Adrian could feel it—this being was anything but human.
The energy it radiated wasn't meant to kill, only to intimidate. And that alone proved he had absolute control over his magic.
It wasn't just his presence. Anyone who could stay this calm in front of a full battalion was someone who had seen countless battles…someone who already knew how this fight would end.
But Adrian couldn't let him cross this line. If he did, all the plantations they had worked so hard to rebuild would be destroyed again.
"Soldiers, take formation!" the commander barked.
Adrian didn't move. His eyes stayed fixed on the being who had introduced himself earlier—Adam.
The soldiers rushed around Adrian and Raven, falling into a V formation. The spearhead pointed forward as they charged in unison.
"Attack!"
Steel, sorcery, and pure courage surged forward with them.
But they hadn't even crossed ten steps before—
*THUMP*
A single wave slammed into them, knocking every soldier flat on the ground.
