Kael stepped back onto the platform.
This time—
He didn't rush it.
He focused.
Slowed everything down.
His breathing.
His thoughts.
His core.
Aetherion responded.
Not violently—
Smoothly.
For a moment—
The platform stabilized.
Perfect alignment.
Riven's gaze sharpened slightly.
"…There."
Then—
It broke.
Instantly.
The energy surged out of control.
The platform reacted violently—
Light patterns distorting—
Space cracking slightly beneath him.
Kael's eyes widened.
"…No—"
The surge exploded outward.
Not massive—
But uncontrolled.
Riven moved instantly.
One step—
And everything stopped.
Completely.
The energy froze mid-release.
Held in place.
Contained.
Kael dropped to one knee.
Breathing sharp now.
His core is unstable again.
"…That… was different."
"…Yes."
Riven released the pressure slowly.
"…You were close."
A pause.
Then—
"…And that's when it becomes dangerous."