The Citadel buzzed with quiet energy. Shadow Fang had returned to routine—training, rebuilding, joking over meals. But Minwoo felt it before anyone else did.
A ripple.
Not in the Shadow Realm—but in the fabric of reality itself.
He stood at the edge of the Citadel's balcony, Nexus Blade humming faintly. The shadows around him stirred—not in fear, but recognition.
The air split.
From the rift stepped a figure cloaked in silver dusk, eyes glowing with pale blue fire. His presence didn't disrupt the Realm—it harmonized with it, like a melody played in reverse.
Minwoo didn't move. "Name?"
Kinro appeared beside Minwoo, arms crossed. "Great. Another cryptic pretty boy with glowing eyes."
Rael smirked. "I'm not here to fight. Not yet."
Kuzuki stepped forward. "Then why come?"
Rael's gaze locked onto Minwoo. "Because when one Realm awakens, others stir. You've broken the balance. And now, the Mirror Realm is watching."
Minwoo's grip tightened on the Nexus Blade. "Let it watch."
Rael turned, his cloak shimmering like liquid glass. "I'll return when the balance tips. Until then… enjoy your peace."
He vanished.
Minwoo stared at the fading rift. A chill ran through the Realm—not fear, but anticipation.