As Celestia's figure vanished into the distance, swallowed by the curve of the corridor, Adam remained still, brows furrowed in thought.
'I should've asked why she's blocking the Tenth Floor...'
The question flickered in his mind....
But he already knew the answer.
He didn't need her to say it out loud.
Celestia was afraid.
Not fear of challengers, not fear of Stream Hunters breaking through.
No—
It was fear of time of what would happen after.
Because once the Tenth Floor was cleared, the Tower of Yxthar would begin its merge with the other towers scattered across countless universes.
And when that happened, their current Tower which was still isolated by itself would no longer be alone.
It would connect to its greater self.
An ancient, complete existence.
One that might notice what she was doing.
Hence Celestia was stalling desperately...
