Raiquen's breath came in ragged, venomous bursts. His body was cloaked in whirling black Shinrei, flickering like dying starlight. His once-pristine gate veins had cracked and bled with each pulse of rage. The ground beneath him split from the pressure — dark tendrils swirling like a storm anchored in his soul.
"Because of you… she's dead!!!" he screamed, pointing a trembling hand toward Elder Lao and the others.
Elder Mia stepped forward, her voice breaking. "We did what we had to—"
"No!" Raiquen's roar cracked the air like thunder.
Behind the elders, Lo and Ki the two shadow guards took defensive stances. Their weapons hummed with Shinrei, trained on Raiquen, though their eyes betrayed hesitation.
Juno, gritted his teeth. "(If he keeps going—he'll become a Voidborn...)"
The rebels stood frozen:
Sil Vorrun's hands twitched, his illusions faltering for the first time.
Kirell Shadepetal's water whip lowered, her eyes wide with disbelief.
