The moment the sky cracked overhead, the Endlands began to shift.
Not crumble.
Not fall.
Just… change.
Like it knew what was coming—and wanted to look away.
Adam took one step forward, eyes locked on Eli and the now transformed Kaiden. His hand clenched, golden-white light surging down his arm like living law ready to strike judgment.
But before he could move—
A hand caught his shoulder.
Firm. Burning.
"Big bro," came the voice.
Low. Controlled. But smoldering underneath.
"Let me do this one."
Adam paused.
He looked back.
And saw him.
Alfred.
Gone was the teasing grin. Gone was the boy who turned chaos into jokes. What stood there now… was a furnace given form.
His eyes were molten.
His coat peeled back, revealing flame-scarred armor etched with ancient markings. His hair whipped in the searing heat now rising from his skin—embers dancing like war banners.
The ground beneath him blackened with every breath.
Joshua blinked. "Oh… hell. He's serious."
