Vell screamed, a raw, ragged sound that tore from his throat as the dark energy ripped through him. His body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending screaming in agony. He dropped to his knees, his vision blurring as he tried to focus on the figure, which was now watching him with an unsettling mix of curiosity and cold, scientific detachment. The orb's power felt like it was tearing him apart from the inside out, each pulse a hammer blow against the three mana cores inside him.
'What is this… corrupted mana?'
[Yes, but it's more pure, more evil, which makes it a lot denser and stronger. This might be where you die… master.]
'Fuck that. If it's mana, then it can be absorbed. Which means I have a chance.'
[…I'm afraid your body might break down if you attempt that.]
'Why do you sound so against me?'
[…]
'Then shut up and let me concentrate.'
The figure just stood there, its white eyes watching, calculating.
