The Source quickly climbed out of the crater his impact with the ground had created, stepping on its edge to gaze at a similar formation in the distance.
As expected, a figure jumped out of that other crater, landing heavily on the chaotic plain past it. The Emperor had also survived the previous clash, albeit his condition had worsened once again.
By then, there was hardly any intact spot left on the Emperor's body. Torn flesh surrounded by dark patches littered him, reaching as far as his face. Nothing was ever too deep, but his appearance couldn't have looked more foreboding.
Nevertheless, that battered appearance couldn't trick the Source. He knew and had experienced the troubling truth. The previous clashes, and especially the last one, had more than proven it.
Despite the accumulating injuries, the Emperor was getting stronger. His state had never stopped worsening, but his gradual improvement had ultimately led to a draw with the Source.
