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Chapter 34 - Chapter 34 – The Weight of Survival

Of course Adding space to a sentence especially in a dramatic context like this usually means giving the words more weight and impact by isolating them The most powerful candidate for this treatment is Ryo's definitive statement: I am.

Here is the revised version with that change along with a few other minor spacing adjustments for pacing and emphasis.

The Infinite Court is cracked and scarred The flames of Heaven have vanished leaving behind only smoke and silence Kael leans against a broken pillar, his body wrapped in bandages conjured by Yuna's healing magic His breathing is heavy but steady Ryo stands at the center of the Court silent his eyes fixed upward.

Kael: groaning Damn… I thought War was bad but that guy… Heaven? He almost fried me before I even touched him.

Yuna: sighing gently tightening the bandages on his chest Almost is an understatement If Ryo hadn't stopped him you'd be dust right now.

Kael: grinning weakly Heh Guess I owe him another drink when this is over.

Yuna: snapping Stop joking Kael! This isn't a tavern brawl We're standing against things that aren't even supposed to exist Time Silence War Heaven… and we're still alive Do you even realize how impossible that is?

Kael: shrugging wincing in pain Of course I realize it That's why I keep smiling If I don't I'll probably lose my mind.

Yuna: softly, almost whispering Maybe I already am.

Ryo finally speaks his voice cutting through the heavy silence.

Ryo: You are not.

Kael and Yuna both look up Ryo's gaze remains fixed on the cracks above but his tone is firm grounding them.

Ryo: Doubt is human Fear is human You endure both and yet you still stand That is why you are here.

Kael: grinning faintly Hah You really know how to give a pep talk Ryo Almost sounded like you care.

Ryo: I do not need to care I need you alive.

Kael: snorts Yeah same thing.

Yuna's lips curve into the faintest of smiles though her eyes remain troubled She looks at Ryo hesitating.

Yuna: Ryo… when you fought the Judge of Heaven I saw something. It wasn't just powerbIt was like… like you rewrote what Heaven meant As if even the concept had to bow to you.

Ryo: calmly Correct.

Kael: blinking Wait hold on You're telling me he didn't just beat Heaven he changed it?

Yuna: Exactly That's why I'm asking… what are you Ryo?

Ryo finally lowers his gaze to meet hers His expression is unreadable but his words are absolute.

Ryo: I am.

Kael bursts out laughing even as he coughs from the strain.

Kael: Ha! That's all we get? Just I am? Damn Ryo you're a mystery wrapped in silence and arrogance.

Yuna: frowning though there's a spark of amusement Arrogance or truth… I can't tell anymore.

Ryo turns away again his shadow stretching across the ruined floor Above the Court rumbles A new presence stirs in the distance vast and cold The cracks in the ceiling widen spilling a pale light into the chamber.

Yuna: nervously clutching her staff Another one's coming I can feel it.

Kael: rolling his shoulders trying to stand Heh Good I was getting bored.

Yuna: You can barely walk! Sit down before you fall over!

Kael: grinning Nah If Ryo can stand against gods I can stand beside him Even if I'm half-dead.

Ryo: quietly Half dead is still alive.

The pale light intensifies flooding the Court The air grows cold but not like ice it is the cold of absence, of forgotten things A figure begins to emerge from the light tall and shrouded its face hidden beneath a veil of silver mist.

Judge of Oblivion: voice soft but echoing in their minds Children of anomaly… you walk too far You destroy what cannot be destroyed You unmake what was eternal You are unfit to remain.

Kael: snarling raising his fists Another Judge huh? Great Bring it on.

Yuna: eyes widening No Kael This one feels… different.

Kael: Different how?

Yuna: It's not like War or Heaven It doesn't want to fight us It wants to erase us… completely.

The Judge of Oblivion steps fully into the Court Wherever its feet touch, the stone disappears not broken not burned simply gone as if it had never been The cracks spread outward reaching for the trio like veins of nothingness.

Kael: gulping …Okay yeah That's creepy.

Yuna: gripping her staff tighter Ryo what do we do?

Ryo: calmly We end it.

The Judge's misty veil shifts and its voice deepens cold and absolute.

Judge of Oblivion: No You end.

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