Just as Arthur thought that—
As if summoned by the thought—
Another arrow came flying.
This one was brighter.
More powerful.
The shaft vibrated violently, mana spiraling around its tip like a miniature cyclone. The air ahead of it compressed visibly, creating a distorted ripple that split dust particles apart.
The sound it made wasn't just a whistle.
It screamed.
Arthur felt it before he saw it.
Instinct moved him.
He dropped low, bending at the knees instead of the waist.
The arrow sliced past his ear—
Too close.
A burning line opened along the outer edge of his ear. A lock of hair was severed cleanly, drifting down in slow motion.
BOOM!
The projectile detonated against a distant wall.
Stone shattered.
Fragments rained down like shrapnel.
The shockwave rippled through the street.
Arthur's ears rang faintly.
"Let's deal with him first," Arthur murmured under his breath.
His gaze locked onto Arlo.
