The air in the crystal forest thrummed with unease. Even here, in his domain, Nexus could feel the shifting tide—the weight of his interference pressing against the balance. The branches hummed softly with the energy of the soul realm, reflecting the infinite possibilities that Nexus watched over.

  He waved a hand, closing the window that had been monitoring Jason and the other Forerunners. A faint smile played on his lips as his thoughts lingered on the boy who had defied his expectations.

  “This boy,” Nexus mused aloud to the empty forest, “he may truly be able to fully awaken.”

  The thought was intriguing, but not without risk. Jason had grown stronger, faster than Nexus had initially predicted, and with each step forward, the boy seemed to edge closer to something far more powerful than even his predecessor.

  “But the next stage is not in his favor,” Nexus continued, pacing between the crystalline trees, their light casting fractured rainbows across his form. “He’s been tested, yes, but nothing like what’s coming.”

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  Nexus paused, staring off into the distance, where the horizon of the soul realm blurred into an endless expanse of light and darkness. His hand twitched slightly, knowing he had already intervened too much, pushing things in Jason’s favor. There was a balance to maintain, and Nexus had begun to feel the strain of it.

  “I’ve tipped the scales too far,” he muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. “And now… I’ve drawn the attention of the Eye.”

  The very thought sent a ripple of unease through him. The Eye, the ancient force the Emperor deployed to watch overall, ensuring that even beings like Nexus did not interfere too heavily in the mortal realms. Its attention was never a good thing, especially not now, with the games teetering on the edge of something far greater.

  Nexus exhaled slowly, composing himself. “We shall see how he fares. I can only hope he is ready for what’s to come.”

  He glanced back at the place where the window had been, the image of Jason still vivid in his mind. The boy would have to navigate the coming trials without further interference.