The air was thick with tension as I watched Nico leave the room, his words still weighing heavy in my mind. "If it comes to it… you'll do what needs to be done, right?"
I had nodded, but my heart clenched at the thought of what that really meant. Could I stop Nico if the Void truly took over? Could I bring myself to fight him—to end him—if there was no other choice?
I stood there for a moment longer, the shadows of the strategy room feeling suffocating. Kien floated silently by my side, his usually vibrant glow dimmed as if sensing the weight of my thoughts. I could feel the shift in the air—things were moving too fast. The Void was pulling Nico deeper, and no matter how hard I tried to push back, it felt like I was losing him. Piece by piece, the friend I knew was slipping away, and in his place was something darker, something I didn't fully understand.
"I hate this," I muttered, breaking the silence.
Kien floated closer, his gaze soft but knowing. "It's not easy, watching someone you care about fall apart." His voice was low, his words almost a whisper. "But Nico isn't gone yet, Lucian."
I let out a sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. "He asked me to stop him, Kien. If it comes to that… how am I supposed to do that?"
Kien didn't respond immediately. He drifted toward the window, gazing out over the city of Halthor. The stars above shimmered faintly, but even they seemed distant, as if the light couldn't reach us down here. "The Void has a way of twisting everything," he said finally. "It makes people think they're still themselves when they're not. It manipulates their thoughts, their desires… until they're no longer in control."
Kien's tone grows darker when he shifts the conversation to Nico. "The Void isn't just a force, Lucian. It's insidious, manipulative. Nico thinks he's in control, but the Void is weaving its way into his soul, changing him in ways even he doesn't fully understand."
I felt a chill crawl up my spine. "You think Nico's already lost?"
"No," Kien said, turning to face me. "But the line between who he is and what the Void wants him to be is thinning. You have to be careful, Lucian. If you push too hard, the Void might win."
I clenched my fists, frustration boiling in my chest. "Then what am I supposed to do? Just sit here and watch him fall apart?"
Kien floated closer, his glow soft but steady. "No. You need to be his anchor. The Void thrives in isolation—it feeds on fear, on doubt. You have to remind him who he is. Who he was before all of this."
His words made sense, but they didn't make it any easier. I wanted to believe that I could pull Nico back from the edge, that I could stop the Void from consuming him. But with every passing day, it felt like I was losing him.
Before I could respond, Kien's voice softened even further. "There's something you need to understand, Lucian. The power you're tapping into—the Phantasmal Sea—it's ancient. Far more ancient than even the Void."
I looked at him, my brow furrowed. "The Phantasmal Sea?"
Kien nodded. "It's the birthplace of all mystical energies—Aether, Void, and forces beyond even your understanding. Everything that exists, every power, every source of magic… it all comes from the Sea."
I felt a strange pull in my chest as he spoke, a connection to something vast, something far beyond me. It was like a current, pulling me toward something I couldn't quite see but could feel. "Why are you telling me this now?"
Kien hesitated for a moment, his gaze distant. "Because the power you're drawing from—it's not just some tool you can wield carelessly. It's alive, in a way. And it's tied to the balance of the universe."
I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. "What do you mean?"
Kien floated a little higher, his eyes glowing softly in the dim light. "The Phantasmal Sea is more than just energy. It's the balance between creation and destruction, between order and chaos. Two beings govern it—Bahamut, the majestic keeper of balance, and Tiamat, the force of chaos and destruction."
My heart skipped a beat at the names. I had heard of Bahamut and Tiamat before, in ancient legends and myths. But hearing them now, in this context, made it feel real. "Bahamut and Tiamat… they're connected to this?"
"They are the very essence of the Phantasmal Sea," Kien said, his voice reverent. "Bahamut embodies harmony, the balance that keeps the universe in check. Tiamat, on the other hand… thrives in chaos. Together, they maintain the flow of creation and destruction. Without them, the balance would crumble."
I stared at him, my mind racing. "So… they could help us, right? If they're that powerful, they could stop the Void."
Kien's glow dimmed slightly, and for a moment, he looked almost… sad. "It's not that simple. The gods… they don't intervene easily. Their power is immense, yes, but it's also dangerous. Asking for their help could tip the balance in ways we can't predict."
I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. "So we're just supposed to handle this on our own?"
Kien floated closer, his gaze steady. "You have more power than you realize, Lucian. The Phantasmal Sea runs through you now—through your very essence. You don't need to rely on the gods. You just need to trust yourself."
I wanted to believe him, but the weight of everything felt overwhelming. The Void, Nico, the Phantasmal Sea… it was all too much. But deep down, I knew Kien was right. I couldn't rely on some higher power to save us. This was on me.
Kien hovered beside me, his glow soft but unwavering. "The path ahead is uncertain, Lucian. But you have the strength to face it. You always have."
I nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "I just hope it's enough."
Kien's eyes gleamed with a strange, ancient wisdom. "It will be."
As I made my way back to the others, Kien's final words echoed in my mind. The Phantasmal Sea, Bahamut, Tiamat… they were all pieces of a puzzle I was only just beginning to understand. But one thing was clear—Nico's fate, and the fate of our world, would be decided soon.
As I entered the guest quarters, I found Lilith and Vallen waiting, their expressions tense but determined. Amara was leaning against the far wall, her arms crossed, watching me carefully.
"We need a plan," Lilith said, her voice sharp. "The Rift Nexus isn't going to wait for us."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. "Then let's get to work."
Nico may have been slipping, but I wasn't going to let him go without a fight.
Not yet.
The night deepened, casting long shadows across the room as I sat in silence, Nico's words still playing in my mind. Kien hovered nearby, his sapphire-blue glow dim but steady, his presence a quiet reminder that I wasn't alone in all of this. Yet, the weight of the situation made it feel otherwise.
Nico was slipping further into the Void, and I was running out of time to save him.
"We need to act, Lucian," Kien finally said, breaking the stillness in the room. His voice was softer than usual, carrying a weight of its own. "The more you wait, the more the Void entwines with Nico's soul. He's stronger than most, but even the strongest can break under its influence."
I sighed, rubbing my hands over my face. "I know, but what can I do? I can barely control the power I have, let alone face the Void head-on."
Kien drifted closer, his light growing as if to match the intensity of the moment. "That's why we need to draw more from the Phantasmal Sea. You've already begun to tap into it, but there's a deeper path, a way to cultivate your connection to the Sea and strengthen yourself."
I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued despite the exhaustion settling over me. "What do you mean?"
"There's a method—a cultivation path designed to help you channel and harness the Aether flowing through you," Kien explained. His voice took on a more serious tone, one that made me sit up straighter. "It's called the Path of the River."
"The Path of the River?" I repeated, unsure of what he meant.
Kien nodded. "It's a cultivation method, one that embodies the philosophy of water—flexibility, flow, and adaptability. The idea is to become like water itself, using your opponents' strength against them and flowing around their attacks rather than meeting them head-on."
I frowned, trying to wrap my mind around the concept. "So, it's about evasion and counterattacks?"
"Exactly," Kien said, his glow brightening slightly. "Think of it as moving with the current rather than fighting against it. It's a technique that prioritizes agility and adaptability. You won't overpower your enemies with brute strength, but you'll wear them down, turn their strength against them."
I nodded slowly, the idea starting to take shape in my mind. "How does it work?"
Kien's gaze grew more intense as he explained further. "The Path of the River is the foundation of Aether Cultivation, focusing on the principle of flow. The body becomes a conduit for Aether, allowing it to flow freely without resistance. Techniques like 'Flowing Water Form' or 'Serpent's Embrace' allow you to move effortlessly in battle, dodging attacks and responding with precise counterstrikes. The key is flexibility—both in body and mind."
It sounded powerful, and yet, there was something in Kien's tone that made me feel like he wasn't telling me everything. "But there's more to it, isn't there?"
Kien hesitated, his glow flickering for a moment before he spoke again. "Yes. There's a deeper form of the Path—one created by Tiamat herself. It's called the Path of the Sea That Births Phantasms."
I stiffened at the mention of Tiamat. Her name alone sent a shiver down my spine, not just because of her chaotic nature, but because of the connection I now knew I had to her. "Tiamat's cultivation method?"
Kien nodded solemnly. "It's the true form of the Path of the River. While the River focuses on flow and adaptability, the Path of the Sea goes beyond that. It harnesses the full power of the Phantasmal Sea—the birthplace of all mystical energies. This path doesn't just teach you to use Aether; it allows you to mold it, to create and destroy with the same fluidity that Tiamat herself embodies."
The weight of his words settled over me, heavy and daunting. I remembered the power I had felt when the Phantasmal Sea first connected with me, the overwhelming force that had threatened to tear me apart. Could I really handle that kind of strength again?
Kien seemed to sense my hesitation. "I know what you're thinking. The Sea's power nearly consumed you before, but that was because you were unprepared. The Path of the Sea will teach you control. It's not just about power—it's about balance."
"But why now?" I asked, my voice quieter. "Why are you telling me this now, after everything that's happened?"
Kien floated closer, his gaze softening. "Because you're running out of time. Nico's falling deeper into the Void, and if you don't act soon, you won't be able to save him. But this isn't just about him, Lucian. You need to learn this for yourself too. The Void isn't the only threat out there, and you're going to need all the strength you can get if you're going to survive what's coming."
I clenched my fists, the memory of the Naga's attack flashing in my mind. The raw power it had wielded, the way it had nearly taken Vallen's life… and now I knew it wasn't even the worst of what we were going to face.
"The Phantasmal Sea," Kien continued, "isn't just a source of power. It's a part of you, Lucian. Your body wasn't meant to handle raw Aether like the others. You're different. What you need is Animara."
"Animara?" I echoed, unfamiliar with the term.
Kien nodded. "It's a form of energy closer to the true essence of the Sea. Aether is raw, untamed energy, but Animara is refined. It's what your body needs to function at its peak, to use your powers without burning out. And the Path of the Sea is the key to unlocking it."
I sat there, processing everything he was telling me. The Phantasmal Sea, the Path of the River, and now this deeper, more dangerous path created by Tiamat herself. It was overwhelming, but at the same time, I knew Kien was right. If I didn't act, if I didn't find a way to strengthen myself, Nico would be lost—and so would I.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settle over me. "Alright," I said finally, meeting Kien's gaze. "Teach me. I'll learn the Path of the Sea."
Kien's glow brightened, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Good. But be warned, Lucian. This path won't be easy.
But if you can master it… you'll have the strength to face whatever comes next."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. I wasn't doing this just for Nico—I was doing it for myself too. If the Void was coming for us, then I had to be ready. I had to be stronger.
The room was quiet, filled with a stillness that felt heavy after everything that had happened. Nico's last words lingered in my mind, twisting and turning like the Void itself. I didn't know how to help him, not yet. But I couldn't waste any more time. Kien floated near the center of the room, his usual glow a bit dimmer than usual. He seemed to be contemplating something serious, which only added to the already overwhelming weight of the situation.
"We need to start now," Kien finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, like he was preparing me for something I wasn't quite ready for.
I followed him to the center of the room, standing across from him as he began to channel Aether. Slowly, a shimmering barrier of water formed around us, creating a closed space, like a shimmering cube of liquid energy. The water swirled gently, but there was a tension in it, like it was ready to react at any moment.
"This is to make sure you can focus," Kien explained, his tone measured. "And to contain the excess energy that may leak out during the process. It will help keep your power under control and prevent any damage… to yourself or the environment."
I couldn't help but smirk. "Right. Sounds serious already. What's the plan?"
Kien's expression didn't change. "The process is going to be difficult, especially at first. Your body isn't prepared to contain the level of power you need to access. Stability is crucial, and right now, your body is... a wreck."
"Gee, thanks," I muttered.
"You need to attain the Draconian Vessels and the Primordial Bones," Kien continued, ignoring my sarcasm. "Both of which are going to be… painful."
I raised an eyebrow. "Draconian Vessels and Primordial Bones? What the hell are those? Sounds like something out of a bad novel." I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "Sorry, but that's a bit much, even for me."
Kien sighed, his patience clearly wearing thin. "The Aether veins in your body carry Aether, but Draconian Vessels concentrate it. These vessels convert Aether into Animara, the energy your body actually needs. Unlocking these Vessels is essential to controlling the Phantasmal Sea's power."
"Okay, but let's rewind for a second," I said, holding up my hands. "You said 'unlocking,' and I'm getting the feeling there's a catch."
Kien's gaze didn't waver. "To unlock them, you need to destroy your current veins and reform them into small cores scattered throughout your body. It's the only way to convert Aether into Animara."
I blinked, staring at him in disbelief. "I have to destroy my what and do what? That sounds like the most unethical thing I've ever heard. Seriously, this sounds like torture."
Kien's face remained stoic, but there was a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "It will be painful. But I'll be here to assist and apply healing when necessary."
"Wow, thanks," I said, throwing my arms up dramatically. "Oh, so you can heal too? Where was this during all the times we were getting our asses kicked, huh?"
"There are… restrictions on what I can and cannot do," Kien said, glancing away as if the answer pained him. "It's a price I had to pay for something."
I stared at him for a long moment. "Right. And you thought now was the time to tell me this?"
"We're running out of time," Kien said softly, his tone more serious than I'd ever heard it. "The longer we wait, the stronger the Void's hold on Nico becomes."
That sobered me up fast. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Okay. Fine. What about these Primordial Bones? I'm guessing they're just as fun?"
Kien nodded. "Primordial Bones are what fortify your body's structure to handle the Animara. They're essential for withstanding the power you're trying to control. Your bones will break down and rebuild repeatedly, growing stronger each time. Since the bones produce blood, they'll also help purify the impurities in your body, making you stronger over time."
"Yeah, that sounds just as terrible as the vessels," I muttered. "But I guess there's no other way."
Kien studied me for a moment before speaking again. "What about your heart, Lucian? You've noticed it, haven't you? Every time you use your Gift, it's your heart that reacts."
I stiffened at his words. "Yeah… I've felt it. Whenever I tap into my power, it's like my heart's pulling the strings. But what does that mean?"
Kien's gaze sharpened. "Your heart is central to your connection with the Phantasmal Sea. It's where Animara is being generated, even now. You've been carrying a portion of the Sea's power in your heart, but the seal placed on you when you were younger has polluted your body with Anti-Particles—remnants of the Void designed to suppress your energy output."
I frowned, recalling the strange pulses of energy I'd felt in the Rift, and even during the fight with the Flora Naga. "Anti-Particles? So that's what's been holding me back?"
"Exactly," Kien said. "These Anti-Particles are fragments of the Void. They've been limiting your ability to access your full potential. This process will purge them from your system, but it won't be easy."
I let out a long breath, absorbing all this new information. "And what about those creatures? The ones that came when we were fighting in the Rift? Were they… mine?"
Kien nodded, his eyes softening. "Yes. Those creatures are your army, or 'summons,' as you would call them. They've been with you since your first awakening. They came to your aid instinctively, but to summon them properly, you need to remember the command that binds them to you."
I glanced down at my hands, remembering the powerful creatures that had saved us. "So, I just have to remember this… command?"
"In time, yes," Kien replied. "But first, we need to strengthen your body. Let's begin with the Primordial Bones."
He floated back a bit, his form glowing slightly as he prepared to guide me through the process. I could already feel the tension building, my body subconsciously preparing for the pain I knew was coming.
"Focus all of your Aether into your heart," Kien instructed. "From there, concentrate on diffusing it throughout your body, centering it on your bones. Your heart is already producing small amounts of Animara, so let that energy seep into your bones and muscles."
I closed my eyes, following Kien's instructions. I could feel the Aether gathering in my chest, the familiar pulsing sensation building in my heart. Slowly, I directed the energy outward, letting it flow through my veins, into my bones. The moment the Animara touched my bones, I felt a sharp, intense pain.
"Good," Kien said, his voice calm. "Now, let it break down the bone structure. The process will happen thousands of times. Each cycle will destroy and rebuild your bones, making them stronger, more resilient."
The pain intensified, spreading throughout my body like fire. I gritted my teeth, sweat forming on my forehead as I forced myself to focus. My bones felt like they were being shattered and reformed over and over, a relentless cycle of destruction and creation.
"Keep going," Kien urged. "You're purging the Anti-Particles from your system. It will take time, but each cycle is bringing you closer to your full strength."
The pain was excruciating, but I pushed through, concentrating on the feeling of the Animara flowing through me. My bones cracked, shattered, and rebuilt in a continuous loop, each time feeling stronger, more solid.
Hours passed—three, four, five—until I lost track of time completely. My body screamed in agony, but I refused to stop. I could feel the impurities being burned away, the Anti-Particles being purged from my system. My bones grew denser, more powerful with each cycle, reinforcing my body to withstand the power I would eventually wield.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the pain began to subside. My breathing was ragged, my body drenched in sweat, but I could feel it. I was different now—stronger, more stable.
"You've achieved the Primordial Bones," Kien said, but there was a note of surprise in his voice.
I opened my eyes, looking at him. "What is it?"
Kien hovered closer, his expression unreadable. "This isn't just the Primordial Bones… Your body has formed something else. Something I've never seen before."
"What are you talking about?" I asked, feeling a chill crawl up my spine.
"Chaos Body," Kien said slowly in a low whisper, his voice filled with awe.
I stared at him, not fully understanding what he meant. "Chaos Body?"
Kien nodded, though his expression was troubled. "It's the result of the Void energy you absorbed in the Rift and the Anti-Particles in your system. Your body has adapted in a way that defies everything I know. This… this changes things, Lucian."
"Chaos Body?" I repeated, the words unfamiliar and foreign in my mouth. "That sounds... intense. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
Kien didn't answer right away. His eyes flickered with something—fear, maybe? Or was it recognition? "It's neither," he said after a long pause. "It's something beyond my understanding. There's a myth, an ancient story from before my time, about a being known as the Singularity, the first to possess the Chaos Body. But it was thought to be a myth—something no one believed could exist."
A chill crawled up my spine as I heard the words "Singularity." The weight of what Kien was saying pressed down on me, but before I could ask more, Kien quickly shook his head, his glow dimming.
"No," he said, almost to himself, "this isn't the time. We can't get sidetracked by legends."
I blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? You just said—"
Kien raised a hand, silencing me gently. "What's important right now is that you've achieved the Primordial Bones. Your body is fortified, and you're one step closer to mastering the Aether within you. The Chaos Body… it's something we'll address later. For now, let's focus on the task at hand."
I didn't like how he dodged the topic, but I could sense that pressing him further wouldn't get me anywhere. Kien had a way of only telling me what I needed to know, and right now, that was apparently enough to move forward. Still, the nagging feeling in the back of my mind told me there was more to this than he was letting on.
"Alright," I said, standing up straight despite the weariness in my limbs. "What's next?"
Kien seemed to study me for a moment before nodding. "You've just completed a grueling process, Lucian. If you want to rest, now's the time. The next step is the Draconian Vessels, and it will be even more challenging than what you just endured."
I clenched my fists, feeling the raw power coursing through my veins. Despite the exhaustion gnawing at me, I couldn't shake the thought of Nico. He was still out there, fighting his own battle against the Void, and I couldn't afford to waste time.
"I'm tired, yeah," I admitted, my voice heavy with fatigue. "But we don't have time to rest. If I can get even a little stronger, I can help Nico. So let's keep going."
Kien looked at me with a mixture of admiration and concern. "Very well, but understand this—the Draconian Vessels are a delicate process. The power you've gained from the Primordial Bones is immense, but the vessels will allow you to convert Aether into Animara, the purest form of energy. This is what will give you control over the chaos within you."
I took a deep breath, nodding. "I'm ready."
Kien floated higher, his glow intensifying as he began to gather Aether into the air around us. "To unlock the Draconian Vessels, you'll need to destroy your current Aether veins and reform them. This will require immense focus and discipline. The process will be painful, but the reward is worth it."
I winced at the mention of "destroying" anything in my body, but I had come this far. "And what exactly do these vessels do?"
"They'll concentrate the Aether within your body, turning it into Animara, which is necessary for higher-level techniques. Your current veins are too weak to handle the power you're destined to wield. By destroying them, you'll create small cores throughout your body that will act as conduits for this energy."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Destroying my veins and turning them into cores? Sounds like torture."
Kien didn't flinch. "It is, but it's necessary. Your current state won't allow you to control the power of the Phantasmal Sea, especially now that you've absorbed Void energy. The Draconian Vessels will balance that chaos."
I swallowed hard, realizing just how intense this was going to be. "Okay, I'm in. Let's do it."
"Good," Kien said, his voice firm. "Focus all the Aether you can into your heart. From there, you'll diffuse it through your body and target your veins. This will be excruciating, but you must maintain control."
I sat cross-legged on the floor, closing my eyes and concentrating on the pulse of Aether within me. My heart thudded steadily, the familiar warmth of energy gathering there. I felt the currents begin to flow, and slowly, I directed them outward, concentrating on the intricate network of veins that ran through my body.
As I focused, I could feel the pressure building. The energy was overwhelming, threatening to tear me apart from the inside. My veins began to crack under the strain, the Aether burning through them like wildfire.
"Hold on, Lucian," Kien's voice echoed in my mind. "You're almost there. Let it flow. Let it destroy."
The pain was unbearable, my body screaming in protest as my veins began to break down. It felt like my very essence was being torn apart, piece by piece, but I gritted my teeth and kept pushing. I couldn't afford to stop now. Not when Nico's fate—and possibly my own—depended on it.
Slowly, I began to feel something shift. The Aether that had been burning through my veins started to pool, gathering in small, concentrated areas within my body. These cores—Draconian Vessels—began to form, pulsing with power.
Hours passed, each second feeling like an eternity. My body was drenched in sweat, my muscles screaming in agony as the process continued. But slowly, gradually, the pain began to subside. My veins were gone, replaced by something stronger—something far more resilient.
Kien floated closer, his eyes wide with awe. "You've done it, Lucian. You've created the Draconian Vessels."
I opened my eyes, my body trembling from the effort. "That… was worse than I expected."
Kien chuckled softly. "I warned you."
But then, his gaze darkened, and I could see the weight of something else in his eyes. "Lucian, you've achieved something more than just the Draconian Vessels. The Void energy you absorbed… it's changed you in ways I can't fully explain."
I looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
Kien hesitated, his glow dimming. "You're not just an Aether user anymore. The Void has marked you. This power you've unlocked—the Chaos Body—it's something that hasn't been seen since the time of the Singularity."
The Singularity. The being Kien had mentioned before. The myth. The legend. I felt a chill run down my spine.
"What does that mean for me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Kien's expression remained unreadable. "It means your fate is tied to something far greater than any of us can understand. But for now… we focus on what we can control. You've achieved the Draconian Vessels. Do you want to rest, or shall we move on to the next step?"
Despite the exhaustion weighing on me, I shook my head. "We keep going. If I can get even a little stronger, I can help Nico."
Kien nodded, though I could sense his unease. "Very well. The next step is the Aether Core—the heart of your power. This will be the most difficult process yet, but if you succeed, you'll be ready to face whatever comes next."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. The path I was walking was more dangerous than I ever imagined, but I had no choice. Nico needed me, and I wasn't going to let him fall into the Void without a fight.
"Let's do it," I said, my voice firm despite the exhaustion creeping into my bones.
Kien hovered above me, his eyes glowing softly. "Then prepare yourself, Lucian. For The true power of the Phantasmal Sea.
The air in the room was charged as Kien floated closer, the dim blue light of his form flickering in the shadows of the water barrier. My body was already aching from the intense process of forming the Draconian Vessels, the sensation of my veins shattering and reforming still fresh in my mind. But now, there was a new surge of energy within me, something more stable, something more powerful. The Primordial Bones and Draconian Vessels had fortified my body to a level I hadn't known was possible.
But the real challenge was still ahead.
Kien's voice broke through my thoughts, calm but heavy with meaning. "The next phase is critical, Lucian. You've built the foundation—your body is ready to contain more power, but now we must awaken your Aether Core. This will allow you to control the immense forces within you, especially with the Chaos Body you've developed."
I nodded, the exhaustion still gnawing at me, but the resolve to keep going burned brighter. "Alright," I said, my voice hoarse but steady. "Let's do it."
Kien's glow intensified, his wings fluttering as he gathered Aether in the air around us. "The Aether Core is the heart of your power—literally and figuratively. It's where your essence, your life force, and your Aether all converge. To awaken it, you need to focus everything into your heart, just like before. But this time, you'll concentrate on harmonizing the Aether with your Animara. It's going to be painful, Lucian. Much worse than the Draconian Vessels."
I swallowed hard, preparing myself for the ordeal ahead. "Of course it is."
Kien gave me a look, half-amused, half-concerned. "You're strong, Lucian. But strength isn't enough here. You'll need focus. The moment you lose control, the Chaos Body could react unpredictably, especially with the Void energy coursing through you. Stay centered."
I sat down on the floor, crossing my legs and steadying my breathing. Closing my eyes, I let my focus drift inward, feeling the pulse of my heart as it resonated with the power inside me. The Aether within me swirled, a raging torrent waiting to be tamed. My Animara, the concentrated energy I had only just begun to understand, hummed at the edges of my consciousness.
Kien began to chant softly, his voice filled with ancient words that resonated deep within my core. The air around us shifted, growing denser, heavier, as if the very fabric of reality was bending under the weight of the process.
I focused on my heart, directing all the Aether and Animara into it. The pressure was immense, like my chest was being crushed from the inside out. My heart pounded furiously, each beat sending waves of energy through my veins—no, not veins anymore—through the Draconian Vessels.
I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my mind sharp, but the pain was unbearable. It felt like my heart was being torn apart, shredded by the sheer force of the energy being funneled into it. Every pulse sent shockwaves of agony through my body, my muscles tensing, my bones creaking under the strain.
"You're doing it, Lucian," Kien's voice echoed in my mind. "Don't lose focus now. The Aether Core is forming."
I could feel it, deep within my chest—something was changing. The energy swirling around my heart began to condense, collapsing in on itself until it was a single point of pure power. My body trembled violently, sweat pouring down my face, but I held on, refusing to let go of the control I had over the process.
Then, just as I thought I couldn't take any more, there was a sudden stillness. The pain vanished, replaced by a warm, soothing sensation that spread through my body like a gentle wave. My heart was no longer pounding—it was steady, calm, and powerful.
I opened my eyes, gasping for breath. The room around me seemed to glow with a faint light, and I realized it was coming from me. My Aether Core was active, humming quietly within my chest. The power was immense, but unlike before, it felt… controlled. Balanced.
Kien hovered before me, his expression one of awe. "You've done it, Lucian. Your Aether Core is complete. You've reached a level of control over both Aether and Animara that very few ever achieve."
I stood slowly, still feeling the lingering effects of the process. My body was exhausted, but the power coursing through me was undeniable. I could feel the flow of energy from the Phantasmal Sea, the connection to something ancient and vast.
But before I could say anything, the air around us shifted.
A sudden, violent pulse of energy erupted from the other side of the room, and I spun around, my heart racing. The water barrier shimmered and cracked under the force of the disturbance. Something was wrong—something was very wrong.
"It's Nico," Kien said sharply, his eyes narrowing. "The Void is reacting again."
Without hesitation, I bolted toward the door. The power I had just gained surged through me, but the fear of what Nico might be going through pushed me even faster. I needed to get to him—before it was too late.
As I burst into the main hall, I saw Lilith, Vallen, and Amara already gathered around Nico's containment cell. The Damping field around him was flickering wildly, unable to hold back the growing darkness that was swirling around him like a storm. His body was trembling, his eyes glowing with the deep black and purple of the Void's influence.
"We have to stop him!" Lilith shouted, her voice strained. "If the Damping field breaks—"
"It won't hold much longer!" Amara cut in, her sword drawn, her stance ready for action.
Nico let out a low growl, his body twisting unnaturally as the Void's power continued to surge within him. The air around him crackled with dark energy, and I could feel the pressure building—the same pressure I had felt when we were trapped in the Void together. But this time, it was even more intense.
"Nico!" I yelled, rushing toward him. "You have to fight it!"
His eyes snapped toward me, but they weren't Nico's eyes anymore. They were cold, empty—filled with nothing but the Void's influence.
Suddenly, the Damping field shattered, and the force of the Void's energy exploded outward. The ground beneath us cracked, the walls shaking as the darkness spread.
"Lucian!" Kien's voice echoed in my mind. "We need to subdue him now, or the Void will consume everything!"
Lilith and Vallen didn't hesitate. Lilith's eyes gleamed with fierce determination as she charged forward, her twin blades cutting through the air with precise, calculated strikes. Vallen followed close behind, his movements fluid and graceful, each swing of his weapon perfectly timed to complement Lilith's attacks.
"Nico, we're not letting you go!" Lilith shouted, her voice filled with raw emotion.
Vallen's blade shimmered with Aether as he struck at the tendrils of Void energy that lashed out from Nico's body. "Stay with us, Nico!"
Amara, ever the warrior, joined the fray, her sword blazing with a radiant light. She moved with unparalleled speed, her strikes aimed at cutting through the dark energy that surrounded Nico. "We're not losing you, kid!"
Despite their efforts, the Void's power was overwhelming. The darkness writhed around Nico, growing more violent with each passing second.
I gritted my teeth, feeling the surge of power within me. This was why I had pushed myself through the training, why I had endured the pain of the Primordial Bones and Draconian Vessels. I wasn't going to let Nico fall—not while I still had the strength to fight.
"Kien," I called out, focusing my energy. "Help me contain him."
Kien's light flared as he positioned himself beside me. "We'll use the water barrier again, but this time, you'll need to channel your Animara directly into it. We need to create something strong enough to hold back the Void's influence."
I nodded, raising my hands and focusing on the power within my heart. The Aether Core hummed, and I felt the Animara flow through my body, ready to be unleashed. The water barrier began to form, swirling around Nico like a protective sphere, but the Void lashed out against it, testing its limits.
"Lilith, Vallen, Amara—get clear!" I shouted, pouring more energy into the barrier.
The others quickly moved back, their faces filled with worry but also trust. They believed in me—just like I believed in them.
As the barrier solidified, Nico let out a roar, his body thrashing against the containment. The Void's power surged once more, but this time, the water held firm, bolstered by the Animara coursing through it.
"Nico!" I called out, my voice steady but filled with emotion. "You're stronger than this! Don't let the Void take you!"
For a moment, I saw it—Nico's real eyes, flickering through the darkness. His body trembled, and the Void's energy wavered.
But then, just as quickly, the darkness returned, stronger than before.
"He's still in there," Lilith said, her voice shaking. "We just have to reach him."
"I know," I said, my heart pounding. "We're not giving up."
Together, we poured everything we had into the barrier—our strength, our hope, and our determination. Nico wasn't going to fall. Not today. Not ever.
The water surged around him, glowing with a brilliant light as the Void's power began to recede. Slowly, the darkness faded, and Nico collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily but no longer consumed by the Void.
The silence that followed was deafening. We stood there, our bodies battered and exhausted, but we had done it. Nico was still with us.
For now.
But the storm was far from over.