Pressure doubled across the subterranean chamber before the damaged outer circle finished splitting through the bedrock foundation.
The Aegis barrier bent downward toward the floor, carrying the violent compressive force around Olin's opening rather than into the support wedge.
Three crimson rings rotated steadily above Hajin's knuckles as the Legendary Chain held the severed metallic pieces away from the glowing runes.
The torn appendage band vibrated with strange resonance, as if the surrounding mountain recognized its missing anatomical component.
The ancient array demanded its severed piece back, and Hajin stood directly between its hunger and the stranded miners.
Juna planted her claws firmly beside the barrier, keeping her radiant wing clear of the ancient floor carvings.
A pale-gold crack snaked beneath her palm without transmitting heat, racing toward the dark central void.
