The blade shone with every battle he'd fought.
Obsidian Ants. Rankers. The Temple of Ten Fists. The Forge. The Gateworks.
He was not just using rhythm.
He had become it.
"Fracture Requiem—Full Layer Release."
He vanished.
When he struck next, it was not a cut.
It was a rewrite.
The sound, the light, the tempo—everything collapsed into one perfect, final beat.
And the world shattered.
He stood again in the chamber.
The woman had collapsed to one knee. Her form flickered—but she smiled, eyes glowing brighter than before.
"Then it is yours," she whispered. "The Gateworks are open."
She reached up and touched his forehead.
[Final Pulse Node Activated.]
[Gatework Floor 303 – Fully Restored.]
The entire tower shook faintly—not from damage, but from recognition.
The Floor was no longer fractured.
It was awake.
"I will remain here," she said, beginning to dissolve. "And I will remember you."
Leon caught her gaze.
"What was your name?" he asked.
She smiled again.
