Now they knew.
Back with the Southern Continent group, the second announcement came.
The voice returned, flat and clear, reaching every corner of the gathered crowd at once. Nether Dimension demons had breached the secret realm. The Great Mortal Emperor would move to stop them.
Anastasia went still. Her eyes fixed forward and stayed there. The composed expression she always wore slipped, just for a moment, before she caught it.
"I can't believe they're here so soon," she said quietly, almost to herself.
Helia caught every word. She turned to face her directly. "Do you know something about these demons?"
Anastasia's expression closed off fast. She shook her head. "I was thinking about the announcement," she said, voice even. "The reincarnation of the Great Mortal Emperor. Hearing it confirmed is simply surprising." A short pause. "That's all."
Helia held her gaze a moment longer.
Anastasia met it without flinching.
Helia nodded once and looked away.
