"Lucas?!" Lydia yelled. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Stalling," he lied. "Just give me two minutes, guys!"
"Two minutes?" Marie said. "Are you crazy?! We can barely last two seconds!"
Charlotte thrust her hands forward. "Shield!"
Lucas blocked them out. Everything else faded away.
He turned his focus inward.
Okay, first step: find your core spot. It's usually like three inches below your belly button and a couple inches in. That's where all your mana pathways meet up.
Meanwhile, another translucent barrier materialized, this one even weaker than the last.
The Veronica's blade struck it and the barrier held for exactly two seconds before shattering into motes of light.
"Everyone, protect Lucas!" Raymond said. "I think he's forming his core, if he is, he's completely vulnerable. One hit and he's dead!"
"One hit and we're all dead anyway!" Lydia said.
"He's lost his mind! How can he form his Core at a time like this!" Marie shouted.
The four Veronicas smiled in unison.
