The sky itself split under their clash.
Halreth's gavel rose high, its weight dragging whole realities into orbit. Threads of law rewove across the battlefield, binding the air, the stone, even the concept of time. His voice was iron, resounding through marrow and thought alike:
"Final Mandate. That which defies law shall cease to exist."
The world obeyed. Naval's waves froze into motionless crystal. Milim's radiance dulled into gray. Roselia's flame snuffed into smoke. Roman's iron muscles locked in place, straining against chains unseen. Even Liliana's song broke mid-note, her breath stolen.
Everything stopped.
Everything, except Leon.
The Fifth Pulse throbbed inside him, a defiance that even inevitability couldn't quiet. His body cracked further, ribs breaking under the pressure of what he was holding, veins bursting into streams of light. His voice, low at first, then roaring, cut through the silence.
"Law collapses when choice refuses it."
