"Your explanation appears quite plausible. So, the rumoured Voidwalker was none other than you," Gary’s words flowed calmly and composedly.

Seated across from me at the round table, I studied his weathered and seasoned appearance. The passage of time had etched its mark on him.

I had recounted and expanded upon my experiences of the last two years to Gary. I detailed what had truly transpired during my absence, including the revelation of Mrizem’s true identity. Moreover, I shared the meticulous preparations I had undertaken within the Limbos in anticipation of the impending invasion and the outcomes of those efforts.

This conversation was a necessity, as I required Gary’s assistance and by extension, the assistance of H.A.D.E.S. Their support was integral to the successful execution of the subsequent phase of my plan. H.A.D.E.S., functioning as the central authority managing Venturers’ transitions in and out of the Compounds, held significant influence, including connections with esteemed families.

"You needn’t concern yourself about the aftermath following the collapse of Compounds 004 and 007. We are equipped to handle the evacuation. Moreover, allow me to extend my gratitude on behalf of H.A.D.E.S. Gary expressed his appreciation.

"No need for thanks. I’m merely fulfilling my role," I replied, acknowledging his words with genuine gratitude.

"Your return to Earth has a purpose, doesn’t it?" Gary inquired, his gaze holding a perceptive understanding.

Maintaining a stoic expression, I responded in a composed tone, fully anticipating this line of questioning. "The Void Order will likely sense a disturbance. We’ve readied ourselves for the impending invasion, and I’ve actively participated in two battles. This implies that the next strike will likely be their final push. With only three Heralds at our disposal and their side boasting two Voidkeepers and three Voidshades. It’s also evident that a puppeteer orchestrates their actions."

The gravity of the situation hung in the air as my words reverberated in the space between us. This was no longer just a battle of might; it was a strategic game where every move had far-reaching consequences.

"I can discern your intention. So, your objective is to orchestrate a synchronised assault on the Void Order. Your plan revolves around capitalising on their resource depletion and weakened state to catch them off guard. Am I on the right track?" Gary deduced; his insight was sharp and perceptive.

I found myself surprised by Gary’s rapid deduction, his quick grasp of the situation speaking volumes about his prowess as a formidable paladin and commander of H.A.D.E.S.

"You’ve more or less hit the mark," I confirmed.

An expression of mild disapproval marred Gary’s features; his disappointment was palpable. It was not unexpected; the scepticism was warranted.

"Executing such a plan would be virtually impossible. For one, even if the Void Order’s strength wanes, they could still potentially overpower us. They’re akin to a cornered predator. Second, their hideout’s location remains a mystery. Gary began outlining the major flaws in my strategy, but I interrupted him.

"Have faith. I’ve addressed these concerns," I interjected, my tone resolute.

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My words hung in the air for a moment before I retrieved a dark watch from my pocket. Its frozen hands pointed to an enigmatic time. Passing the watch to Gary, I said urgently, "Put this on. Everything will become clear within minutes."

Without resistance, Gary complied and donned the peculiar watch.

I had distributed similar devices to Kei and the other Heralds, along with a revelation of the impending Void Order invasion. Additionally, I had retrieved two more of these watches from the fallen bodies of the fourth and seventh Heralds during my journey back to Earth.

Now was the time to finally unveil the truth behind these timepieces.

"This watch serves as a unique artefact I crafted at the edge of Limbo, with assistance from the caretaker, Nebeus. I’ve distributed this to every crucial individual within my plan. This watch holds two primary functions," I began explaining while Gary remained an attentive listener.

"The first purpose is that of a basic communication device," I clarified.

"A communication device, like a phone?" Gary inquired.

"While not as advanced as a phone, it operates on similar principles. I created it because the respective Heralds are confined within their compounds, unable to establish direct communication with the external world," I clarified.

Gary’s disbelief was evident as my words registered with him. The revelation I provided suggested a significant alteration in the protocol of the compounds, as Heralds were previously unable to collaborate or even converse with one another. This shortcoming, it seemed, had been rectified.

"Seeing is believing," I stated as I rose from my seat, poised to demonstrate the true potential of the watches I had disseminated.

I closed my eyes, engaging in the first phase of sol-weaving. However, there was no ripple forming in the air, no vanishing act. In this instance, I merely sought to sense the existence of the higher-dimensional spatial web without traversing it.

Shutting my eyes, I located four distinct signatures within the spatial web—specific markers representing the watches I had distributed. One was closest to me, Gary’s, while the other three corresponded to Kabir, Kei, and Eugene.

Although the compounds were isolated, they remained interconnected through the same spatial framework. Extending my consciousness, I established a connection with these four points and, simultaneously, opened my eyes.

Suddenly, space itself around Gary and me distorted, manifesting three illusory figures suspended in the air. These were the projections of the three remaining Heralds, akin to holographic forms. The resemblance to the Nelchael hologram I had encountered in his tomb, which bestowed upon me his blessing and the artefact, was striking.

"What in the world? The watch suddenly started glowing, and then I just fell asleep." Kei’s holographic projection exclaimed, clearly surprised, and he shifted his gaze towards me.

The other holographic beings displayed shock and cautious inquiry. Their physical bodies remained in their respective limbos, with just their minds and consciousness manifesting here. It was similar to a video conference over the internet.

"Who are you?" Kabir’s hologram questioned Kei’s hologram.

**

Seated on ethereal chairs and around tables of illusion, five figures exchanged glances. These were the individuals most intricately tied to Limbo: Wallace Garret, known as me, alongside Keiichi Miura, Eugene Schreier, Kabir Khurana, and Gary Hall.

Following my explanation about the artefacts to the bewildered holograms of the Heralds, who had unexpectedly materialised within this surreal space, a sense of calm gradually returned. As introductions flowed and camaraderie formed, it marked a historic occasion—the Heralds could now directly communicate with one another.

"This feels almost miraculous," one of the holograms observed, their gaze drifting around the enigmatic surroundings.

"Time is of the essence. Let’s proceed with the meeting," I interjected, initiating the conversation.

In response, all eyes converged on me, brimming with curiosity and expectation.

Within this assembly, I intended to impart the knowledge I had gleaned from Nebeus, the caretaker. This encompassed insights into the Void Order’s ability to locate the fragments, the mastermind manipulating the Voidkeepers, and the secondary, yet vital, purpose of the watch. Additionally, I would outline our planned course of action.

"Allow me to begin with a sombre declaration. Should this strategy falter, Earth itself may stand on the precipice of destruction," I commenced.