Ray stood tall, conjuring a shimmering dome of light around himself and Julian. The air crackled with energy as the barrier solidified into an obsidian shell, muting all sound and sight from the outside world. Julian stirred beneath him, eyes still heavy from unconsciousness.
"What are you trying to do?" Julian muttered, his voice low but alert. Even without opening his eyes, he sensed the barrier's oppressive presence.
Ray's smirk was cool, calculated. "Something malicious." His voice dripped with amusement as he whispered, "Divine Shield attribute: World Exclusion."
The shimmering barrier darkened completely, sealing them off in an absolute void. No sound, no light—just the presence of each other.
Julian managed to speak again, his voice strained. "What are you—"
Before he could finish, Ray leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss that was both commanding and unyielding. Julian's body tensed, but he was powerless to push Ray away. The barrier amplified the intimacy and tension, heightening every sensation.
The system's voice pierced the void, cold and clinical:
[Confirmed]
[Hidden conditions complete]
[Establishing link to the target… Completed]
[Soul Binding complete]
[Secret skill: Soul Mark acquired]
[Mythical skill: Mark undergoes evolution]
[Marked targets reset]
A wave of ethereal energy surged through Ray and Julian, binding their essences in a connection forged by magic and intent.
[Inducing sleep in the host]
[Notice: System cannot fall asleep]
[Forcing system back to its original host]
Ray's body began to shimmer, particles of golden dust lifting from his form as the system initiated its transfer back to Liam. Julian's eyes fluttered open, now fully conscious.
"Don't forget what you've done," Julian whispered, his voice a mix of defiance and confusion.
Ray's golden form shimmered, fading into the void as he placed Julian gently on the ground. "I never forget," Ray murmured, his smile enigmatic. "Bye. See you later."
With a flick of his fingers, the World Exclusion barrier shattered, the darkness receding back into nothingness.
Ray's consciousness drifted, pulled inexorably back into Liam's body. The familiar warmth of the shield he had erected around Liam pulsed gently, protecting the sleeping form from external threats.
"So, this is it," Ray mused quietly, his voice echoing in the void. He extended a hand toward the shimmering barrier surrounding Liam, imbuing it with one final command.
"Divine Shield attribute: Final Defense," he declared, activating the Retribution effect with a soft hum of energy. "That should keep you safe while you rest."
His golden form flickered one last time before fully merging back into Liam. Darkness claimed Ray's consciousness, pulling him into slumber alongside his host.