Before the thunderous gunfire and Byron's shouted Severance Inscription, "Thorned Rose," echoed in the spacious cabin, a splendid blood-red rose had already blossomed in front of Yemengade.
The bullet carried the bone-chilling killing intent of Divine Sight, which saw through the death line. This caused Yemengade, normally impervious to physical attacks, to pale dramatically, his pupils shrinking to pinpoints in an instant.
At the same time, the power of his Bayfolk bloodline within him and his degree of integration with the Deity Mask·World Serpent both plummeted sharply.
Even his Nightmare Doppelgänger—the "Banyan Street Dream Murderer·Kruger," which he habitually summoned instantly—was delayed for a split second.
It was this momentary lapse that completely eliminated any possibility of dodging.
Yemengade truly lived up to his reputation as the strongest below the Fifth Order in the Deep Dive Church, one who dared to covet Archbishop Dagon's position.
