As they stepped into the green corridor again, Sasuke and Karin were even more wary. Although Dreamweaver was dead, neither knew whether other dangers still lurked here-or whether the sphere of light calling to Karin held some unknown trial.
The corridor was still filled with flowing green data streams, dreamlike and quiet. Yet traces of the earlier battle remained faintly visible-the remnants of severed dream energy, shattered vortices of data, and the dim starlight left behind when Dreamweaver dispersed-reminders of the danger that had just unfolded here.
Without delay, the two headed straight into the depths of the corridor, toward the sphere of emerald light they had been unable to investigate because of the battle and Lin Ye's rescue.
The closer they drew, the stronger the stirring in Karin's heart became. It was a resonance from deep within her bloodline, like a wanderer returning home, or a pilgrim finally reaching sacred ground. The Eye of Prophecy crystal ball in her hand floated up on its own, humming joyfully as it gradually synchronized with the light's pulsing rhythm.
Sasuke carefully scanned the sphere with his White Jōgan. In his eyes, it was not merely a concentration of energy, but something more like a highly compressed "cocoon" woven from countless green information streams and a warm life energy. At its center, the cross-legged female apparition seemed clearer than before. He could make out an ancient robe bearing the Uzumaki Clan's crest. Her features remained blurred, but her bearing was gentle and compassionate.
"There's no hostility. Its energy is exceptionally pure, and it shares Karin's origin, but its level... is much higher," Sasuke said quietly. "Do we go in?"
Karin drew a deep breath and nodded. "Yes. I feel... she's waiting for me."
They exchanged a glance, then both reached out and gently