The binding contract took effect instantly.
Oblivion surged.
The miniature black hole doubled in intensity.
Final Verdict cracked.
Cassandra's perfect technique — refined over decades, forged in actual combat against Origin Realm enemies — developed a fracture along its gravitational matrix. The axe strike that had been pushing Oblivion back suddenly stopped, caught in the gravitational undertow of Kael's enhanced attack.
Then Oblivion pushed through.
The collision point detonated inward. The two techniques collapsed into each other, and the resulting implosion sent a shockwave of pure gravitational force in every direction.
Cassandra flew backward.
Her back hit the far wall with a sound like a thunderclap. The reinforced metal dented inward, forming a perfect impression of her body. Rune arrays flickered red across the surface — the first time they'd registered damage in what had to be years.
