BOOM!!!
A blinding light engulfed the city. But instead of being destroyed, Ben's surroundings turned into darkness.
He recognized it immediately. "Apophis. So you were close."
"Yes, I am," her voice echoed around him. "It seems we're really compatible, Master. But if you keep obsessing over me, it won't end well for either of us."
The darkness faded, revealing a dense forest. Ben narrowed his eyes.' She teleported us?'
He understood why he hadn't noticed it before. Surrounded by space energy, a small ripple was easy to miss, like a wave in the middle of the sea.
"Did Belial explode?" he asked.
Apophis smiled. "You don't need to worry. I took care of him. The city's fine. The queen won't blame you. Now that he's out of the picture, you should return and win her support."
But Ben didn't answer. He focused instead on the lingering energy in the air.
"You leveled up. You consumed Belial."
Her smile widened. It made Ben frown.
