The room was still shaking. Dust fell from the ceiling as the thirteen symbols carved into the walls continued glowing.
Rin couldn't take his eyes away from the final System message.
[The vessel is still active.]
His heart pounded. A vessel.
The mysterious figure stood silently near the center of the room, watching Rin as though he already knew what question was coming.
Rin slowly raised his head.
"You said there were thirteen."
"Yes."
"One of them was created as a vessel."
"Yes."
"And that vessel was connected to me."
The figure nodded. Rin's voice became quieter.
"For what?"
The figure didn't answer. Kaelith stepped forward.
"Enough."
Rin immediately turned toward him.
"No."
Kaelith stopped.
"I need to know."
His expression tightened.
"Why?"
"You keep saying that."
"I know."
"But every time someone gives me an answer, there are five more questions."
Kaelith looked at him for several seconds. Then he lowered his gaze.
Rin turned back toward the figure.
