Ethan shifted his weight—one quick sidestep—and the staff strike whooshed past him.
At the same time, energy surged within his core. It roared to his palm and condensed there, a growing, pulsing orb of light expanding between his fingers.
His eyes locked onto the blood-red gem set into the warrior's chest.
And he smiled—just a little.
"The gemstones on your body…" Ethan said, voice casual, almost impressed.
"They're beautiful."
He paused just long enough for the threat to land.
"Good thing I plan on taking them with me."
The warrior's pupils blew wide.
He knew exactly what those words meant.
The gems weren't just for show—they were his power, his life. If someone took that core...
His body, his mind—they'd unravel. Instantly.
"Dream on!!"
The man roared.
He charged, staff raised high. The runes carved into the wood lit up, glowing a sickly color that shimmered wrong in the eye—like parts of it belonged to a different reality.
