They who press onward

.

.

.

[Activating Skill, Manifestation of the Perfect Self 2-???]

The Skill was invoked, but Dale remained utterly still.

/Shaa…/

The darkness enveloped him, covering both him and Duran's cracked body.

/Hum…/

On his right hand, the crimson thorn trembled as if reacting to something…

/Reach…/

From the side, a broad hand materialized from the dark fog, reaching onto Duran's body.

/Grab…/

It closed in the air, seemingly grasping at nothing.

But Dale knew the truth; he could see it, his eyes…

/Shine!/

[Ding]

[The Third Eye opens]

His forehead shone with light, revealing the truth as his Mind's Eye opened further, showing what could not be seen, the Spiritual, the Immaterial...

"URRRG!! NOT LIKE THIS!!" 

A figure, a faint outline, was revealed in the dark, fighting for its dear life.

"Dammit!"

Duran's Soul.

"..."