The voice stopped.
Not because it wanted to.
Because Elias moved.
The moment the question began forming, Candidate Zero launched himself forward.
Reality exploded around him.
The observation realm fractured into countless layers as ancient systems activated simultaneously.
The watchers reacted instantly.
For the first time since Sarya had seen them, they moved with urgency.
Millions of identical figures stepped forward together.
The sight was terrifying.
Not because they looked powerful.
Because they looked inevitable.
Like gravity.
Like time.
Like death.
Fundamental things.
Things that did not negotiate.
Things that simply existed.
Elias ignored them.
His hand slammed into the floating crystal.
The impact sent shockwaves through the observation realm.
Entire layers of reality rippled outward.
The question vanished.
Interrupted.
Delayed.
Not stopped.
The crystal flashed angrily.
The hybrid scar burned through Sarya's bridge connection.
