---
The interrogation chamber beneath Sovereign Arc HQ was nothing like Jayden imagined. It was small, circular, and entirely silent—soundproofed with advanced Echo suppression runes lining the walls.
Yet, despite the heavy security, Jayden felt something slithering into his mind the moment the door closed.
---
[Echobound System Warning]:
> Passive Psychic Interference Detected.
Source: Whispersong.
Mental Guard holding at 72% stability.
---
"She's already inside?" Jayden muttered under his breath.
Commander Lys stood beside him, arms folded. "She doesn't need to be physically present to attack your mind, Jayden. That's why we've summoned you here. You need to face her... on her field."
A soft metallic hum followed as a holographic interface blinked to life.
Sitting across from them was not Whispersong's body — but a projected image. A tall, slender woman with long silver hair, her eyes glowing pale violet. Her lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Ah, so this is the precious Variant."
Her voice was a melody designed to lull, confuse, and unravel.
---
System Alert:
> Caution: Hypnotic Vocal Echo Active.
Mental Guard compensating.
---
Jayden narrowed his gaze. "You've tried invading my mind twice already."
"Invading?" Whispersong tilted her head. "No, Jayden. I'm offering clarity."
Lys whispered, "Don't engage. She'll try to destabilize your core emotions."
But Jayden didn't flinch. He was learning.
---
System Prompt:
> Dialogue Branch Initiated: Defensive Mental State Active.
Emotion Suppression: 18% engaged.
Logical Defense Pathway: Stabilized.
---
Jayden answered calmly, "Let's skip the mind games. You came here for a reason."
Whispersong's eyes shimmered as the projection leaned forward.
"You're walking a path to become Nyxorath. Do you truly think you'll escape his fate? The Echo System twists all its users. Even you, Variant. You are only in the early stages of consumption."
Her words pressed down on him like a weighted blanket. For a moment, doubt crept in.
---
System Alert:
> Emotional Spike Detected.
Stabilizing... Stabilized.
---
But then Jayden's memories of his first fights, of Rika, Silas, Enzo, and even his growing control over his own system—flooded back. He clenched his fists.
"Unlike you, I still have a choice."
---
Whispersong's voice turned colder.
"No, you don't. But... you may still serve purpose before you break."
With that, her projection dissipated.
---
The room grew quiet.
Commander Lys exhaled deeply. "You handled that better than I expected."
Jayden's System suddenly chimed again.
---
[Echobound System Notice]
> Unique Mental Defense Protocol Unlocked.
New Passive Skill Gained: 'Mind Fortress — Rank I'
Resistance to psychological interference greatly increased.
---
But that wasn't all.
Another screen unfolded before his eyes. This one pulsed with vibrant energy unlike anything prior.
---
[System Evolution Path Reached]
> Due to combat progress, mental resilience, and survival against Nullborn interference, your System Core is ready to evolve.
Select Path:
Option 1: Dominion Ascension
Greatly enhances Shadow Dominion mastery.
Increases control over large-scale shadow manipulation.
Unlocks "Void Constructs" and "Living Shadows."
Synergy with future combat and army-scale engagements.
Option 2: Echo Fusion
Allows limited fusion between multiple Echo types.
Unlocked skill: "Echo Hybridization."
Future ability to create personalized hybrid Echoes (e.g. Shadow-Flame, Chrono-Regret).
Risk of increased system strain.
---
Jayden stared at the options. The weight of the decision pressed down on him. This wasn't like choosing a weapon or skill — this would shape his entire future path.
Lys saw the hesitation in his face. "Think carefully, Jayden. There's no undo button on System Evolutions."
Jayden whispered to himself, "I can either master my existing power... or risk combining them into something even stronger."
---
He exhaled sharply and raised his hand.
"System — I choose..."