The red rain did not stop all at once.
It thinned unevenly, droplets growing farther apart as the sky gradually lightened, leaving behind streaks of dull crimson on stone, armour, and broken earth. The metallic tang lingered in the air even after the last drops fell, clinging to the battlefield like an aftertaste that refused to fade.
Kain could feel it clearly. The flow of Source energy into his body slowed, then tapered off entirely, leaving his reserves fuller than they had been minutes ago but still far from overflowing. Around him, other cultivators reacted in far less controlled ways.
On the eastern front, several 8-star tamers instinctively pulled their auras inward, cutting themselves off from further absorption the moment they realized what was happening. Their expressions were tight, focused, sweat beading on their brows as they stabilized foundations that had been abruptly stirred.
Others weren't so quick.
