Silvanus followed the sound and ran toward it—only to see a familiar face.
Ariana was being ensnared by a shadow creature shaped like a plant, her body suspended helplessly in midair.
That jet-black plant was unfurling its massive petals, each over three meters long. At the center of the flower was a gaping pit that seemed bottomless, and its petals were lined with countless razor-sharp teeth. Thick mucus bubbled up from its core, dripping onto the ground with a constant sizzling hiss—it was clearly ready to enjoy its meal.
Just then, a blade of light tore through the air, slicing cleanly through the writhing vine stalks and severing the ones that had bound Ariana.
Ariana immediately plummeted to the ground. She couldn't help but let out a scream, squeezing her eyes shut, bracing for the pain.
But at that very moment, someone caught her. Ariana only felt herself falling into a pair of warm arms, carrying a presence as radiant as sunlight.
