The Void World swallowed everything around them, making each step feel almost superhuman. The ground pulsed like living flesh, undulating beneath Arven and Elara's feet. Veins of blue light ran through the infinite space, tearing across the fractured sky like scars on an ancient world. Every movement reverberated endlessly, and the silence seemed to scream in their ears.
Elara advanced cautiously, feeling every pulse of the Star Core within her. Each heartbeat sent waves of energy through her body, a constant reminder of the power she carried and the danger approaching.
'Arven… where are you…?'
A distant crack echoed, and the air around them warped as if something heavy had pressed against reality itself. The creature appeared, floating above the ground that seemed to bend beneath its presence. Its shadows spread across the floor, snaking outward as if the Void itself breathed with it.
"You carry what is mine by right… the girl and the boy. Both entwined by fate," said the distorted voice, cutting through every thought.
Arven stepped in front of Elara, body tense, heart hammering in his chest.
"Elara… stay behind me…"
She swallowed hard, obeying immediately, feeling his hand brush hers for an instant.
'Arven…'
The creature tilted its head, evaluating them, its smile seeming to pierce all of reality.
"Finally, I see the heir of the Void. Ah… you have no idea the value of your lineage," the creature said, its voice a mix of curiosity and malice.
Arven furrowed his brow, trying to contain the fear and anger rising inside him.
"You… again?"
"Yes. I came for what pulses within you. For what your eyes hold… and for what she carries inside her," the creature replied, approaching, its shadows stretching as if they were part of space itself.
Elara's Star Core responded. An intense glow erupted within her, faintly illuminating the pulsating ground, tangibly connecting them. It was as if invisible threads of fate intertwined them.
"Fate has bound you… and I can only pass if one surrenders to the other," the creature continued, leaning slightly toward Arven.
Arven took a deep breath, knowing the creature's power — S-rank or higher. Confronting it directly meant certain death.
"If you touch her… I offer myself," he said, determination burning in every word.
The creature stepped back slightly, fascinated.
"Interesting… you understand the value of your eyes, Shisui," it said, then began to explain, its voice echoing through the infinite space.
"Shisui are an ancient lineage, born before even the lesser gods walked the Earth. Your eyes… they are not ordinary. They carry the essence of primordial beings of the Void, ancient and forgotten. Whoever bears this heritage carries both power and peril. Vertical pupils, deep blue… and over time, if they lose their humanity, they darken, become hungry. You possess them, and that is why you are the perfect vessel."
Elara brought her hand to her mouth, unable to respond immediately. Her eyes shone with a mixture of fear and awe.
'He always carried this within him… and I never knew…'
The creature observed, its distorted smile growing.
"Ah… magnificent. So this is what I expected."
Arven slowly removed the blindfold covering his eyes. When it fell, the deep blue light and vertical predator-like pupils cut through the darkness like blades. The Void seemed to pause for a moment, and the creature shivered.
"Take what you want… just leave Elara," he said firmly, her Star Core pulsing in response, sending warmth and energy that seemed to comfort him even in that suffocating space.
The creature raised its shadowed arms.
"Then let the Ritual of Incorporation begin."
The pulsating ground began to reorganize into ancient Void symbols, runes that seemed alive, moving with a will of their own. Shadows rose, wrapping around Arven's right arm. He clenched his teeth, the pain burning like liquid fire through his skin, but he kept his gaze fixed on Elara.
"Arven… no!" She tried to cross the shadows, but something invisible pushed her back.
'I… will do this… for you…' he thought, breathing deeply.
The tribal mark began to form, black and alive, pulsing as if it had its own heart. The creature poured itself into him, filling every void, every gap in his soul and body. Arven fell to his knees, gasping, but he did not stop looking at Elara.
"I… I'm fine…" he said, though it was a lie. He wanted her to believe.
Her Star Core glowed even brighter, as if stabilizing the ritual, whispering: 'You are not alone… we are together…'
The creature whispered inside him:
"Now we are one… body, destiny, and power united."
The pain slowly subsided. Arven breathed heavily, but his eyes still held that predatory blue. His right arm pulsed with the living tribal tattoo.
Elara finally broke through the barrier, kneeling beside him.
"Arven… you're alive…"
He looked at her, trembling slightly but steady.
"Yes… and you are too… that is what matters."
'I will endure this… as long as you live… it's worth it…'
She pressed her forehead against his shoulder, still shaking.
"Arven… even so… you saved me… at what cost?"
"I accept it… as long as you are safe," he replied, feeling the creature settling within him.
The Void remained silent, dark, and infinite, but Arven and Elara knew nothing would ever be the same.
And deep in his mind, the creature smiled, now part of its host… waiting.