Chapter 253: Life (1)
Behind me, at the island’s dock, Rogerio’s ship waited in silence, and ahead, the wind of the Voice pushed hard against my steps. I tucked the crystal orb away, dropped to one knee, and pressed my hand to the ground.
"You're starting it now?" Arlos asked.
Without a word, I poured my mana into the ground, and the mana of existence responded, operating the second stage of the grand magic into motion.
Doom—!
A single vibration, deep like the beat of a drum—and then, it was over.
“There,” I said.
Arlos tilted her head in confusion, but without saying a word, I turned away and made my way toward the ship where Rogerio and Epherene were waiting.
Soon, Arlos followed after me, but after only a few steps, she stopped and looked back over her shoulder. Near the center of the Island of the Voice—close enough to feel, but too far to touch—mana began to pool, and demonic energy burst outward from deep within.
The demonic current seared through my lungs, setting my blood on edge, while the mist of demons darkened from all directions, staining the heavens black. It scraped against me, but I clamped down tight. Inside, dark cravings howled and thrashed, but with my mental strength tempered by endless deaths and struggles, I smothered the chaos boiling within.
"Arlos," I called as she stared out at the island.
Arlos, her hood drawn up, turned back to look at me.