The operation to secure the fragment quickly entered its most delicate stage. Across the basin the mages remained stationed at their assigned positions while streams of silver and blue energy flowed continuously between the formations they had constructed.

The crystal pylons surrounding the fragment pulsed rhythmically, each one of them acting as an anchor point for the containment network.

Intricate runes spread across the ground in overlapping circles and geometric patterns, glowed brighter with each minute passing as more Magic poured into the system.

The fragment itself remained suspended above the center of the site. Silver-blue rings continued rotating around it while ancient runes drifted endlessly across its surface.

Occasionally, a surge of energy pulsed out from the fragment. Whenever that happened the containment formations reacted immediately. Entire sections of the runic network brightened while senior mages shouted adjustments to one another.

"Increase stabilization on the eastern pylon!" one of the senior mages said.

"Energy fluctuation rising!" the other mage on the corner replied in a frantic tone.

"Compensating!"

"Synchronization holding!"

The operation moved forward steadily despite the difficulties.

Erend remained near the edge of the basin and watched everything happen. He deliberately chose not to interfere.

This was the work of the mages. They had trained for this and understood the containment arrays far better than he ever could. If he attempted to involve himself directly, he would likely cause more problems.

So he simply observed. His eyes moved across the site while his senses remained focused on the fragment and the surrounding terrain.

If anything threatened the operation, he would act immediately. But for now, the mages had everything under control.

Then Erend closed his eyes. A moment later, his consciousness expanded through the telepathic network connecting the Dragonborn.

Almost immediately, several familiar presences appeared within his mind. Eccar, Aesa, and Sylven was connected.

The connection stabilized quickly despite the Void Architect’s interference. The interference still existed but the bond between Dragonborns had proven far more resilient than ordinary communication methods.

Erend spoke first. "We’ve started the containment process."

A brief pause followed before Eccar answered. "Same here. My expedition reached the site a few minutes ago. The mages already started securing the fragment."

Aesa’s voice followed soon after. "My expedition just arrived. We’re entering the site now."

"I arrived too. We found the fragment and we’re preparing the containment arrays. We’ll begin shortly." Then Sylven joined.

A small sense of relief passed through Erend. All four expeditions had successfully reached their destinations.

"Good," Erend said. "That’s exactly what we needed to do quickly right now."

"The kingdoms might not make it if we take too long." Eccar then said.

Silence followed. None of them argued because they all knew it was true.

The fragmented messages Velrion had shared still lingered in their minds. He talked about the endless portals and many more. Every passing minute allowed the situation to worsen.

Erend lowered his gaze. His thoughts drifted away from the fragment and toward the larger problem. How was he supposed to save them? Even if they secured every fragment, transported them back, that would not immediately stop the destruction currently unfolding across the kingdoms.

The Void Architect remained untouched and hidden.

His fingers slowly tightened. Then another thought surfaced.

He thought about Veyrun, the Administrator. The being in charge of the System itself for now. Erend had contacted him before. If anyone possessed knowledge beyond what they currently understood about the Void Architect it would be Veyrun. They needed it badly right now.

Perhaps there was another possibility. Maybe Veyrun could trace the Void Architect’s connection to the Creation and identify his source.

Perhaps there was a way to strike directly at the Void Architect instead of merely responding to his attacks.

The thought remained uncertain. It was little more than an idea. But right now it was the only lead Erend had.

"Once this is done, I need to speak with Veyrun again."

The thought settled firmly inside his mind.

Then Erend pushed those concerns aside and returned his attention to the telepathic connection.

"For now, focus on the fragments," he said. "We need to secure them, transport them back, and get the expeditions back to the kingdoms as quickly as possible."

"Agreed." Aesa immediately responded. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"There’s nothing else we can do right now." Sylven said.

"Yeah. First we get the fragments home. Then we figure out the next step."

Erend looked toward the fragment hovering within the containment network. Its ancient light continued illuminating the basin.

The operation was progressing. The other expeditions had reached their objectives. For the moment, this was the only path available to them.

"Alright," Erend said firmly. "Then let’s finish this."

One by one, the Dragonborns ended the conversation and returned their full attention to their respective expeditions.

Across five different corners of the corrupted world, containment formations continued glowing brighter around fragments of the Sky Anchor.

—

Far beyond the dying world and hidden within a dimension of endless blackness, the Void Architect endured the consequences of his own actions. The vast realm surrounding him contained nothing except darkness and rivers of crimson corruption drifting through that void.

At the center of that emptiness, his body continuously twisted and changed. Masses of darkness and red energy coalesced together unnaturally before portions of them broke apart and dissolved.

Each time the cycle repeated, his overall presence diminished slightly. This happened because the enormous campaign he had launched against the five kingdoms demanded a tremendous amount of power.

Maintaining countless portals across multiple capitals while continuously forcing corrupted creatures into the world placed an immense burden upon him. Even a being like the Void Architect could not ignore such a cost.

He wanted to do more. He wanted to strike directly at the Dragonborn expeditions and prevent them from securing the fragments. However, he understood his current limitations. Pushing further now would risk weakening himself before the final stage of his plan could begin.

But remaining inactive was unacceptable.

A cold realization settled within his mind. While he lacked the strength to open new fronts, he still possessed another weapon. Fear, doubt, and despair.

Crimson fractures throughout the void brightened as he gathered what power he could spare.

His consciousness expanded toward that world. Across battlefields, cities, shelters, and ruined streets, his presence spread silently through millions of minds.

Then the Void Architect began broadcasting his voice to the entire world.

—