In the next instant, I moved.
Space folded around me as I appeared inside the serpent, right beside Vivi, standing in front of the smaller serpent that floated quietly at the center. Up close, its presence felt even more concentrated. It did not resist, did not react, as if it lacked the awareness to even recognize what was about to happen.
"Alright," I said, my voice calm. "I'll start."
I connected inward. My will reached the black island at the center of the Dawn World. The moment the connection formed, the chain hidden within it responded. I could feel it awaken, ready to act under my command.
Without hesitation, I stepped forward and placed my hand on the head of the smaller serpent.
It didn't react. I began.
The process was familiar.
Just like with the world cores, I started pulling the natural essence within it, drawing it out and replacing it with my own. Violet essence flowed from me, entering the core, spreading through its structure, rewriting it piece by piece.
