"Domain Release."
The moment the duke spoke those two words, the world changed, as if reality itself flinched.
The air trembled, shaking in tight, violent waves, like the space around them could no longer bear the pressure of what was about to unfold. Edward felt it first in his chest. A deep, crushing weight pressed down on his lungs, making it harder to breathe. His mana stirred on its own, reacting as if it sensed a natural predator.
High above, the duke hovered in silence. His eyes glowed faintly, the killing intent behind his gaze never shaking.
Instantly, a surge of energy erupted from the duke's core.
It spread outward in all directions, rolling through the sky like a massive wave, swallowing distance, swallowing space. When it touched the edges of the ruined estate, the world folded inward, as if a dome had spiraled out and enclosed everything.
The sky split open.
