The barrier didn't just break; it exploded. The feedback hit me like a physical hammer. The remaining force of the "Heaven-Piercing Fang" carved straight through my chest and side, a devastating, jagged wound that sprayed golden blood across the black mud.
I was thrown backward, my body hitting the ground with a sickening thud. My vision turned into a kaleidoscope of red and gray.
"Craig!" Zephyrion's voice was a high, thin cry of horror.
Siegfried stood over me, his armor cracked and his breathing heavy, but his eyes were victorious. Balmung was still humming, ready for the final execution strike.
But as he raised the sword for the kill, a shadow larger than a cathedral fell over him. The air became so hot the swamp water instantly turned to steam.
"WHAT. HAVE. YOU. DONE!!."
Ingi had arrived.
