BOOOOM!
A massive mushroom-shaped cloud shot into the sky. Dust, stone, and shattered air rushed outward in a violent storm. The shockwave rolled across the courtyard and hit the watching crowd like a wall.
People covered their faces.
"Damn!"
"Ahhh!"
"What the fuck is this?!"
"Fusshhh!"
The Imperial knights moved instantly. Several stepped forward and released their auras, forming layered barriers that absorbed the worst of the blast. Even so, the ground trembled under their feet.
Kane watched the explosion and shook his head with a faint smile.
"It's over," he said calmly. "That was a good move, but he fell short. Still, not bad."
At that moment, Rathlos vanished from where he stood.
His figure blurred and reappeared in the air. Huge wings burst open behind his back, dark and wide. He beat them down hard.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Two powerful gusts smashed into the oncoming storm and tore it apart, scattering dust and debris to the sides.
