The vertical strike of Nokai cracked the outer shell of the dark sphere, sending blinding silver light bursting through the sanctum. Deep fissures spread across the surface of the void core, releasing a heavy groan of collapsing energy.
Instead of shattering completely, the fractured core began to contract with terrifying speed, generating a powerful vortex of spatial gravity. The immense pull dragged against Sagiri's boots, threatening to swallow him whole into its collapsing center.
Sagiri drove the blade deeper into the floor, anchoring himself against the crushing suction with every ounce of his remaining strength. Around him, the mirrored walls of the hall trembled violently as the trial entered its most dangerous phase.
Meanwhile, on the frozen surface of Karokai Valley, the mountain world was breaking apart under the energetic backlash. The black spatial dome began to shudder, sending jagged shockwaves of void pressure tearing through the stone cliffs.
