"Ancestor Art: White Mantle."
Before Aerion could fully process the Scarlet King's words, the space around Cain suddenly distorted.
The Stasis Force Field contracted, compressing the Eternum Flame that surrounded his body. The transformation happened instantly. In less than a heartbeat, the white fire condensed into a dense mantle of radiant plasma that wrapped tightly around Cain like a second skin.
Aerion's eyes widened.
As he closed the final distance, he felt it—his speed was slowing.
Not enough to stop him. Not enough to allow him to withdraw or evade.
But enough.
Just enough for the Scarlet King to make his move.
Cain's left hand moved.
His middle and index fingers flashed forward and lightly touched Aerion's incoming fist.
The moment contact was made, the terrifying force behind Aerion's strike vanished.
It did not dissipate.
It did not explode.
It was redirected.
