For a long while, neither Atheline nor Lilith spoke.
The breakthrough had left the underground chamber in complete silence. The orb that had floated peacefully in the center of the room for countless ages had disappeared completely, leaving behind only empty air.
The pale light that had illuminated the chamber seemed dimmer now, as though the cave itself had noticed the loss of the artifact it had guarded for untold generations.
Atheline slowly exhaled, although every part of his body still felt warm from the immense surge of Aether, the violent pain had finally subsided.
He flexed his fingers one by one, his movements felt incredibly light.
Even the simple act of clenching his fist caused invisible currents of Aether to gather naturally around it before dispersing once more.
He had never felt such complete control over his own power, it was as though every element within his body had finally become part of him instead of something he merely commanded.
