In stark contrast to them, Mel decelerated; despite the obscurity, he scrutinized his environs, halting upon reaching the domain frozen by the ice energy of the warrior named Randolf. The frozen grass had yet to thaw; despite nearly an entire diurnal cycle having elapsed, an ice-blue circle lingered in the dead center of the path.
"I harbor zero conviction that anyone capable of surviving such an onslaught draws breath within the borders of the Outer Circle, and that encompasses the Academy Overseers. Cast your gaze upon the surrounding flora; does it not appear to you as though they are quivering?"
Was this the rationale behind Mel decelerating and subsequently halting? Upon penetrating the thicket, the flora commenced reacting to his presence, yet today, upon arriving at the locus where he had executed the Dragon Transformation, the surrounding flora harbored profound dread for their very existence.
