"When you're able to consciously connect to these spiritual energies," the red-haired woman continued, her voice calm but forceful, "you've taken your first step into Origin Mana. Observe—like this."
She raised her crimson longsword-staff and suddenly thrust it forward with incredible precision.
The blade pierced directly into Stephen's soul.
In that instant, a pure white flame ignited from within the depths of Stephen's already faint and wavering spirit. The moment it flared to life, he let out an agonizing scream so intense, so harrowing, it far surpassed even the cries he made while his physical body had been burned alive.
Slowly, his soul began to disintegrate, breaking apart into countless motes of shimmering white light—embers of consciousness fading into nothingness. Within seconds, there was not a trace left. No ashes. No residue. Not even an echo.
The scene was so terrifying that both Daniel, the archbishop, and Emperor Denken stood frozen in place, utterly stunned.
