The establishment of the Consciousness Watch had been Lyralei's idea, born from the horrifying realization that their victory was not an ending but merely the beginning of an eternal struggle. Where once individual heroes had risen to face cosmic threats, now the universe required constant surveillance, unblinking vigilance against an enemy that grew more sophisticated with each passing moment.
Reed stood at the center of the Watch Tower—a reality construct that existed simultaneously in all dimensions, its crystalline walls offering perfect observation of the Reality Firewall's defenses. Around him, the eternal guardians maintained their posts: beings who had volunteered to sacrifice their freedom for the security of consciousness itself.
