Darkness swallowed his vision.
Ten seconds.
Not long.
But long enough for the enemy to reposition.
Almond reformed beside Lily inside the Crystal Tower's 1000-kilometer barrier. The Pulse Core within his chest stabilized instantly, atmospheric energy flooding back in.
Lily didn't look surprised.
"I saw it," she said calmly. "Two of them. One archer. One assassin. Both are nimble and stealthy."
"How many shards did they steal?" Almond asked.
"Three. I intercepted the rest."
Behind her, dozens of Dreadlings were already mobilizing. The Skirmisher Fighters had fanned outward. Tactical Control units spread across the intersection zone, forming layered perception grids.
Sylvia's voice echoed through Mind Bind.
[Master. They are looking at us.]
Alfred's eyes glinted as he also kept an eye on them.
[They hunt efficiently. Their coordination is precise, and they are waiting for us.]
Almond exhaled slowly.
"Good. Then we stop farming separately."
