CHAPTER 144 — THE OFFER BEYOND THE SKY
Bronze Squad had long since stepped farther down the ridge, their silhouettes small against the endless dunes. They could feel it too—the shift in air, the pause in reality, the quiet tension that followed cosmic truths.
Long Hao stood still.
Zehell stood in front of him.
And from the mouth of the cave, black-and-white radiance began to gather once more.
Not violently.
Not dramatically.
Just presence.
The Anchor.
The great dragon emerged again—not fully physical, not entirely illusion. Its massive form coiled through space without disturbing sand. Its scales shimmered like an eclipse suspended between night and dawn.
Its violet eyes found Long Hao immediately.
"What will be your choice then?"
The question was not loud.
But it was absolute.
Zehell's grip tightened on her spear.
"We're not done with this?"
The dragon's gaze did not shift from Long Hao.
"No."
Silence stretched long.
The wind stilled again.
