Their footsteps echoed across the crystal bridge as the Sovereign loomed closer, its colossal form rippling like liquid night. Every step it took distorted reality itself — as if the very fabric of space tried to resist its presence but failed.
Ayato could feel the Seal pulsing wildly on his hand, reacting to the immense pressure.
"It's getting closer!" Kaito shouted, glancing back in terror.
Renka's eyes narrowed. "Focus. Don't look back. The Sovereign feeds on fear."
Ayato gritted his teeth as the air thickened around them, making it harder to breathe. The shimmering gate ahead stood like a beacon — but it still felt too far away.
BOOM!
The bridge behind them shattered under the weight of the Sovereign's steps. Chunks of crystalized light broke off, spiraling into the void below.
We're not going to make it, Ayato thought grimly.
Then, the voice returned — cold and heavy, not from the Sovereign, but from within his own mind.
"Voidborn… you cannot run forever. Accept your role. Submit, and the Seal shall grant you its full strength."
Ayato stumbled, his vision blurring as the Seal's light intensified. The temptation to surrender surged within him, like a warm flood inviting him to let go of his fears.
Renka noticed. She grabbed his shoulder fiercely. "Don't listen! That's the Seal's whisper. If you give in now, you'll lose yourself!"
Ayato's legs wobbled. Sweat poured down his face. "I… I can't hold it back…"
Kaito shouted, "Ayato! If you fall, we all die! FIGHT IT!"
The Sovereign raised one massive arm — a blade of condensed void energy forming in its hand. It swung downward like an executioner's axe.
Time froze.
In that moment, Ayato saw two paths:
Surrender, and unleash uncontrolled power.
Resist, and trust in his own will.
With every ounce of strength, Ayato screamed, "I… AM… NOT YOURS!"
The Seal exploded with light — not black, but pure white, as if defying its very nature. A dome of energy burst outward, deflecting the Sovereign's attack. The bridge stabilized for just a moment.
Renka's eyes widened. "You… you purified the Seal?"
The Sovereign recoiled, letting out a furious, distorted howl that shook the entire Interstice.
"RUN!" Renka shouted.
With renewed strength, they sprinted the final distance toward the gate. The moment they crossed its threshold, the Sovereign stopped — as if an invisible wall blocked its advance.
The gate closed behind them with a thunderous clap, sealing them inside a strange sanctuary bathed in silver light.
For the first time, they could breathe.
---
Inside the Sanctuary
Ayato collapsed to his knees, gasping. "What… what was that…?"
Renka knelt beside him, her voice calmer now. "That was your first test, Voidborn. You resisted the Sovereign's influence and the Seal's hunger. That's rare."
Kaito sat against the wall, exhausted. "Rare? You mean others failed?"
Renka nodded solemnly. "Most Voidborn fall the moment they face their first Sovereign. But you're different, Ayato. You're not like the others."
Ayato stared at his hand. The Seal's mark had changed — now half black, half white, like a perfect balance between two opposing forces.
Renka whispered: "You may be the only one who can restore balance to the Void."
---
End of Chapter 6