Jack lowered his hand; his attention shifted toward a broader question that the shadow's words had raised.
The integration provided clarity about what he needed to become, but not why the dungeon had been designed specifically to force this confrontation.
"System," Jack declared, his voice carrying across the silent chamber. "I want to speak with Malakai."
The familiar interface materialized in his vision, text appearing slowly.
[Request Acknowledged]
[Transferring...]
The notification hung in his awareness for several seconds before shifting to a new message.
[Connection Established]
[One Question Permitted]
Malakai's voice entered Jack's consciousness.
"Hello, Jack," the entity murmured, his voice settling into Jack's mind like cold ink in clear water. "I see you've finally found the pieces of yourself. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever stop fighting the inevitable."
