John focused every last drop of his strength on the lock.
His Soul Piercing Gaze flared brighter than before, the golden beam narrowing into a razor edge of spiritual force.
The metal shuddered violently under his assault, vibrating so hard that the talismans attached to it began to writhe like living things, their red inscriptions twisting in agony.
The air grew heavy, a suffocating pressure filling the tunnel as though the seal itself resented his intrusion and was lashing out in anger.
A low, almost inhuman hum resonated from the lock, building into a deep, throbbing pulse that matched the beat of his heart.
John gritted his teeth, his forehead slick with sweat, as he forced his will against the barrier.
Then it struck.
The backlash came like a tidal wave of raw spiritual force, slamming into him before he had a chance to brace.
His Soul Piercing Gaze shattered instantly, the golden light snuffed out as if it had never existed.
