Helena shifted to a desperate strategy. To contain the chaos, she decided to channel her own essence—a feat no mage had ever attempted. With unwavering focus, she wove a connection between herself and the Eternal Gate, stepping into the rift to meet the chaos at its source.
Inside, she found herself in the Nexus, a realm of endless, swirling energies. Entities of pure chaos surrounded her, their voices an incomprehensible cacophony. With a calm defiance, Helena summoned her will, projecting a shield that resisted the ceaseless assault.
In the Nexus, Helena met an ancient being—an Arbiter of Balance. The Arbiter, taking the form of a robed figure with no face, spoke directly to her mind.
"Mortal, your defiance is commendable, but futile. The Gate cannot be closed without sacrifice."
Helena stood tall. "I will not let my world fall."
The Arbiter extended its hands. "Then become the Guardian of this Gate. Bind yourself, and protect the balance between worlds."
Without hesitation, Helena agreed, knowing the choice meant she might never return to the mortal plane. As she bound herself to the Gate, her presence expelled the chaos from the Nexus, restoring balance.
Back in the mortal world, her forces witnessed the Eternal Gate's glow fading, its runes dimming. But Helena did not emerge. Her students and allies fell silent, realizing the magnitude of her sacrifice.
A monument was erected near the dormant Gate, bearing an inscription:
Helena Aurelia, Archmagus of the Ninth Circle – Guardian Eternal, Protector of Realms.