The ancient presence hovered in the air for a final moment, its form no longer as solid as before.
The dense red mist that had once composed its body thinned, breaking apart into faint strands that drifted upward and dissolved into nothingness. The glow in its eyes dimmed, no longer fierce or probing, but calm, almost satisfied.
"Looks like my time here is over," the man muttered softly.
There was no regret in his voice. If anything, there was relief.
Before the connection was completely severed, the Array Spirit spoke once more, its tone unchanged and mechanical as ever.
"As per established directives," it said, "should the Patriarch be informed that multiple inheritances have been passed to the disciple?"
The ancient presence did not hesitate.
"No," he replied firmly. "Show the default response."
There was a brief pause.
"Confirmed," the Array Spirit answered.
