The balustrade of the upper gallery shattered under Hajin's right hand as he vaulted onto the balcony.
Deputy Corven shrieked in terror, raising his ornate rapier with trembling fingers while clutching the glowing crystal container.
Seven jagged purple shards flared frantically around the deputy's shoulders, forming a layered defensive barrier across his chest.
"Do not approach me, northern barbarian!" Corven screamed, his voice cracking with hysterical despair.
"This battery contains the royal auxiliary mana reserve of the southern military district!"
"Your commander drained thirty-four of his own recruits, and now you want to hide behind an imperial seal?" Hajin replied coldly.
"Wait... commander, listen to reason for one moment!" Corven pleaded, his knees shaking against the flagstones.
"I have two hundred thousand gold stored in the merchant vaults at the provincial capital!"
"I can transfer the bearer certificates to your name right now if you let me take the hoist!"
