"How is it possible?"
Elion's voice cut sharply through the cold forest air. His words carried an edge of disbelief, confusion, and something else—a flicker of anticipation he hadn't felt in centuries.
"How could you have survived the black hole?"
The masked figure chuckled, low and taunting. He didn't bother to answer. Instead, his tone turned mocking.
"You're not as strong as you once were, Elion. What happened? Is it because you were reborn?"
The words struck deeper than Elion anticipated. His golden eyes narrowed as something dormant stirred within him—a potent mix of rage, curiosity, and a thrill he hadn't allowed himself to feel since his isolated millennium.
He had created that black hole himself, wielding the full might of his powers. He remembered its pull, its overwhelming finality, as it devoured everything in its path.
How had this Dred, the Final Dred, survived?
Had it been… because of me?