Arzael immediately sensed the threat. A white aura that pierced the air, so foreign yet familiar, made the entire forest seem to hold its breath.
Celeron turned, eyes narrowing as he saw a slender, long-haired figure standing behind the trees. The white hand lifted slowly, fingers trembling, and with that motion, the world seemed to shiver violently.
"Mana burst…" Celeron hissed, his face tense for the first time.
But before the explosion could be released, Arzael's shadow tore through space.
"—Shadow Step."
In an instant, he was right beside the girl. The crackling sound of displaced air lingered behind him. Arzael gripped Seraphina's wrist firmly, lowering it before the mana could be unleashed.
"Enough, Seraphina." His voice was low, almost a whisper, yet carried a weight heavier than thunder.
Seraphina's red eyes trembled. For a moment, the white light swirling around her body scattered and vanished, like stars suddenly extinguished. She gasped, but her gaze remained cold.
