Chapter 86 : The Apex Nine

Dirga did not sleep.

He sat cross-legged in the quiset room, deep in meditation, his focus locked onto the Crimson Core, which had now taken the shape of a faint, flickering ring around his right hand.

The glow was soft, but the power beneath it pulsed with density—like a star waiting to collapse or explode.

He could feel the Concept of the Black Star becoming deeper, more intricate.

But the second stage still eluded him.

What am I missing?

The thought circled as time slipped past unnoticed, like water down a drain. No hunger. No thirst. Just thought and pressure.

A question without an answer.

Then—a knock.

Tap. Tap.

"Mr. Dirga," came Wish's cheerful voice from beyond the wooden door. "It's time to eat. Mr. Sasa is already waiting for you."

Dirga exhaled slowly, grounding himself.

The ring dimmed. He stood, dressed with calm precision, and opened the door.