Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Breaking the Circle 

The air within the cathedral pulsed with a terrifying energy, a force that seemed to vibrate within Ethan's bones. The Originator stood at the center of it all, a dark conductor for the malevolent power that had begun to surge through the ley lines. Time was slipping away, and Ethan knew that if they didn't act fast, the ritual would reach a point of no return.

Ethan and Alex had seconds, perhaps less, to make their move. The Architect's confidence was chilling, but it was also their weakness—a belief in their own invincibility that could be exploited.

"Go left, I'll take the right," Ethan whispered, his voice barely audible over the rising chant. Alex nodded, her eyes hard with resolve. They moved in sync, splitting up as they dashed towards the circle of chanting figures.