Sand's father didn't hesitate. The moment he finished speaking, magical energy exploded outward from his body as he launched a devastating attack directly at Noah.
But Sand moved faster than his injuries should have allowed, throwing himself between his father and Noah. The attack—a concentrated blast of pure mana that would have shattered concrete—slammed into Sand's back instead.
Sand grunted in pain, his already battered body absorbing damage that drove him to his knees. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he hissed through clenched teeth.
"Father… he is a true mage," Sand managed to say, his voice strained. "Please, just listen to me."
His father stared in shock at his son, horrified that his attack had hit him instead of the intended target. "Sand! What are you—"
Noah calmly walked forward and moved Sand out of the way with a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, positioning himself directly in front of the older man.
