Chapter 71: System's Temporary Hole

"I can't control it!" Elio cried out, more to himself than to Ember. The book seemed to have a life of its own, consuming cores ceaselessly. His body felt like a conduit for raw energy, every cell vibrating with the influx of power.

Ninety thousand, ninety-five thousand...

Elio could feel the power of the swift within his grasp. It was overwhelming, almost painful in its intensity. His mind raced with the possibilities, the sheer potential of what he was experiencing.

"Stop!" he pleaded, but it was in vain. The absorption continued, relentless and unstoppable.

One hundred thousand cores. The power of the swift was now at his disposal. Elio felt a final surge of power and excitement, but then... nothing. The counter reset, and the sensation of increasing power faded. Confusion replaced the exhilaration, leaving Elio bewildered.