Data and Perception

Bzzzz!!!

A deep rumble beyond the reach of hearing, one that struck directly at the level of the soul, came from the depths of the plane.

It was the instinctive fury and resistance of the plane's will after being "pricked."

The scarlet formations, which had been operating steadily, suddenly blazed with light. Chains of runes flashed frantically, clearly bearing a terrifying pressure that had abruptly surged from within.

The struggle between the Restraint Arrays and the Living Plane's will unfolded fiercely in the silent void.

Viola had already appeared at the core node of one of the Restraint Arrays.

Benjamin could see her holding both hands over it, her vast spiritual power merging with the enormous formation beneath her feet.

She was trying to stabilize the formation and suppress the plane's frenzied awakening will.

However, the Living Plane's struggle was far more intense than expected.

Even with Viola maintaining it at full force, the Restraint Array still let out a groan of unbearable strain. Warnings of energy overload shrieked incessantly from Benjamin's console.

Fine cracks began to appear in those thick scarlet chains of runes. Their light flickered erratically, as though the savagely growing power within might snap them at any moment.

Second by second, time passed.

There was still no word from Mentor Clark or Wizard Starfall.

The communications channel was dead silent.

Viola's expression grew uglier and uglier. While doing everything she could to keep the Restraint Array from collapsing instantly, she repeatedly looked toward the plane, the anxiety in her eyes nearly becoming tangible.

At last, she seemed to make up her mind.

A prearranged emergency attack command entered the battleship's control system, appearing simultaneously on the main display before Benjamin, accompanied by a glaring red warning border.

The meaning of the signal was simple: launch the