## Final Preparations
The last rays of sunset bathed the Valley of Equilibrium in golden hues as Richard emerged from the underground meditation chamber. After six hours of deep communion with the Echo of the Sprout, his bond with the green entity had reached a new level of refinement. The crystalline veins beneath his skin pulsed gently with a luminescence that combined the green of the Echo with the chromatic tones of the five fragments already integrated.
```
[Current status: Pre-mission optimization]
[Mana: 68/72, balanced distribution]
[Echo of the Sprout: 61% synchronized, stable]
[Previous fragments: Harmonization completed at 94%]
[Time remaining until Convergence: 18 hours]
```
In the central garden of the Refuge, he found his companions gathered around a polished stone table where various maps, data crystals, and Xer'thul devices were carefully arranged. The air vibrated with that strange mixture of anticipation and apprehension that precedes missions where the odds are clearly against you.
"The last meditation has been productive," he commented as he joined the group. "The Echo is responding with greater precision and has shown me additional details about the energy configuration of the Valley of Echoes."
Emily looked up from the holographic device she was calibrating. During these months in the Refuge, she had developed a surprising affinity with the ancestral technology, awakening latent abilities in her Xer'thul blood that now emerged in full force.
"The teleportation coordinates are finally stabilized," she reported. "Kaelum has confirmed that the three remaining Xer'thul teams are positioned near the other nodal points. We only need to synchronize our timers."
Jake, whose joking personality had matured without completely disappearing during his time in the Refuge, was adjusting the final components of his crystal camera. The device, originally designed for simple documentation, had been transformed into a multifunctional tool thanks to modifications made with recovered technology.
"I still think we should have a battle cry," he commented, half-jokingly but with an underlying seriousness. "Something like 'For cosmic balance!' or 'Death to dimensional stasis!'"
Elliot, absorbed in complex calculations projected in front of him, smiled without taking his eyes off his work.
"I prefer to focus on making sure our counter-resonance devices work correctly," he replied. "The mathematical models suggest a 78.6% probability of neutralizing the nodal devices if all three teams act within a 47-second synchronization window."
Richard observed his friends with a mixture of pride and concern. They had come a long way since the fortuitous discovery of the first fragment: the insecure academic, the cautious archaeologist, the irreverent documentarian, and the skeptical scientist had transformed into interdimensional warriors prepared to face forces that transcended ordinary human understanding.
```
[Team analysis]
[Emily: Latent Xer'thul capabilities 72% active, equipped with Forger's Tear]
[Jake: Crystal technology binding completed, enhanced tactical adaptability]
[Elliot: Deep understanding of Confluential technology, functional psychic shield]
[Group cohesion: Exceptional, simulated tests passed]
```
"We need to review the plan one last time," Richard declared, focusing the group's attention. "Once we separate, communications will be limited and strictly timed to avoid detection."
Emily activated the central holographic map, which displayed the seven nodal points connected by force lines forming the Seraphim Configuration.
"I will head to Mount Seraphim with this emergency transporter," she indicated a small silver disc. "The Xer'thul enclave was destroyed, but I know the mountain well enough to access the deep chambers where The Confluence will place their nodal device."
Jake pointed to the next point on the hologram.
"Elliot and I will infiltrate the Burning Catacombs through the secondary passage that Ryven showed us during our first visit. The Primordial Forgers maintain an ancestral neutrality, so The Confluence won't be able to use the central core without explicit permission. That means their device will be in the peripheral chambers, probably near the Transformation Nexus."
Elliot added:
"I've developed this frequency inhibitor specifically calibrated for the crystalline harmonies of the Catacombs," he showed a device with pulsating reddish components. "It won't destroy the nodal device, but it will distort its synchronization with the other six, breaking the integrity of the Configuration."
Richard nodded, satisfied with the precision of the plan.
"Meanwhile, I'll use the Megalithic Circle that the Echo recalibrated to access the Valley of Echoes directly during the convergence," he continued. "According to Kaelum's information and what the Echo has revealed to me, the Valley normally exists in a dimensional plane slightly displaced from ours, but during the convergence, the barriers thin, allowing access."
Emily looked at him with barely disguised concern.
"The most dangerous part will be when you try to obtain the Eternal Sprout while simultaneously neutralizing the nodal device that The Confluence will place there," she observed. "It's too much for one person."
Richard smiled slightly, the Echo of the Sprout intensifying its orbit around him as if responding to the mention.
"I won't be alone," he replied, extending his hand to allow the Echo to briefly orbit over his palm. "The Echo has been preparing me specifically for this moment. It's simultaneously a guide, an amplifier, and a shield."
A contemplative silence descended over the group as each processed the magnitude of what they would face in less than a day. The harmonic convergence was an inevitable cosmic event, but what would happen during it would determine the fate not only of the Ancestral Codex, but of dimensional balance itself.
Jake was the one who finally broke the silence.
"What if we fail?" he asked, verbalizing the fear they all shared but had avoided expressing. "What happens if The Confluence activates their Rectification Protocol?"
Richard observed the hologram of the Seraphim Configuration, its pulsating lines forming a pattern that disturbingly resembled a cosmic cage.
"According to what we've learned, the Protocol would establish a state of permanent dimensional stasis," he answered. "The barriers between dimensions wouldn't break as Voraxia fears, but would become absolute and impenetrable. The natural evolution of reality would be frozen in a state of sterile 'perfection'."
"Death by perfect preservation rather than chaotic destruction," Elliot murmured. "Philosophically fascinating, existentially terrifying."
Emily approached the table, her eyes scanning the faces of her companions.
"That's why we must succeed," she affirmed with a resolution that would have been unthinkable in the Emily that Richard met months ago. "Not just for ourselves, but for the fundamental balance that sustains all existence."
The Echo of the Sprout, as if responding to these words, ascended to the exact center of the group and emitted a pulse of greenish light that split into four rays, momentarily connecting each of them in a pattern reminiscent of the lines that joined the nodal points in the hologram.
```
[Phenomenon detected]
[Echo of the Sprout: Creating quadrilateral bond]
[Function: Synchronizing resonance between individuals]
[Effect: Temporary empathic connection, shared spatiotemporal orientation]
```
Richard felt the connection establish: it wasn't a fusion of minds or direct telepathic communication, but something more subtle and fundamental. It was as if an invisible thread now bound them across any distance or dimensional barrier. They wouldn't be able to transmit complex thoughts, but in moments of extreme need, they could feel each other's presence, like distant but visible stars in darkness.
"A final gift from the Echo," Richard explained, intuitively understanding what had just happened. "A way to keep us connected even when we're physically separated."
Jake extended his hand to the center of the group, where the Echo continued to pulse softly.
"Then let's make an oath," he proposed with unusual solemnity. "No matter what we face tomorrow, no matter if we succeed or fail, we'll meet again here, in this Refuge."
Emily added her hand on top of Jake's.
"A point of return," she agreed. "A home at the end of the road."
Elliot placed his hand on Emily's.
"A constant amid chaos," he added.
Richard completed the circle, his hand on his friends', the Echo of the Sprout orbiting over them as if sealing a cosmic pact.
"Whatever happens, we'll find our way back," he promised. "Together."
In that moment of perfect unity, the four felt something that transcended words: a deep certainty that, regardless of the outcome of their individual missions, the bond they had forged would remain as an immutable truth across time and dimensions.
It was time to prepare for separation, for the divergent paths they would have to walk alone before meeting again. Each retreated to their quarters for one last night of rest in the Refuge of Equilibrium, carrying with them the knowledge that at dawn, they would face the destiny for which they had been preparing all these months.
## The Hour of Departure
Dawn arrived with an ethereal quality, as if the valley itself held its breath at the importance of the day beginning. Richard awoke before the others, feeling how the Echo of the Sprout pulsed with renewed intensity, its orbit around him faster and more precise than ever.
He climbed to the highest terrace of the Refuge, where the astronomical observatory that Elliot had restored allowed a perfect view of the morning sky. Even without specialized instruments, Richard could perceive the subtle distortions in the firmament: stars blinking with unusual patterns, a slight chromatic shift in the light of the rising sun, and occasional ripples on the horizon as if reality itself were a pond where someone had thrown a stone.
```
[Dimensional analysis]
[Harmonic convergence: Initial pre-phase detected]
[Interdimensional veil: Progressive thinning, 17% more permeable]
[Local effects: Minor fluctuations in physical constants]
[Time until full convergence: Approximately 9 hours]
```
"It has already begun," said Emily, who had silently climbed up to join him. "I can feel it. Like a subtle but growing pressure."
Richard nodded, pointing to where an atypical aurora was beginning to form despite the latitude.
"The dimensional fabric is becoming more fluid. The first signs are subtle, but they'll intensify exponentially over the next few hours."
Emily approached the railing, observing the valley bathed in the golden light of dawn. The contrast between the serenity of the landscape and the immensity of what was about to occur was almost painful.
"Are we really prepared for this?" she asked quietly. "Not just physically, but... do we truly understand what's at stake?"
Richard considered the question carefully before responding.
"I believe no one can be completely prepared for something of this magnitude," he finally said. "Not even The Confluence, with all their antiquity and knowledge. They're so trapped in their vision of static perfection that they've lost touch with the evolutionary nature of reality."
The Echo of the Sprout pulsed softly, as if affirming his words. Emily extended her hand toward the greenish entity, which completed an orbit around her wrist before returning to its position beside Richard.
"It seems to have grown fond of you," Richard observed with a smile.
"It's more than that," she responded thoughtfully. "It's as if it recognizes us all as part of something greater. Not as tools or vessels, but as... collaborators."
This observation resonated deeply with what Richard had been feeling during his meditations with the Echo. Unlike the previous fragments that completely integrated with his being, the Echo maintained its autonomy while establishing a bond of conscious cooperation. It was a living lesson about true balance: not domination or submission, but harmony between independent entities.
```
[Internal reflection]
[Emerging understanding: Codex as symbiosis, not as a tool]
[Echo of the Sprout: Exemplifying ideal relationship between fragments and bearer]
[Implication: Reunification as harmonization, not absolute fusion]
```
Their reflections were interrupted by the arrival of Jake and Elliot, the latter carrying several measuring instruments that he began to methodically arrange around the observatory.
"Good morning, 'Save Reality' team," Jake greeted with his characteristic humor, though Richard noticed the underlying tension in his voice. "Does anyone else feel like the air tastes different today?"
"It's not just a feeling," Elliot confirmed while calibrating one of his devices. "The atmospheric composition is experiencing minor but measurable fluctuations. Higher concentration of unstable quantum particles, micro-shifts in the electromagnetic spectrum..." he adjusted a dial. "Fascinating. We're literally witnessing how physical laws become temporarily more... negotiable."
During the next hour, they had breakfast together in a contemplative silence occasionally interrupted by technical observations or tense jokes. The imminent separation weighed on them, but also the understanding that each had an essential role in the mission that couldn't be delegated.
Finally, when the sun had risen enough to fully illuminate the valley, Richard gave the signal to begin the final preparations.
"It's time," he announced simply.
In the central garden of the Refuge, where four months earlier they had formed their initial bond with the Echo of the Sprout, they now gathered for farewell. Each carried equipment carefully selected and prepared for their specific missions.
Emily wore a modular exploration suit enhanced with Xer'thul technology, designed to adapt to the extreme atmospheric changes of Mount Seraphim. The Forger's Tear, now set in a bracelet that allowed immediate activation, shone with its characteristic reddish light when it caught the sun's rays.
"The transporter is synchronized with the specific coordinates of the central chamber under the northern peak," she explained while performing a final check of the silver disc. "According to our calculations, The Confluence will place their nodal device in the ancient Channeling Nexus, probably guarded by no more than three or four agents."
Jake and Elliot presented an image of complementary contrast: the former equipped with elements more oriented toward mobility and adaptability, including his modified crystal camera that could now function as an advanced exploration tool; the latter with a more technical outfit incorporating multiple analytical devices and the frequency inhibitor specially designed for the Catacombs.
"Our plan is simple but effective," Elliot explained. "We'll access through the southwest secondary passage, avoiding the main entrance that will probably be guarded. Once inside, Jake will use his previous experience to navigate toward the Transformation Nexus while I focus on identifying and neutralizing the nodal device."
Jake added, patting a side bag:
"And I have some special gifts from the Refuge's alchemical pantry. Turns out certain combinations of local elements create very effective distractions."
Richard observed them with evident pride. During these months they had overcome countless simulations and training sessions, perfecting their individual skills while learning to compensate for each other's weaknesses. They were no longer simple academics dragged into an adventure by extraordinary circumstances, but dimensional warriors aware of their purpose and capabilities.
```
[Final team evaluation]
[Emily: Prepared, estimated success probability 76%]
[Jake+Elliot: Prepared, estimated success probability 72%]
[Richard+Echo: Prepared, estimated success probability 68%]
[Uncertainty factors: Confluence response, dimensional variables]
```
"As for me," said Richard, his voice reflecting a calmness that only came from complete acceptance of what he was about to face, "the Megalithic Circle will allow me to access the Valley of Echoes directly at the exact moment of maximum convergence. The Echo of the Sprout will serve as anchor and guide through the dimensional fluctuations."
He deployed a small holographic map showing the configuration of the Valley during convergence.
"The nodal device will probably be placed here," he pointed to a central structure resembling a natural amphitheater, "while the Eternal Sprout should manifest in this location," he indicated a point nearby but separated by what appeared to be a maze of crystalline formations. "The challenge will be to neutralize the former while accessing the latter, all within the critical window of maximum convergence."
Emily studied the map with concern.
"The distance between both points..."
"Is considerable," Richard admitted. "But the Echo has been showing me how to manipulate the spatial properties of the Valley during convergence. Time and space become... malleable in ways that would normally be impossible."
After a final review of chronometers, communicators, and alternative strategies, the moment came that they had been postponing: the physical farewell.
They gathered in a circle, the Echo of the Sprout slowly orbiting above them like a greenish sentinel. Words seemed insufficient for the moment, so initially they only exchanged glances loaded with complex emotions: determination, fear, hope, and a deep affection forged through trials that few humans had ever faced.
Finally, Jake broke the silence with characteristic boldness.
"This isn't goodbye," he declared firmly. "It's 'see you in a few hours to celebrate saving reality as we know it'."
Elliot smiled slightly.
"Statistically speaking, our chances are..."
"I don't want to hear it," Emily interrupted him, though with affection. "I prefer to believe that statistics don't account for our collective stubbornness."
Richard stepped to the center, extending his hands to form the core of what had become their group ritual.
"Whatever happens today," he said in a clear, firm voice, "we've done everything possible to prepare. We trust in our individual abilities, but above all, we trust in each other."
The others completed the circle, their hands joined as they had been so many times during these months.
"For balance," Emily murmured.
"For truth," Elliot added.
"For a future where we can keep making bad decisions on our own," Jake concluded with a smile that didn't completely hide the emotion in his eyes.
The Echo of the Sprout descended to the exact center of their circle and emitted a pulse of green light that extended in four rays, connecting their hearts for a brief but intense moment. The sensation was like an oath sealed not with words but with life essence, a promise deeper than any verbal expression.
```
[Group bond reinforced]
[Echo of the Sprout: Establishing quadruple anchoring]
[Function: Trans-dimensional spatiotemporal orientation]
[Activation: Automatic in case of critical danger or disorientation]
```
And then, with a last look at the Refuge that had been their home and academy during these months, the four headed toward their respective departure points. Emily toward the eastern platform where she would activate her transporter; Jake and Elliot toward the underground passage that would lead them to a Currents Node calibrated specifically for the Catacombs; Richard toward the northern path that would take him to the Megalithic Circle.
The Echo of the Sprout, as if sensing the solemnity of the moment, emitted a crystalline tone that resonated throughout the valley, a sound that seemed to condense hope and determination into a single perfect note. It was both farewell and promise, a reminder that although their paths were temporarily separating, the purpose that united them transcended physical distance.
Richard paused briefly at the edge of the valley to observe the Refuge of Equilibrium one last time. In his mind, he formed a clear image of this moment: the valley bathed in morning light, the ancient building harmoniously integrated with the landscape, and the sensation of being on the edge of a fundamental change in the structure of reality.
He wanted to remember this, to preserve it as an anchor for the difficult moments he knew would come. Because beyond all cosmic explanations and dimensional conflicts, this was the simplest and most powerful truth: four friends who had found a shared purpose in defending a universal balance that transcended their individual lives.
With that image firmly engraved in his heart, Richard turned toward the northern path, the Echo of the Sprout faithfully orbiting at his side as he headed toward his inevitable encounter with the destiny of the sixth fragment.
## Path to the Valley
The path leading to the Megalithic Circle gradually ascended through a forest whose vegetation became progressively more ancient and primordial with each step. Richard noticed how the presence of the Echo of the Sprout subtly affected the environment: flowers that opened prematurely as he passed, branches that bent slightly as if in recognition, and occasional green flashes in the bark of trees when the small floating sphere passed near them.
```
[Environmental interaction]
[Echo of the Sprout: Stimulating resonance in surrounding biomass]
[Effect: Ancestral recognition, passage facilitation]
[Hypothesis: Non-verbal communication with dormant plant consciousness]
```
As he ascended, Richard continuously monitored the signs of harmonic convergence. The sky now showed phenomena impossible to ignore: occasional multicolored flares like out-of-place auroras, stars visible in broad daylight, and more worryingly, moments where fragments of the landscape seemed briefly superimposed with alternative versions of themselves.
"The dimensional membrane is becoming increasingly permeable," he murmured to himself, as he observed how a section of the path briefly flickered showing a snow-covered version before returning to its normal forested state.
The Echo pulsed in response, projecting into his mind images that complemented his understanding: the Valley of Echoes existed simultaneously in multiple dimensional planes, each slightly different. During convergence, these versions would begin to partially overlap, creating access points where transit between them would be momentarily possible.
After approximately two hours of ascent, the forest began to open, revealing the rock formation where the Megalithic Circle was located. Richard paused momentarily, activating all his enhanced senses to scan the area for possible traps or agents of The Confluence.
```
[Perimeter scan]
[Echo Vision: Active, 200 meter radius]
[Temporal Perception: Active, detecting chronological anomalies]
[Immediate threats: None detected, but residual activity present]
```
"Someone was here recently," he observed, detecting subtle energetic disturbances around the circle. "Probably a reconnaissance advance party."
The Echo of the Sprout rose several meters, expanding its sensory field to complement Richard's. After a few moments, it descended again, transmitting a sensation of caution but not of immediate danger.
Richard advanced toward the megalithic circle with firm but vigilant steps. The twelve large vertical stones, each approximately three meters tall, formed a perfect circle around a central platform. Each megalith was covered with ancient symbols that now glowed faintly with their own light, responding to the proximity of the convergence.
Upon stepping onto the central platform, Richard immediately felt the difference: a subtle but constant vibration, as if the entire circle were a giant tuning fork attuned to some cosmic frequency inaudible to ordinary senses. The Echo of the Sprout reacted by intensifying its brightness and accelerating its orbit around Richard.
```
[Megalithic Circle Analysis]
[Status: Active, pre-initiation]
[Synchronization with convergence: 74% and increasing]
[Configured destination: Valley of Eternal Echoes (precise coordinates)]
[Estimated time until transit viability: 2 hours, 17 minutes]
```
Richard extracted from his backpack the components necessary for the transit ritual: small resonant crystals that Kaelum had provided, each tuned to a specific frequency; a container of water from the central spring of the Refuge; and most valuable, a small flask containing what Kaelum had called "Essence of Concordance," a luminescent substance that would supposedly facilitate dimensional alignment during transit.
With precise movements learned during months of practice, he began to place the crystals at specific points on the platform, creating a geometric pattern that reflected in miniature the Seraphim Configuration that The Confluence was trying to establish. The irony wasn't lost on him: using the same sacred geometry as his adversaries, but with opposite purpose.
While working, the Echo of the Sprout orbited at different heights, occasionally descending to pulse briefly over one crystal or another, as if subtly adjusting their alignment. Richard now understood that the entity possessed an intuitive knowledge of these rituals that transcended even Xer'thul wisdom.
"You've done this before, haven't you?" he murmured to the Echo. "Not you specifically, but the consciousness you represent."
The Echo pulsed in a pattern that Richard had learned to interpret as affirmation. It wasn't exactly verbal communication, but in these months they had developed a shared language of impressions and sensations that proved surprisingly precise.
With the crystal pattern completed, Richard extracted the small flask of Essence of Concordance. The liquid inside pulsed with its own light, subtly changing color as if responding to invisible thoughts or emotions. With extreme care, he began to trace specific symbols on each of the crystals, creating an energy circuit that connected them in sequence.
```
[Transit Ritual in progress]
[Phase 1: Geometric configuration - Completed]
[Phase 2: Essence application - 68% completed]
[Mana consumed: 12/72, controlled rate]
[Ritual stability: Optimal]
```
So concentrated was he on his task that he almost didn't perceive the subtle change in the surrounding energy currents. It was the Echo of the Sprout that alerted him, suddenly rising several meters and pulsing in an unmistakable warning pattern.
Richard froze, his senses extended to the maximum, just in time to catch a barely perceptible distortion in the air about fifty meters from the circle. The distortion gradually solidified, revealing the form of what appeared to be an advanced surveillance drone, its metallic surface reflecting sunlight in an unnatural way.
```
[ALERT: Surveillance device detected]
[Identification: Confluential technology, reconnaissance model]
[Status: Active scanning mode, probably transmitting data]
[Options: Neutralization vs. Concealment]
```
Richard quickly evaluated his options. Destroying the device would immediately alert The Confluence to his presence, but allowing it to continue observing would compromise the entire operation. He needed a third alternative.
With a subtle gesture, he simultaneously activated his control over Air-Spirit and Metal-Consciousness in a combination he had been perfecting. The result was a bubble of perceptual distortion that didn't physically hide the circle, but subtly altered the way surveillance systems interpreted it.
"I hope this works," he murmured while maintaining divided concentration between the ritual and the countermeasure. "We just need a few more hours."
The drone remained motionless for several seconds that seemed eternal, before reorienting itself toward another sector and continuing its patrol. Richard exhaled slowly, aware that he had gained time, but also that the presence of the device confirmed his suspicions: The Confluence was actively monitoring all possible access points to the Valley.
He returned to his task with renewed urgency, completing the application of the Essence while the Echo of the Sprout maintained constant vigilance of the perimeter. The perceptual distortion bubble wouldn't last indefinitely, and he suspected it wouldn't be the only surveillance device in the area.
With the crystal pattern completed, Richard sat at the exact center of the platform, adopting the meditative posture he had perfected over these months. The Echo of the Sprout descended to orbit slowly around his head, creating a greenish halo that pulsed in perfect synchrony with his breathing.
It was time for the final tuning, the most delicate phase of the transit ritual. He closed his eyes and began to gradually expand his consciousness, first connecting with the resonant crystals, then with the megalithic stones, and finally with the dimensional currents flowing invisibly through the area.
```
[Transit Ritual final phase]
[Consciential tuning: Progressing]
[Perception radius: 1.2 km and expanding]
[Echo of the Sprout: Amplifying resonance]
[Connection with dimensional currents: Established]
```
Through this expanded state of consciousness, Richard could perceive much more than with his ordinary senses: he felt the presence of three other surveillance drones patrolling the area in a precalculated pattern; detected growing dimensional disturbances that confirmed the proximity of maximum convergence; and more worryingly, identified what appeared to be energetic preparations at several distant points, presumably the other nodes where The Confluence would place their devices.
"They're accelerating their preparations," he murmured without breaking his concentration. "They must have detected the first signs of our movement."
The Echo of the Sprout pulsed in response, transmitting not only confirmation but also something more: a sequence of impressions that Richard interpreted as instructions for a modification of the ritual. Following this intuitive guidance, he subtly adjusted the energy configuration, incorporating an additional layer of temporal variability that would make it more difficult to predict the exact moment of his transit.
As he deepened this meditative state, Richard couldn't help reflecting on the path that had led him here. From the fortuitous discovery of the first fragment to this critical moment where the fate of multiple dimensions might depend on his actions, the journey had been as unpredictable as it was transformative.
He was no longer simply Richard Wonder, the history professor with an interest in the esoteric; he had become something more, a living nexus between primordial forces he was just beginning to understand. The fragments he had integrated weren't simply tools of power, but aspects of a fragmented universal consciousness seeking to reestablish itself.
```
[Internal reflection recorded]
[Emerging understanding: Identity as dimensional nexus]
[Ancestral Codex: Not just instrument but fragmented conscious entity]
[Evolutionary purpose: Reunification as process of universal awareness]
```
The Echo of the Sprout seemed to respond to these thoughts, its pulse momentarily intensifying. Richard perceived a confirmation: he was approaching a truth that few bearers had glimpsed before. The true purpose of the Codex transcended even the narratives of The Confluence, the Xer'thul, or the Voraxia.
A sudden change in the energy currents interrupted his reflections. Through his expanded perception, he detected a massive fluctuation approaching: the harmonic convergence was entering its critical phase much earlier than calculated.
```
[ALERT: Convergence acceleration detected]
[Time until maximum convergence: Recalculating... 48 minutes]
[Deviation from previous projections: -92 minutes]
[Hypothesis: Artificial interference, possible Confluential manipulation]
```
Richard opened his eyes, immediately activating his Temporal Perception to confirm what he had felt. The sky above the megalithic circle now showed phenomena impossible to ignore: luminous fractures that briefly revealed other realms, stars tracing impossible patterns, and occasional distortion waves that made the horizon undulate as if it were an illusion.
"They're deliberately accelerating the process," he realized with alarm. "They're trying to destabilize our synchronization."
The Echo of the Sprout ascended rapidly, expanding its sensory field to the maximum. After a few moments, it descended transmitting urgent information: the surveillance drones had altered their pattern and were converging on the circle, while in the distance, movement was detected of what could only be agents of The Confluence.
Richard quickly assessed the situation. The ritual wasn't complete, but the convergence was advancing faster than expected and enemy agents were approaching. The window of opportunity was rapidly closing.
With renewed determination, he simultaneously activated all the resonant crystals, channeling a significant amount of mana to force synchronization.
```
[Emergency ritual initiated]
[Forced synchronization: Risks accepted]
[Mana dedicated: 34/72, accelerated consumption]
[Probability of success: 64%, variable factors]
```
The megaliths began to vibrate visibly, their symbols glowing with increasing intensity as the air within the circle became charged with static electricity. The Echo of the Sprout responded immediately, accelerating its orbit until becoming a continuous ring of greenish light around Richard.
"It will have to be enough," he murmured, feeling how the first surveillance drone approached the limit of his perceptual distortion bubble. "I can't wait any longer."
Concentrating intensely on his destination, Richard visualized the Valley of Eternal Echoes as he had seen it in his meditations guided by the Echo: a vast natural amphitheater surrounded by crystalline formations that amplified and transformed every sound into complex energy patterns. The place where, according to all his research, the Eternal Sprout would manifest during convergence.
The megaliths responded to this visualization, their vibration reaching a crescendo that made the earth itself tremble. In the center of the circle, where Richard remained in perfect stillness, the air began to ripple like heat over asphalt in summer, creating a distortion effect that gradually transformed into an incipient portal.
A flash of light in his peripheral vision warned him that his time had run out: the drone had penetrated his perceptual bubble and was undoubtedly transmitting his location. In the distance, he could distinguish humanoid figures moving at impossible speed toward the circle.
"Too late," he murmured with grim satisfaction as the portal stabilized in front of him, briefly showing an image of the Valley as he had visualized it. "The convergence is underway."
With a last thought toward his friends, hoping they were equally advanced in their respective missions, Richard stepped forward and allowed the portal to envelop him. The Echo of the Sprout momentarily merged with the energy vortex, stabilizing the transit as reality dissolved around him.
The last thing he saw before the megalithic circle disappeared from view was several agents of The Confluence bursting into the clearing, their silver uniforms gleaming under the distorted light of the convergent sky, their too-perfect faces showing an emotion Richard had never seen in them before: genuine alarm.
The Confluence had underestimated his determination and resources. Now the real test would begin: reaching the Eternal Sprout while neutralizing the nodal device, all amid the chaotic energy of dimensional convergence that was beginning to unleash its full potential.
The fate of cosmic balance literally hung on the edge of an instant, and Richard was hurtling directly toward its epicenter, guided by the Echo of the Sprout and the unshakable conviction that, whatever the outcome, he would not face that destiny alone.