The Hooded One's shrouded form remained perfectly still for three heartbeats.
Then a whisper emerged from beneath the hood, soft but carrying edges that cut deeper than shouting.
"Foolish mortal."
The doubled voice dropped lower, becoming something darker.
"Your audacity truly knows no bounds, doesn't it?"
The figure's hands spread slightly, the gesture almost amused.
"I offered you the opportunity to come under my shadow, to stand beside the greatest beings this universe has ever known..."
A pause, weighted with something approaching disbelief.
"Yet you believe yourself to be my equal?"
The dreamscape around them shifted, the city below flickering as if reality itself was questioning Damian's declaration.
"Humor me then, boy."
The Hooded One's presence expanded, filling the rooftop completely.
"You speak of becoming a player in a game that has spanned eras beyond counting..."
The doubled voice gained edges despite remaining quiet.
