Hidden Site – Secure Chamber, 7,300 Meters Away
Thirteenth Dusk Operations Cell
The room pulsed with artifact glow. Seven masked figures stood before the gate controller, built into the floor like a silver altar. The artifact hummed with dormant power, primed for anchor reception.
Suddenly—Caldrith's image shimmered into view inside the linked communication crystal.
"Abort the strike,"
He said, his voice flat.
Khin stepped forward.
"What?"
Ergon grunted, already tightening his gauntlets.
"We're within range. Anchor lock is almost complete."
Valesca's eyes narrowed.
"We move in twelve minutes. You're pulling us now?"
Caldrith's image remained calm, unshaken.
"The Hostess is [Rank 5]."
"We planned for that,"
Ergon muttered.
"She's [Peak-Rank 5],"
Caldrith clarified.
"And more importantly—she's fast. Faster than the gate's ripple phase."
He paused.
"And she's a slave."
Silence.
Valesca's eyes flicked sideways.
"So she's not our enemy."
