Ryn burst into the kitchen.
Cold slammed into him immediately, far denser than before. Frost crawled along the walls in jagged veins, the air itself humming as if strained to its limit.
"Jay!"
The icebox shuddered.
Then the pressure eased.
Stabilized, whatever Jay was doing inside is clearly working. The hum deepened, smoothing into a steady rhythm. The frost stopped spreading, disappearing back into vapors.
Ryn slowed.
"…What?"
The icebox door clicked open from the inside.
A wave of cold rolled out, but it was controlled now. Jay stepped forward, breath fogging faintly, sleeves dusted with frost but posture ready.
He looked… fine.
Better than fine.
"Relax," Jay said, waving a hand. "That was just the convergence phase."
Ryn stared at him, using [Enhanced Senses] to find potential injuries.
Jay replied calmly.
"Catalyst tried to overpower the stabilizer. Ethereal Ice said no. Everything screamed for about ten seconds."
