Breaking the Chains

Aether surged through her body, crackling with energy. She launched forward, faster than the void could react, her blade forming in her grasp.

The guardian moved, but Celeste was faster.

She struck—Aether-infused steel clashing against divine essence. The impact sent a shockwave through the abyss.

The guardian barely flinched.

"Impressive."

It lifted a single hand—

And the chains binding the gate began to move.

Celeste's breath caught. They weren't sealing something inside. They were holding something out.

The gate wasn't just locked.

It was being guarded.

"You are not ready."

Celeste gritted her teeth. "Then I'll make myself ready."

She raised her hands—Aether spiraling around her.

And with all her strength, she ripped the first chain apart.

The abyss screamed.

The guardian stepped forward, but Celeste didn't stop.

The second chain shattered.

The third.

And then—

The gate cracked open.

The guardian's eyes widened.

"You fool—!"

A blast of light came from the gate,absorbing everything.

Celeste felt herself being pulled in.

And then—nothing.