Silence stretched around Lian like a suffocating mantle.
He was still gripping Oblivion tightly, but something inside him felt… strange. Different.
The battle against those Abyssal Creatures should have given him relief, but instead, he felt like he was merely being led toward something greater. Something inevitable.
And then, he heard it.
A low chuckle, almost imperceptible, echoing around him.
"It's been a long time since you've talked to me, Lian."
His heart stopped for a second.
He knew that voice.
Oblivion.
But there was something different about it. He couldn't quite understand it, but it felt off, like a completely different being.
Lian narrowed his eyes, his body still on high alert.
"What does that mean?"
The whisper came soft, almost mocking.
"I am you."
Lian clenched his teeth, feeling a shiver crawl up his spine.
