Noah stood firm, his body trembling as the last of Roderick's radiant spell dissolved into the air.
The cavern was a wreck of molten stone and glowing fissures, the heat rolling off the walls in waves.
His breath came heavy and ragged, each inhale stinging his throat from the sheer density of mana that still lingered.
He could feel the backlash in every nerve. Devour had taken everything from him just to survive that attack.
Across from him, Roderick straightened from his stance, his sword glowing faintly in the aftermath.
For a moment, the only sound between them was the slow dripping of molten rock and their heavy breathing.
Then the captain gave a low, appreciative chuckle.
"Well done," Roderick said, his voice echoing softly through the cavern.
"I haven't met someone who could withstand that spell. Not since…" He trailed off, as if recalling something distant.
