As he held his daughter's hands, King Coleoran crossed the final line between reluctant leader and willing monster. The transformation was complete, sealed by a father's love.
The Grand Crystal pulsed with approval, as if it could sense his resolution. Soon, very soon, they would have the power to reshape the world according to their will.
And his little star would see her mother again, no matter the cost.
♢♢♢♢
Victor fused with his Qilin, and his transformation was spectacular. Yellow scale armor covered his body like a second skin, while golden horns sprouted from his forehead, pulsing with power that made the air around him distort with pure energy.
The contrast with his corrupt opponents was so marked that for a moment, everyone on the bridge stopped simply to observe.
The transformation wasn't just visual. Where abyssal corruption twisted and devoured, Victor's fusion radiated purification and harmony. It was like watching the sun rise in the middle of a storm.
