Chapter 35 · What does that mean?

He tore his hand free.

The crystal came with it.

The core ripped out of Judicator's chest in a storm of black ash and white sparks. The titan lurched backward. Its cannons fired wildly into the ceiling. One round shattered the last stained-glass window. Colored shards rained through the smoke.

Raven stumbled, clutching the pulsing crystal in his burned hand.

The system flashed.

[PRIMORDIAL CORE ABSORBED: 82%] [NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: ASHEN GRIP] [NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: HEARTBREAKER] [LEVEL INCREASE: 7] [WARNING: REMAINING CORE MATTER IS UNSTABLE]

"What does that mean?" Seraphina demanded.

"It means I made a mistake."

"You have made several. Which one?"

The Judicator's chest collapsed inward.

The titan dropped to one knee.

Raven stared at the crystal. Black cracks raced across its surface.

"The core is going to blow."

Seraphina looked toward the far exit. The iron doors were sealed by fallen stone and twisted machinery.

"How long?"

"Not long."

"Can you throw it?"

"Probably."

"Probably?"

"It might come back."

"Then don't throw it."

"That was the plan."

"Give it to me."

Raven turned toward her. "No."

"The crystal is reacting to your ash. I can contain it with holy power."

"It will kill you.