Bonding

The moment the final word left my lips, an explosive wave of pure, velvety darkness erupted from the obsidian box.

SWOOSH!

The shadowy essence surged upward, completely enveloping my hands, arms, and the deck in a thick, swirling vortex. Yet, despite the intimidating visual, I didn't feel a single trace of pain or cold. Instead, a profound, breathtaking warmth washed through my spiritual pathways.

A second later, the dark vortex receded into my skin, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.

I looked down at my hands. The obsidian box was now hovering effortlessly two inches above my palm, bathed in a soft, ethereal azure aura. A deep, undeniable connection thrummed between my mind and the artifact, making it feel less like an object I was holding and more like an extra limb attached directly to my soul.

Smiling to myself, I gave a subtle mental command: Unseal.

CLICK!