For a long time, he didn't move.
The System chimed distantly.
[Calamity Survived]
[Bonus Rewards Calculating…]
[Level Up x5]
Level: 9
Mana Core Stabilized
Authority Stabilized: Lesser (Death-Bound)
[New Title Acquired: Calamity Survivor I]
— Growth Rate Increased in Catastrophic Events
Ethan lay on his back, staring at the twin moons.
"…Three percent," he muttered weakly.
Boots approached cautiously.
He turned his head.
The armored woman stood a few meters away, sword lowered but not sheathed. Her silver armor bore the crest of a winged blade.
Her eyes were sharp.
"You," she said carefully, "are not normal."
"Yeah," Ethan croaked. "I've been told."
She studied the crater where the Harbinger had stood.
"That was an Abyssal Harbinger. It destroys cities."
"I noticed."
Her gaze flicked to him again.
"You're not from any kingdom I know."
"Nope."
A pause.
"Name."
"Ethan."
She hesitated, then lowered her sword fully.
"Seris Valen. Knight-Captain of the Luminor Vanguard."
Ethan tried to sit up—and failed.
Seris frowned, then knelt beside him.
"You're barely conscious. How are you still alive?"
Ethan gave a weak smile.
"Professional talent."
Her eyes narrowed slightly at that.
Before she could press further—
The System pulsed again.
[New Global Notification]
[Attention: All Divine Entities]
Anomaly Detected in Ethereal.
Death Authority Manifested Without Sanction.
Investigation Initiated.
Ethan's smile faded.
High above the mortal realm, ancient beings stirred.
Thanaros watched in silence.
"You've drawn their gaze already," whispered the grinding voice from before.
"Yes," Thanaros replied.
"Was that your intention?"
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the god's lips.
"No."
Lightning flickered beyond the veil of heaven.
"And yet… interesting."
Back in the crater, Ethan closed his eyes.
For the first time since arriving in Ethereal—
He felt truly hunted.
And somewhere deep within his System—
Another hidden protocol began to stir.