***
{Outside The Projection}
The world held its breath.
Something momentous was about to happen, and they would not dare interrupt.
***
{Inside The Projection}
'This is it.'
Malik looked down at the Well.
One might think him terrified, but he was far from that.
And it was not because of who he was, but because of the place itself.
The overwhelming Aether surrounding him made it difficult to feel that way.
It evoked a sense of comfort, familiarity, and relaxation. It made him feel like he was at home. In a place he never had, at least not for long... and likely never will.
It was his fate.
He was the Stranger.
And this Stranger didn't seem to mind that at all.
He was more focused on the Well, noticing a few things.
Its... water? Had a tangible quality, something that could be touched.
This burning blood was liquid Aether contained within an invisible vessel.
"Hm."
Malik slowly knelt down and extended his hand to touch the Well's surface.
