogue drones and malfunctioning systems. They reached a chamber filled with ancient technology, where holographic projections flickered to life.
"The Root's memories," Vexa explained. "They hold the key to understanding what's happening."
Kael's eyes widened as he watched the projections. He saw visions of the galaxy's collapse, of civilizations rising and falling, of ancient beings with powers beyond his comprehension.
Suddenly, the projections shifted, revealing a dark, twisted world. Kael's heart sank as he recognized the landscape.
"This is Kaidora," he whispered. "But it's different. It's... alive."
Vexa's expression was grim. "The Hollow Moon is not just a moon. It's a gateway to another realm. And the Root is trying to open it."
Kael's mind reeled. "Why? What will happen if it opens?"
Vexa's gaze was unflinching. "The galaxy will change. Forever. And you, Kael, are the key to unlocking it."