War XLVII

THUMP.

Aiden's world blurred. His breath caught in his throat. For a single, terrifying moment, his heartbeat faltered.

Then—pain.

A raw, searing agony exploded from his chest, spreading like wildfire through his veins. His vision darkened at the edges as an unbearable weight crushed his soul.

"Aiden!" Myne's voice was distant, drowned out by the abyssal hum inside his skull.

Nihil's grin widened. "Do you feel it? The weight of nonexistence? The unraveling of your very being?"

Aiden staggered, but he refused to fall. He clenched his fists, grinding his teeth against the pain.

No. Not like this.

"You underestimate me."

His Golden Sword Martial Spirit erupted from his back, shining with divine radiance, battling against the abyssal corruption invading his body.

SHRIIIIIING!

Golden flames ignited around him, pushing back against Nihil's touch.

But the abyss was not so easily denied.