In the temporary conference area deep within the Martian Forge Temple, the atmosphere relaxed somewhat after the final decision on the location of the Super God Academy branch campus and the conclusion of Lion's shocking question about "destiny."
Just then, the alloy doors leading to the laboratory slid open soundlessly, and He Xi emerged first.
Her silver-white research uniform was as immaculate as ever, though a trace of barely perceptible contemplation lingered between her brows.
Lion strode up to her almost instantly, undisguised concern in his golden eyes. "Queen He Xi, Luke...?"
He Xi's gaze swept over Lion as she replied calmly, "It's not serious, but he needs time to recuperate."
Her voice was clear and composed, as though analyzing complex experimental data. "The core of Darth Vader's Dark Side of the Force has already been absorbed by Luke's own powerful Light Side of the Force. The two are merging, creating an entirely new and stronger essence of the Force. The remaining Dark Side of the Force is minimal in quantity and poses no threat by itself."
She paused, and something profound flashed through her silver eyes. "What is truly causing his pain and those 'black markings' is the trace of Void power mixed into Vader's Dark Side of the Force. That power is extremely stubborn, and it is clashing violently with the new Force he is currently merging with."
At the mention of "Void power," everyone present tensed.
"However," He Xi continued, her tone carrying the confidence unique to the Hilling Empire, "given the Imperium's extensive research into the Void and Luke's willpower, such a tiny remnant of Void power cannot threaten him. Forcibly removing it might instead damage his foundation, which would be more trouble than it was worth. I have left it in place so that, during