The crack began to slide down the stone, spreading rapidly. The sound was deafening, impossible to ignore. The crack lengthened and continued to break the surface of the catalyst. I saw Veronica out of the corner of my eye: her expression was one of surprise. Her eyes shone slightly, and she sketched a smile as if she discovered something interesting.
I, however, was having a hard time staying on my feet. I took a step back, staggering, feeling that the effort was taking its toll on me. I was panting, my breathing labored. I didn't think it would be so... difficult. I felt a sharp pain in my chest, the mana I had released was leaving me exhausted.
"Haah..." I breathed deeply, trying to control my body. I couldn't stop now. Despite how heavy I felt, my eyelids struggled to keep my eyes open, soon my mind began to cloud over, but with a superhuman will I stayed awake, I had to check something.
