My chest heaves with each breath, and my body feels like it's been through hell—bruised, cut, barely holding together. But there's something warm—comforting, even—about the pain. I survived. We survived.
Brianna's holding onto my arm, her grip gentle but firm. Her eyes are full of that mix of worry and pride, and honestly, it's grounding. All I've been through, all the chaos, and here she is, still at my side.
"Are you okay?" she asks softly, her voice cutting through the silence like a lifeline.
I give a small nod, forcing a smile. "I've been better, but it's over. We're free."
Celo crossed his arms. ''Hmph, You've earned my respect idiot.''
As we move toward the exit gate, I can feel the eyes of the others—Zenith, Vulkan, Astra, and Nyx burning into my back. For once, there's no tension in the air, just a strange sense of respect. It's like they see me differently now.
Zenith steps forward, arms crossed like he's always doing, but his expression is softer. "You did well, Sion. You're finally understanding your strength, but more importantly, you're learning who you are."
His words sink in. I've always felt like my powers were a curse, something uncontrollable that just brought chaos wherever I went. But through these battles, I've started to understand—I can wield them, even if I still don't fully get how.
Before I can respond, Vulkan claps me on the back, almost knocking me forward. "You're one crazy bastard, but you made it through! That's something to respect." He's grinning ear to ear, that wild, chaotic energy in his eyes.
I can't help but chuckle, despite the soreness that spikes in my chest. "Guess I had no choice but to be crazy to keep up with you lot."
Astra and Nyx exchange glances, their usual sharpness replaced by something more genuine. Astra gives me a small nod, and Nyx—well, she's still got that sly smirk, but it's more like a quiet approval than mockery.
We reach the exit gate, an ominous archway that's been looming in the distance for what feels like forever. I stop, staring at it. On the other side is our freedom—the chance to leave this place without needing to fight any of them. I can feel a strange sense of closure settling in my chest.
"You really think this is it?" I ask, not directing the question to anyone in particular.
Zenith's the one who answers, stepping up beside me. "You've earned your way out, Sion. The Nexus Realm was always meant to test resolve, not just strength. You've proven that you can survive it—not by brute force alone, but by holding onto who you are despite the chaos."
I clench my fists, feeling a flood of emotions surge through me—relief, exhaustion, even a bit of fear. But most of all, I feel a sense of purpose that's clearer now than ever.
With a deep breath, I turn back to Brianna and Celos. "Ready to leave this place guys?"
She smiles, a light in her eyes that makes all the darkness of this realm feel like it was worth enduring. "I've been ready since the moment we got here."
As we cross the threshold, the Nexus Realm begins to fade away behind us, replaced by the familiar, tangible world outside. The feeling of the ground beneath my feet, the cool breeze against my skin—it all feels like a reward for enduring the chaos within.
The realm's exit closes behind us, sealing away the tumultuous landscape we've left behind. I take a moment to breathe deeply, allowing myself to soak in the sensation of normalcy. Brianna's hand remains in mine, a comforting anchor in the shifting sea of my thoughts.