The system's energy flared.
A burst of golden light erupted from the crack, so intense it turned the world white.
The battlefield vanished in its brilliance and every shadow burned away.
Ben staggered back and shielded his face as his vision went blank.
Apophis screamed beside him, but her voice disappeared inside the radiance.
A moment later, the light vanished.
Then the ground shook.
A low rumble rose from deep below and grew louder with each second.
The land cracked.
Fissures spread outward in jagged lines.
Apophis backed away, her body trembling.
Her voice turned sharp. "No.
No no no, damn it!"
She cursed and stumbled as the shaking worsened.
Then her voice broke.
For the first time, Ben heard real emotion from her.
Her eyes slowly turned to him. "You wanted to be my master, didn't you?" she said, her voice cold and shaking. "Then fine."
She bared her teeth.
Desperation twisted into rage. "Congratulations, master.
