Kael sat still in his room. After speaking with the Observer, his body felt heavier—but his mind… lighter. Too light, as if it wanted to drift away from this world.
Then he slept.
Or so he thought.
But when he opened his eyes, he was no longer in his chamber.
He stood in a place that defied explanation. A space with no walls, yet no sky. Colors moved like thinking smoke. In the distance, a massive Ladder stood—not the one from the Monastery.
This Ladder was alive. Every step pulsed like a heartbeat.
And at its base… someone stood.
Kael approached. Closer… and the face became clear.
It was his own.
But changed.
This Kael wore a dark-gray robe. His eyes glowed faintly. His skin seemed to absorb light. He wasn't older—but he looked like he had passed through something Kael couldn't comprehend.
"Me?" Kael whispered.
The figure looked up. Its voice echoed in Kael's mind.
> "I am you… after the Ascension."
Kael stepped back. "Ascension to where?"
> "To the place that is not a place. Beyond a Ladder not meant for men. You will reach it. But… not everyone who reaches, returns."
Kael tried to speak, but the space swallowed his voice.
> "You're not the first. But you… might be the last."
The figure gave a faint smile. And slowly vanished—not like smoke, but as if erased from existence.
---
Kael awoke, drenched in sweat. Breathing hard.
And when he looked into the small mirror on his desk… he saw his eyes faintly glowing, like light reflecting beneath his skin.