Some locusts were crushed instantly, their innards smearing across the barrier, but the others were truly resilient as they twitched back to life after hitting the ground, wings shuddering before they rejoined the swarm… only to slam themselves against the barrier again and again until they finally ceased moving.
As Addison racked her brain for a solution, she glanced at Elric, hoping he might provide some guidance, but he was far too consumed with maintaining the barrier, pouring every ounce of focus into keeping it from shattering.
Lance stood on guard, muscles taut, prepared to intercept the swarm should the worst happen. Zion, Levi, and Maxwell had already taken their positions at the front line, too, bracing for the moment the barrier might give way.
