Chapter 7: Upgrade — Soul Anchor Initiated

The world shimmered again. The platform disintegrated. His body dissolved, and reformed inside the cabin.

But it was different now.

The train had changed.

Gears spun where there were none before. Lights pulsed in recognition. A mural shimmered into existence on the wall—his fight, etched in motion.

> [Reclaimer Rank 1: Echo Step Unlocked.]

[Choose Path Progression: Strength Surge / Echo Step / Shadowlink]

He hesitated, then chose Echo Step.

His body blinked—teleporting a meter forward.

He gasped. "I could use this."

Then the cabin lights flickered.

A new door appeared. This one burned red.

> [Next Realm Approaching: GRIEF ENGINE. Prepare.]

Liam closed his eyes.

He wasn't ready.

But he had to be.

The train was moving.

And it wasn't going to stop.