I had barely been dragged back when Dante stepped forward.
His clothes fluttered in the wind, though the air had stilled. He stood with his back straight, one hand at his side, the other raised just slightly. The toxic green beam slammed into him and stopped.
He didn't block it.
He didn't parry or even react violently.
He simply clenched his raised fist.
The beam shattered like glass breaking in complete silence. It crumbled inward on itself and vanished. All that remained was the faint echo of what had once been a threat.
Then Dante raised both hands to his sides, fingers spread.
He took a slow breath and brought his hands together.
He clapped.
The sound was soft. Gentle. Barely more than a sharp exhale.
But the world changed.
