The ground trembled—once, twice—before a violent pulse of corrupted mana tore through the air like a cracking whip. Everyone on the battlefield felt it. The demons surrounding Duke Emerald's territory screeched, recoiling as if answering a higher command.
A dark sphere formed high above the treeline, swirling violently, devouring even the light from Shellia's barrier. Poisonous mist seeped downward, hissing as it touched the holy aura lingering from the Paladins.
Then—
He appeared.
A tall figure dropped from the void sphere, landing with a thunderous crash that cracked the marble path of the estate. He stood slowly, towering at two meters tall, his presence choking the air.
Jet-black hair fell wildly around five glowing crimson horns curving upward like jagged blades. His eyes burned—pure obsidian red, devoid of mercy or sanity. Behind him, enormous translucent dragonfly wings vibrated, scattering poisonous dust with every movement.
