Breaking through required time. Complete, utter focus. It was not something one could, or should, rush. Alas, I didn't have time.
Clearly, breaking through with enemies all over Cintre was stupid. It wasn't something I should have considered, yet I did. And not only did I consider breaking through, I actually went through with it.
"Protect me," I ordered my demon subordinates while giving the Trickster Demon the mental command to hide me or make it seem like I was elsewhere.
Then, as if my Core decided it was time for me to advance as well, it began to expand.
The Essence stored in the Core erupted and grew, pressing firmly against its outer walls. The sound of breaking glass echoed in my ears as the Core cracked. Hairline cracks spread across the entire structure as it expanded forcefully, but they did not persist for long. The cracks were mended as Essence seeped into them, healing the Core while providing enough energy to push it further.
