The sky cracked.
Not metaphorically.
Not in memory or dream.
A literal fissure of light tore through the permanent twilight, splitting the heavens above Delta-Seven. It was the first time in 300 years that the world had seen something resembling dawn.
Kael stood on the edge of the platform, the Heart of Dawn pulsing behind him, its crystal core dimming now that its secret had been unlocked. Around him, machines buzzed and ancient conduits bled golden light, awakening systems that had long been forgotten.
He was no longer just a scavenger. Not even just a Dawnbearer.
He was becoming something more.
And he wasn't alone.
From the rift above, dark shapes descended — cloaked figures of metal and ash. The Echo Legion, reborn and reforged by the Architect's will. But this time, Kael didn't flinch.
His hand rose, and with it, light erupted — not from the Core, but from within him. The memories of countless past selves, of the first lightbearers, of the world before — all surged through him like solar fire.
Sol stepped from a rift behind, his blade drawn. "It's begun, hasn't it?"
Kael didn't turn to look. "The Architect's no longer hiding. We finish this."
Sol nodded. "Then let's break the sky."