Ethan struggled, but the pull was too strong. Even the mist inside his Gate of Ascension surged outward, pouring through the open threshold.
Gritting his teeth, he forced the gate shut with a resounding slam.
With no more soul energy flowing, his face turned pale, and his body wavered before collapsing.
Celeste, standing nearby, caught him just in time. Though his body was weak from the energy drain, at least he had broken free.
Ethan's gaze locked onto the cracked altar, filled with lingering fear.
Doe, the only other one who could see his soul energy, shared the same horrified expression.
"What happened to Ethan?" The group rushed over.
Ethan didn't answer immediately. He closed his eyes, trying to reopen the Gate of Ascension to replenish his energy.
Last time, after escaping the mindscape, he had gained control over opening and closing the gate at will. But now, completely drained, he couldn't establish a connection.
