Grandpa Mel's voice finally returned, heavy and solemn.
"If you wish to live, you must bear it. Face suffering head-on, and you will overcome it. Persevere, and the path forward will open."
Ray's spirit jolted.
That's right.
If he failed here, death was the only outcome.
I can't die.
There were too many things he hadn't done yet.
He wanted to grow strong.
He wanted to pilot a mecha forged by his own hands.
He wanted to find his parents.
He wanted to find Vivienne.
He wanted to stand at the pinnacle as both a Soul Master and a Mecha Master.
He wanted to live.
Defiance ignited in his heart, burning fiercely. The pain lessened, retreating from his bones toward his spine.
Unbeknownst to him, the golden web patterns on his body briefly turned purple before reverting to gold, now shining brighter than ever.
The numbness and crawling sensation faded.
Ray gasped for breath, sweat-soaked and trembling, but alive. Strength slowly returned to his limbs.
Is it over?
