When the battle ended—
the node remained.
---
But it wasn't the same.
---
Neither was Kael.
---
The system pulsed.
---
[Dominion Core Established]
[Territorial Authority Expanding]
---
Elara stood beside him.
---
"You've crossed the line."
---
Liora didn't disagree.
---
"No."
---
Kael looked at the map.
---
Then beyond it.
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"I made it."
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Silence.
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Because now—
everything had changed.
---
This wasn't a system anymore.
---
This was—
the beginning of an empire.