The portal hummed with contained power. The Builder's gaze was expectant.
"It's a test," Wu Gen stated. "Control or destruction. Your call, Keyholder."
Elara looked wary. "Our scans can't penetrate it. It could be anywhere. Anywhen."
Yu touched the portal's edge. Liquid light rippled. "It feels… balanced. Not hungry. Not angry." She looked at Lin Mo. "It feels like a choice."
[VOID SEED ANALYSIS: PORTAL COMPOSED OF STABILIZED VOID/CONSUMER ENERGY (YU CATALYST SIGNATURE DETECTED)]
Lin Mo understood. The Builder hadn't just stabilized itself. It had used Yu's evolved Catalyst power, channeled through the Resonator, to create this portal. A bridge forged from the very energies threatening existence.
The Void Seed pulsed. Two paths:
Control: Step through. Seek the knowledge/power to master the Seeds and Tombs. Risk becoming a new Consumer.
Unmaking: Use the Seed's full power here, now to sever the portal, destroy the Titan Builder, and shatter the Void Seed itself. End the threat, but leave the galaxy defenseless against other Tombs/Seeds.
He thought of Yu's smile. Of Wu Gen's sacrifice. Of Baylor and Li Na. Of Earth, unaware of how close it came to ending.
"I'm tired of being a weapon," Lin Mo said. He knelt, placing his Seed-hand into the portal. Not to step through. To feel.
[VOID SEED FUNCTION: REALITY SENSING]
He saw the path:
A place beyond space/time.
A repository of Builder knowledge.
A crucible to reshape the Seed's purpose.
But also:
A trap for the unwary.
A lure for the hungry.
A point of no return.
He withdrew his hand. "We go. Not to control. To change."
He looked at his crew. Wu Gen nodded, grim resolve in his eyes. Baylor cracked his knuckles. Li Na managed a shaky smile. Yu took his hand, her touch warm and steady.
Elara stepped forward. "Someone needs to warn the Remnant. And watch Tomb-01. Go. I'll hold the door."
Lin Mo took a breath. Holding Yu's hand, flanked by Wu Gen, Baylor, and Li Na, he stepped into the light.