Kai didn't like the way the building felt.
It wasn't just the size.
Or the silence.
It was the pressure.
Subtle—but constant.
Like something inside the structure was watching everything that moved.
"…this place gives me a bad feeling," Kai muttered.
Riven didn't slow his pace.
"…good."
Kai frowned.
"…that's not reassuring."
"…it's not supposed to be."
They walked deeper into the structure, past tall pillars and dimly lit corridors. People moved quietly, each one carrying themselves with purpose. No one laughed. No one wasted time.
This wasn't a city.
It was a system.
"…everyone here is like you?" Kai asked.
"…no," Riven replied.
"…they're better."
Kai let out a quiet breath.
"…great."
They reached a massive open hall.
High ceiling.
Dark stone.
And at the far end—
A raised platform.
Two figures stood there.
Waiting.
Kai felt it instantly.
Pressure.
Different from before.
Not wild.
Not chaotic.
Controlled.
Overwhelming.
"…Riven," a calm voice echoed.
"…you took longer than expected."
The man stepped forward.
Tall.
Straight posture.
Silver hair tied back neatly.
Dark clothing, refined but practical.
His presence alone felt heavy—like standing in front of something that could crush you without trying.
"…had complications," Riven replied.
The man's gaze shifted.
Landing on Kai.
It felt like being cut open.
Examined.
Understood.
"…so this is him," the man said.
Kai swallowed.
"…who are you?"
The man stepped down from the platform slowly.
Each step echoed.
Measured.
Controlled.
"…Sir Vlad," he said.
A pause.
"…you're in my domain."
Kai felt his chest tighten.
"…your domain?"
Vlad stopped in front of him.
Close.
Too close.
"…everything within Haven is governed by structure," Vlad said calmly.
"…and I ensure that structure is maintained."
Kai frowned slightly.
"…you mean you're in charge?"
Vlad's eyes flickered faintly.
"…I mean I decide what survives."
Silence.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Kai held his ground.
"…then start explaining."
Riven glanced at him.
Briefly.
But said nothing.
Vlad studied Kai for a moment.
Then—
"…you've awakened an Echo."
Kai's expression shifted.
"…that thing you mentioned before…"
"…yes."
Vlad turned slightly, gesturing around them.
"…this world ended because of Echoes."
Kai froze.
"…what?"
"…not directly," Vlad continued.
"…but they are the result."
Kai's mind raced.
"…then what is an Echo?"
Vlad didn't hesitate.
"…an Echo is the manifestation of human memory and emotion under extreme conditions."
A pause.
"…trauma, loss, obsession…"
"…when those reach a breaking point…"
His eyes met Kai's.
"…they take form."
Kai's chest tightened.
"…so my power…"
"…comes from your pain," Vlad finished.
Silence.
"…that's messed up…"
"…it's reality," Vlad replied.
He turned slightly.
"…there are types."
Kai looked up.
"…types?"
"…four primary classifications," Vlad said.
"…Enhancement Echoes—strengthening the body."
"…Projection Echoes—external attacks or constructs."
"…Manipulation Echoes—control over environment or others."
A pause.
"…and Temporal Echoes."
Kai's breath caught.
"…that's mine…?"
Vlad's gaze sharpened.
"…rare."
"…unstable."
"…and extremely dangerous."
Kai clenched his fists.
"…why?"
"…because they don't just use power," Vlad said.
"…they interfere with perception, time, and causality."
A pause.
"…they break rules."
Kai felt a chill.
"…and Devourers?"
Vlad's expression darkened slightly.
"…failures."
Silence.
"…people who awakened…"
"…and lost control."
Kai's stomach dropped.
"…so that thing…"
"…was human."
"…once," Vlad corrected.
"…now they consume Echoes to survive."
A pause.
"…and grow stronger."
Kai exhaled slowly.
"…so they're the enemy."
"…one of them," Vlad said.
Kai frowned.
"…what do you mean?"
Vlad turned away slightly.
"…Devourers are a symptom."
"…not the source."
Kai's chest tightened again.
"…then what is?"
Vlad didn't answer.
Instead—
"…you'll learn that if you survive."
Silence settled again.
Kai clenched his fists.
"…then I'll survive."
Vlad glanced back at him.
"…we'll see."