Chase stared at his daughter, uncertain—but then he was in the air.
Twelve divine chains burst from his back on instinct, reacting before his mind could catch up. He landed softly in the snow, socks barely touching the ground before leaping back. Every chain snapped taut again, trembling around him like scared serpents.
He jumped back.
Why had he jumped back?
His breathing hitched.
His chains—his lifelines—had snapped without command. His instincts screamed one word: survive.
Yet Valor's sword had not moved.
Everyone paused. Zeus, Poseidon, Cronus, Hel, Isaac, his wives—everyone tilted their heads, watching Chase with confusion.
"What did you…" Chase asked quietly, narrowing his eyes at Valor.
Valor met his gaze coldly. "All I did was turn my gaze to you."
Ash and Aurora sighed at the same time.
"Is… Valor the strongest in the future?" Chase asked.
Ash shook his head, while Aurora smirked.
