The message hovered in the air, written in light above the pillar:
"Final defense authorized.
Arkana Code."
Kael had never heard of this protocol.
Not in LIGA's internal records.
Not in the restricted archives.
It was older.
More hidden.
More dangerous.
---
The entity advanced slowly, defying the logic of space itself.
Its form distorted the chamber around it.
The walls trembled, as if time itself was being rewritten.
Kael took a deep breath.
And placed his disc on the pedestal.
The Arkana Code activated.
---
The chamber's markings began to rotate.
The pillar opened like a metallic flower, revealing a pulsing core.
And then… she appeared.
Not a recording.
Not a memory.
Arkana.
Her body was made of light.
But her eyes were real.
— You arrived where I fell — she said.
— But you still have the chance… to seal what I tried to contain.
Kael tried to speak, but she interrupted:
— There is no time for hesitation.
If that being crosses over, everything we understand as history… collapses.
She touched the disc in his hand.
And in a moment, all her knowledge transferred into him.
Kael staggered.
But did not fall.
He now knew what needed to be done.
And there was no turning back.