Balric's throat bobbed.
He knew exactly what would happen if they caught him.
There was only one outcome—
He'd be torn apart.
So really, he didn't have a choice.
But before he could even open his mouth—
A cold, venom-laced voice rang out from the Nightveil ranks.
"Filthy Daybound."
The lead Nightveil male sneered.
"You've got some nerve, stepping onto our land."
"Today, we're not leaving until we rip your heart out."
Before the last word even finished echoing, he drew a wide-bladed sword from his waist and began advancing.
But the moment he took his third step—
Ethan raised his hand.
No chant.
No charge-up.
Just a casual flick of the wrist.
And then—
A crushing force slammed down from above.
The air itself collapsed like it had been struck by an invisible hammer.
The Nightveil man didn't even have time to scream.
His body was crushed on the spot.
BOOM.
Flesh and bone exploded midair, then were instantly erased by the shockwave.
Silence fell.
