The Beginning of the End.

Cecil's lips pressed into a thin line. "And to me?" she whispered, the question raw and vulnerable.

Adrian offered a bitter smile. "I never was good at lying to you, Cecil." He turned away, his eyes flickering to the panel beside him.

The display glowed with an ominous urgency:

[A Rank Core Absorption process > Time left > 00M: 05S]

Adrian gritted his teeth, a low growl escaping his throat. "I have a feeling this will hurt," he managed, his voice tight with apprehension.

"What will?" Cecil asked, concern flashing on her face.

Before Adrian could answer, a jolt of searing pain ripped through him. His vision swam, the room warping and twisting around him. A strangled cry escaped his lips as he crumpled to the floor, his body contorting in agony.

Cecil gasped, moving to his side. "Adrian!" she called, kneeling beside him and placing a hand on his shoulder. The touch seemed to ground him momentarily, pushing back the tide of pain.