The new door continued opening.
Unlike the others, it did not unfold with precision.
It swung open casually.
Almost lazily.
As though whatever stood behind it felt no need to impress anyone.
No need to follow protocol.
No need to respect the rules governing this place.
The observation realm had become completely silent.
Millions of watchers stood frozen.
Auren stared.
The crystal pulsed in Sarya's hand.
Even the endless layers of reality surrounding them seemed to hold still.
The door opened wider.
Footsteps echoed from beyond.
Slow.
Unhurried.
Confident.
Then someone stepped through.
Sarya blinked.
The figure looked ordinary.
Painfully ordinary.
A man.
At least he appeared human.
Dark clothing.
No armor.
No glowing symbols.
No ancient aura of overwhelming power.
No visible weapon.
Nothing.
If she had passed him on a city street back on Earth, she would never have looked twice.
The man glanced around.
Then sighed.
"Wow."
