Ethan tensed. "What do you mean by that?"
Nethrix's voice dropped to a solemn tone, carrying a weight that made even the swirling miasma around them seem to still. "The first option is that they remain here, tethered to you, as your subordinates—bound by the system, growing alongside you as you ascend."
"And the second?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Nethrix's expression darkened further. "They move on. Fully. They'll cease to exist in every sense of the word—no soul, no trace. Simply gone."
Ethan's breath hitched. "That's... cruel. Isn't there another way?"
"No," Nethrix said bluntly. "This is the way of balance. They've already defied death to be here with you. That privilege comes with a price. They can't linger indefinitely without purpose."
Ethan glanced at Kael and Dri, both of whom held his gaze with unflinching resolve. "And... do they get to choose?"
