Fwoooosh!
A calm, steady figure materialized between Max and the oncoming discs, like a mountain descending from the heavens.
The man raised a single hand. His palm glowed faintly with ancient power, and then—
CRAAACK! BOOOOM!
All the flaming discs shattered midair, as if they had struck an invisible barrier of indomitable strength. They broke apart into fragments of golden embers before fading into harmless motes of fire, dissipating in the night sky.
Max blinked. Relief surged through him like a tide. "Elder Liam—you're here." His voice trembled slightly, though not from fear, but from the weight finally lifted from his chest.
Elder Liam gave him a curt nod, his expression calm yet his presence towering. His eyes shifted forward, locking onto Leone. The elder's aura unfurled silently, pressing down like the invisible weight of heaven itself.