The moment the photosynthetic vines began to wither from the Solar Dragon's body, Kain's pulse surged with renewed hope.
For the first time, something had stuck.
The thin green and golden veined vines that had once pulsed so steadily around the Solar Dragon's frame dimmed. The once-perfect regrowth of bark-like armoured scabs that would cover and heal any wounds halted. The residual traces of the Verdara inheritance that had fed its regeneration were now completely absent.
Aegis' abyssal intervention had worked.
Cassian noticed it too.
His narrowed eyes flicked toward the Solar Dragon, and for the first time during the match, his composure cracked ever so slightly. He said nothing aloud, but his spiritual pressure shifted—less calm, more calculating.
Kain watched him carefully.
'He hasn't figured it out...'
Cassian seemed puzzled, yes, but not alarmed. There was no shout of foul play, no outraged demand to pause the match. Whatever he suspected, it wasn't the truth.
