Gale's fingers rolled the amulet slowly between them, the surface of the [Demon's Heart] glinting red like a fresh wound in the dim office light. Beyond the glass windows of his estate, the town of Arolden was veiled in smoke and fire. The golden glow of the sinking sun lit it up like a funeral pyre.
"The spell was successful," he murmured to himself. "As of now… the monsters from the [Mystical Forest] should be making their way here. The variables are contained. For now."
A knock.
The same woman as before—the secretary who had helped deliver the children, and me, to his office.
"I see," Gale said softly, without turning. "So it's begun."
In the corners of the room, like the shadow of a whisper, he could imagine the faint, mirthless chuckles of Zero. Gale ignored them, eyes fixed forward.
"Prepare the circle," he ordered, voice cold. "It's time to begin the blood ritual. I want my rebirth... now."
"Yes, President," the woman bowed.
