The system pinged at dawn, a soft chime echoing through the shattered sanctum like a bell for the dead.
[System Directive: Rewrite Chamber Located]
Location: Substructure beneath Arkveil Cathedral
Access Protocol: Sealed
Required Offering: A Living Memory
Note: "He who writes must first forget."
Kai stood at the edge of the war table, eyes scanning the flickering map projection. A hidden level beneath the cathedral—a secret floor buried under centuries of prayer and betrayal.
"This was under us the whole time?" he muttered.
Astra nodded grimly. "It's how the Author stayed close. The cathedral was a pen. We were just… his story."
Seris leaned against a column, still recovering from the possession. Her eyes remained tired, but there was steel behind them again. "And now he wants an edit fee. Our memories."
Kai frowned. "It says 'living memory.' Not a thought. A moment."