Nero fell to his knees on the cracked white platform, muscles aching intensely. The battle had ended. The clone was no longer present. In front of him, the Essence of Earth shimmered softly with a welcoming glow.
He knew what came next. He forced his trembling body into a cross-legged position, closing his eyes. He focused on his breathing, on the deep, steady pulse of earth energy that was now a part of him. He emptied his mind, becoming as still and receptive as the stone beneath him.
The brown crystal hovered closer. It didn't rush. It approached with the slow, inevitable pace of continental drift. It touched the center of his forehead.
A warm tingle spread from the point of contact.
Then, it entered.
