Yan took his place before the central bronze lantern. Qinghe stood at the measuring table, her notebook open. Han watched the four observers and the clear path between Yan and the chamber door. Suyin and Daro had chosen positions where they could see both the lanterns and the three token rooms.
Muo waited beside the map. “The room is yours. Begin when you’re ready.”
Yan placed two fingers against the central lantern and followed the complete sequence as written. He anchored his awareness at the center, then opened the first branch toward the side room. The method described a ripping of the soul. For him, the split came as a clean extension, smooth and bright, without pain. What should have been fragmentation drew together into stronger cohesion. He did not have to force the branch open or endure the tearing the manuscript described. The awareness separated as easily as light spreading across a polished wall. The new point felt distinct, yet the central line grew firmer. Yan let the first projection settle before he opened another, testing the method in the order written.
A pale projection formed in the first lantern. Yan saw the painted mark in the narrow room, distinct from the chamber around him. He held the central awareness and the new point at once.
