The old man continued staring at me as though he had completely forgotten how to blink.
The amusement that had been present on his face only moments ago disappeared completely, replaced by an expression so serious that even the surrounding atmosphere seemed to grow heavier.
Eventually, he let out a slow breath.
"Billion..."
He rubbed his forehead before looking back at me.
"Have you completely lost your mind?"
I blinked.
"I was hoping for a slightly more encouraging response."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
He took a few slow steps toward me until we stood only a few feet apart.
"You're proposing that we solve one catastrophe by unleashing another that could be even worse."
His voice remained calm, yet every word carried undeniable weight.
"The Twelfth Soul Current was sealed by the Ruler of the Null Realm himself. Not by Saints. Not by Lords. By the Ruler."
He pointed toward me.
"And your first thought is to unseal it?"
I met his gaze without looking away.
