Kael returned from the hidden core without rushing.
He walked the halls as someone carrying more than memories — he carried the weight of a truth withheld.
Upon entering the communications room, he skipped protocol.
Manually activated the LIGA channel.
Mister's hologram appeared.
"You knew," Kael said bluntly.
Mister said nothing.
"The lower core. The ancient portal. The phrase carved into the floor.
You kept it all from me."
"You weren't supposed to go down there," Mister replied.
"And why not? Because I'd see you're not in control?
Or because I'd finally realize… maybe you never were?"
Mister stepped forward. His face, always calm, now showed something rare: discomfort.
"Kael, the portals are living entities. That much you've understood.
But what's down there...
isn't like the others."
"Then what is it?"
Silence.
Kael pressed again:
"I deserve to know."
"What lies down there is a primordial link. A point of origin.
It wasn't created by LIGA.
It has always existed. Before us.
Before humans.
Before Earth had a name."
Kael swallowed hard.
"You use something you don't understand?"
"We have no choice," said Mister. "That portal connects all others.
Without it, there are no Immortals.
Without it, there is no LIGA."
Kael clenched his fists.
"Then… you're prisoners.
And you made me one, too."
Mister didn't deny it.
"The only way to balance that power… is to keep you here, under surveillance."
Kael took a step back.
"So I'm not just the Immortal.
I'm the seal."
Mister looked away.
"Yes."