After two whole months of relentless attempts, Saruto never stopped chasing the Origin. His movements had reached a terrifying level of speed; his body would disappear and reappear among the floating cubes, his movements leaving trails in the air.
The Origin watched him silently, analyzing every step, every deviation, every failed attempt. Then he smiled faintly and said analytically, "Saruto speed has increased to 120,000 kilometers per hour… the speed of lightning. That's a remarkable development… but it's still not enough to catch me."
Saruto surged forward at full speed, coming within centimeters of touching the Origin, but the Origin slid away at the crucial moment. Saruto lost his balance and fell heavily onto one of the cubes, breathing heavily, exhaustion etched on his face. The Origin looked at him and said, "Saruto… you've spent two whole months trying to catch me."
Then he added with deliberate indifference, "And I forgot to tell you… if you don't catch me, you'll be stuck here forever."
Saruto chest heaved violently. He never stopped trying, never knew rest, and never allowed himself to give up. He sat atop the cube, lowered his head, and began to replay in his mind every moment of failure.
On the other side, he could hear Void smashing the floating cubes that blocked his path, but every time a cube was smashed, it was rebuilt.
Finally, Void, exhausted, stopped and turned to find Saruto sitting deep in thought. He approached and sat beside him. "Every time I increase my speed," Saruto said in a low voice, re-analyzing everything that had happened. "The Origin increases the speed of the cubes. It controls fifty squares at once... more. And on top of that... it reads my movements, predicts them, deliberately leaves gaps for me to fall into, and then strikes me."
Then he raised his head in astonishment and whispered, "What kind of mind can do all this at once?"
Suddenly, Void voice rang out beside him with a weary smile. "Looks like you're struggling here too, Saruto."
"So are you," Saruto replied with a smile. "We're in the same boat."
The two sat side by side, talking about Origin, its powers, and the possible ways to capture it. A moment of silence passed. Then something flashed in Saruto eyes. His smile widened, and he began to laugh. Origin caught the echo of his laughter from afar and said to himself with a faint smile, "Finally... it seems you've found the answer, Saruto."
Void looked at him, puzzled. "Why are you laughing?"
Saruto stood up. "Because I've found the way to capture Origin."
Then he continued excitedly, "Void... do you remember what Origin said when we first met?"
"You mean when he told us he'd make us half-rulers?" Void said thoughtfully.
"No," Saruto shook his head. "I mean when he said he'd make our powers one."
Then he smiled knowingly and added, "If that's his goal… why don't we do it ourselves?"
Void eyes widened. "You mean… merging?"
Saruto nodded confidently. "Yes."
Void laughed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "A crazy idea… but perfect."
The two stood side by side and began to raise their energy levels simultaneously. Their fists collided, and a tremendous light exploded, filling the entire space. Their energies blended, intertwined, and became one. After a moment, Saruto stood in their place. In a combined voice, Saruto tone and Void power, he said, "Now we'll catch you… Origin."
Origin chuckled. "All right… try," he said, amused.
Saruto unleashed his energy. "Common Consciousness!" he declared majestically.
His body was enveloped in a thick layer of dark energy, which then began to crack and crumble, until a being completely covered in dragon scales emerged, its hands and feet bearing the features of a mythical creature. It exhaled a smoky breath and raised its head with absolute confidence. "Prepare yourself, Origin," it said in a deep, terrifying voice. "I am coming for you."
The Origin smiled. "So... you have finally appeared, Side," it said with genuine admiration.
"Well... try to catch me if you can."