Kael returned to the people not as a savior, but as a man.
He spoke openly. About the gods. About the seal. About the cost.
Many turned away.
Some wept.
A few stayed.
A young woman stepped forward. "If you do this… will the world live?"
"Yes," Kael said.
"And you?"
He hesitated.
"I don't know."
She nodded. "Then go. That's enough.