Ethan's white energy sphere punched through layer after layer of defenses, its power shaved down again and again. By the time it reached the final "flesh wall," it only left a wide patch of crackling electricity across the surface—never truly touching Zareth II.
Ataneya was already moving.
Five fox tails snapped open inside the palace.
They avoided her allies and surged toward the throne from multiple angles. The first tail whipped straight at Zareth II. The second skimmed low along the floor, curling for the scepter. The other three dropped in from above and both sides, sealing off every escape route.
At the same time, Andona and Seraphine raised defenses.
Light Force and Divine Power interwove around the group. A golden shield spread from the floor first, then closed upward, sealing them all inside.
They didn't immediately unleash a full-force counterattack.
Partly because they wanted to see what other tricks Zareth II had left.
And partly because they wanted to find out—
