Chapter 144: A World Re‑entered, a Mission Completed
—
Yang Li stood, chest rising like bellows, gaze fixed on the orb that had re‑emerged, now freed of vines but dimmed. "Its final defense," he murmured. "The Ruin Core is stable again."
He climbed the dais. This time no vine resisted. Fingers circled the orb. Glyphs rotated, then calmed—a silent pledge of transfer. Brightness pulsed once, then settled into a steady glow under his palm.
The hall's ceiling groaned as the orb's new linkage triggered realm‑collapse. Yang Li stepped down and addressed them: "Everyone the core claimed. This ruin will be closed. Find footing, center your chi. Evacuation begins in thirty breaths."
Stonework lit with circuitry‑like veins of light. Air pressure shifted. Nima propped Kent against Lumo's furry flank. "Big brother, You good?"
He grinned through grit teeth. "Roasted on one side, flash‑frozen on the other, yeah, just need a few minutes of rest."
