The bridge of the Odyssey was calm. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was no immediate crisis, no monster to fight, no puzzle to solve.
There was only the quiet hum of the ship and the vast, peaceful sea of stars outside the main viewport. Ryan stood with Scarlett, Emma, and Zara, their newfound unity a warm, steady presence in the room.
The weight of their mission to save all of reality was still there, but now, it felt less like a crushing burden and more like a shared responsibility. It was heavy, but they were carrying it together.
"First things first," Ryan said, breaking the silence. He held up his hand, and a flat, glowing disc made of cool, solid light appeared in his palm. It was the Regent's Mandate, the symbol of his new authority. "It's time to make this official."
