Ryu took deep breaths. His eyes were tired, but he still looked toward his Spiritual Foundation one more time, a light of determination sparking within their depths once again.
There were other methods. He would definitely find something that worked. Definitely.
At that moment, Ryu's Spiritual Foundation rattled once, almost as though to acknowledge his promise. However, as it did so, a miniscule hairline fracture on the chain link Ryu had targeted cracked.
The sound of glistening gems echoed as Ryu's Spiritual Foundation rattled again. And then again.
There was one mistake that Ryu had made in all of this. It wasn't he who had to put in a great deal of effort to finally get his Spiritual Foundation out, it was rather the Martial Gods who had to create a perfect seal to ensure it never got out to begin with.
Just one blemish, just one even miniscule, tiny, insignificant flaw… was enough for all of that to be ruined.
RATTLE.
BANG!
