Max let out a sharp breath, reacting before anyone else could. Today, no matter what, nothing could be allowed to go wrong.
Void magic lashed out and wrapped around the woman's neck, snapping it before she could ever touch the bell. His heart bled at the sight, yet at the same time, a dark sense of relief settled inside him. It was as if some hidden part of him was beginning to accept this as the right path—to kill for control, to wield his power as a weapon, to crush whatever stood in his way.
He did not fully understand it yet, but he was changing. Little by little, the kind and caring man was being pushed aside, making room for someone far more ruthless, far more merciless. Something deep inside him was guiding his hand.
Both the townsfolk and the warriors at Max's side watched in horror as the woman's body was torn apart before she could ever touch the bell.
"Disable it. Fast." Max barked at his warriors, his fingers trembling faintly.
