"DIE!"
A final, muffled explosion echoed inside the King's head.
The golden eyes shattered simultaneously.
The creature's massive body went limp, its life force extinguished in a single, cold burst of power.
As Soren lost his grip and began to tumble backward from the peak of the pillar, the world slowed down once more. In that suspended moment of falling, he caught a glimpse of Ryan.
The boy was collapsing toward the gray dust, his lips and eyes bleeding from the massive mana strain, yet a faint, shaky smile was etched onto his face. He looked at peace, even as he broke.
Then, the ground rushed up to meet Soren.
THUD.
He hit the dirt with a heavy, sickening impact. He lay flat on his back, staring straight up at the dark, vast sky.
"..."
The artificial strength was gone.
