The fragment pulsed violently as they approached.
It reacted.
Like it was aware.
The distortion intensified, lashing out in every direction, trying to push them back.
But this time—
They were ready.
Golden Cavalier held the front, stabilizing the space just enough to allow movement. Phantom Ember disrupted the pressure, creating openings. Midnight Sontana slipped through those openings, closing in on the fragment.
Jovian moved last.
Direct. Precise.
Vital Mirage reached the fragment first.
The moment it touched it—
Everything stopped.
For a single second, the world froze.
Then the fragment cracked.
Light burst outward, shattering the distortion completely.
Silence followed.
Jovian lowered his arm slowly, watching as the last traces of energy faded.
"…One down," Iggy said.
Lucien glanced at the others. "Two more."
Alaric nodded. "And after that…"
Jovian finished the thought.
"…We go for him."
And somewhere far beyond them—
Voss Calder smiled.