There were maps.
And then there were lies drawn as maps.
The edge of the Southern Empire ended at the volcanic Sea of Ash, where the sky never cleared and the earth wept embers. Beyond it, legend said, was nothing.
But Maris knew better.
So did the System.
And now, so did Ryon.
> System Directive Override:
Sovereign is crossing into Red Zone Territory
Warning: You are leaving System-regulated space
Thread Stability May Fracture
Last Known Coordinates of Q-Ω: Hidden Realm – Gravemind Expanse
Entry Cost: One Sovereign Core
Status: Irreversible
Ryon didn't go alone.
He chose six to accompany him:
Kaela – because war would follow them like shadow to light.
Lyria – to interpret prophetic echoes near the Graveyard.
Neive – to read the ancient System runes etched into lost Sovereign bones.
Shaera – because the wild lands beyond would devour the weak.
Maris – the key to unlocking the hidden gate.
Elara – not because she asked… but because she never did.
