Thick, violet mist rolled across the borderlands of the Swamp Kingdom's newly-constructed Eidolon Gate, where swamp foliage twisted unnaturally—mutated by exposure to unstable Rift energy. The force-wrought walls hummed with layered enchantments, set in place by Ashen's evolving domain-level spells.
On the other side of the mist stood SpectraNull, his aura a digital void, rejecting color, sound, and even system recognition.
Jaecar knelt at Ashen's side as the king arrived, floating down from a Force Gate high above the citadel. Behind Ashen stood a tactical unit of elite Swamp Knights, marshland tamers, and two Rift Howlers genetically enhanced from dungeon raids.
"The enemy made the first move," Jaecar said, gesturing to the scar carved into the ground by null-code. "The Rift trembled from his presence."
Ashen's steps left no sound.
