Kevin's pupils shrank. He had personally tasted Max's strength before and knew how terrifying that black flaming sword could be. Without hesitation, he barked to the thin young man beside him, "Jamie! Stop him! I'll grab the Soul-Nourishing Grass!"
Jamie's eyes flickered with hesitation. He had seen Max fight and knew he wasn't simple, but pride clouded his judgment. A peak Master Rank? Against a 3rd level Legend Rank like him? Impossible that he could lose. "Go! I'll handle him!" Jamie shouted, bracing himself as he lunged toward Max, weapon raised high.
The instant he clashed with Max, Jamie felt it—a strange, devouring force embedded within the flaming slash, sapping his strength, dulling his techniques, slowing his movements as though his limbs had been shackled. His eyes widened in sudden fear.
"Not good—!" he barely had time to mutter.
