In the real world, Cain, Jarkal, and even the summoned automaton constructs seemed to freeze in place for a heartbeat—suspended in time as though the entire world had forgotten how to move. Then, just as suddenly, time caught up.
The illusion shattered.
The Dark Moon Eye—Cain's Archdeity's eye—snapped shut, its power vanishing in an instant. Blood trickled from the corner of his right eye as the pain struck him like a hammer. His body recoiled violently, muscles spasming under the strain of the forbidden ability. But there was no time to recover, no moment to breathe.
Despite having endured eighty-one days of illusory torment, having been dismembered billions of times within the mindscape of Cain's illusion, Jarkal's will had not broken. His body was weakened. His soul was shaken. But his consciousness remained firm.
"He's a tough bastard, you've got to admit that," echoed Apex's voice within Cain's mind.
