160 Core Foundation Realm

Core Foundation Realm.

Essence Arts.

This is just the first step. I'll continue to get stronger, stronger, and stronger still… until no one, not even the Creator, can stand in my path.

My soul has been shattered. My mind has been broken. All that's left of me now is an empty shell that will eventually lose all my emotions. Happiness, anger, love… they will all eventually go away.

And all that will be remaining will be a boy of nothingness, alone through and through.

*****

"… You… did you break through?" Furuwa asked, blinking at me in surprise.

I nodded, then glanced at the still-unconscious Nadeshiko.

"… How is she?"

"Alive," Hina-nee replied. Then, in a softer tone, "Just barely, though…"

Wordlessly, I bent down by Nadeshiko's side and lifted her body so that she had her back turned to me, before placing my hands against her back. Closing my eyes, I began to channel all my Essence into her.

"Kaze-kun…" Hina-nee murmured in worry. I furrowed my brows in concentration.