As he reached the top of the stairs, Malakai's breath came in gasps, desperate and ragged.
His chest rose and fell violently. Sweat dripped from his chin, soaking the floor beneath him. His legs quivered as though currents of lightning were surging through them.
It felt as though his entire body was burning, like fire was eating him alive from the inside. Regardless…
'It's not over.'
His crimson eyes flared brighter. The stairs were behind him, but the distance to the Sovereign still remained.
And the closer he got to the Sovereign, the more the aura intensified.
It slammed onto him like a truck. His skin prickled. His bones groaned, and each breath he took felt like swallowing fire.
But he still clenched his fists, steeled his body, and walked.
Each movement felt like he was shouldering the weight of the world, like dragging his body through hell.
But inch by inch, he closed the distance.
Until finally…
He stood a few meters from the throne and raised his head.
