The Bashe had made itself bigger…
Not dramatically. Not a massive transformation doubling its size instantly or anything exaggerated. But there was an increase in length and circumference that communicated the serpent had gained real physical mass from consuming mana that didn't originally belong to it.
Perhaps 5% larger. Maybe 10%. Hard to judge precisely from the stands, but definitely noticeable to anyone paying attention.
The purple coloration seemed slightly more vibrant. The miasma flowed more densely. The spiritual glow in its eyes burned brighter.
The audience began processing the implications of what they'd just witnessed.
Murmurs spread through the stands as connections were made and concerns articulated aloud. The volume rose quickly, hundreds of conversations starting simultaneously as people turned to neighbors to verify what they'd seen.
"Did it just…"
"It ate the attack. It literally ate it."
"I've never seen anything like that."
