The massive roots crash down like whips, targeting Shin and then Hakuto, who stays by his side.
They dodge with a sharp sidestep—Shin in one direction, Hakuto in the other.
But when the thick vines strike the ground, the shockwave and gust of wind throw them off balance.
Shin manages to land on his feet, but Hakuto tumbles across the icy surface, bouncing like a stone skipping over water.
~Shit... I have to do something!~
Hakuto quickly jumps back to his feet, narrowly avoiding another lashing root.
Forced to distance himself from Shin, he now stands alone—he has to figure out how to endure and fight back without his father nearby.
He grips his diamond sword tightly with both hands—sharp spikes jut from the blade.
With a swift slash through the air, he sends them flying.
The shards rocket toward Eskari, trailing streaks of white flame behind them.
But they bounce off the protective bubble that constantly surrounds Eskari, leaving no mark.
