Chapter 28: THE FINAL PASSAGE
The air within the rift felt heavier, charged with a strange, lingering tension as Yomi trailed behind Aeloria and Lirien. In his arms, the beast girl remained asleep, her shallow breaths the only sound beyond the faint echoes of their steps. The jagged walls seemed to hum faintly, the aftermath of chaos still clinging to the atmosphere.
As they passed the lifeless Abyssal Ravagers strewn across the floor, Yomi heard a familiar voice intruding into his thoughts.
"[Subspace has been created. Collection has begun.]"
His jaw clenched as the words reverberated through his mind. "Whatever you are," he muttered under his breath, "shut up already."
Both Aeloria and Lirien turned abruptly, their eyes locking on Yomi with equal parts concern and confusion.
"Drakesh?" Lirien asked, her voice soft but cautious. "Is everything... alright?"
He forced a grin, adjusting the beast girl in his arms as he gestured dismissively. "Don’t mind me. Just keep moving," he said, waving them forward.
As the two women turned back, he sighed heavily, his breath visible in the cold, oppressive air. I probably look like a madman, he mused, shaking his head.
The system’s incessant commentary gnawed at his nerves, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the path ahead.
They passed the enormous, shimmering water body that seemed to ripple faintly despite no visible disturbances.
"Collection complete."