"He's declaring war on everyone?!" Sorund's voice cracked with fear.
Beside him, his companions from the Crimson Hills—Disapiel, Laiwood, and others—had long lost their usual pride.
Their faces were filled only with shock and confusion.
They each unleashed their defensive powers and began retreating frantically, desperate to escape this cursed battlefield.
"Damn it!"
"The intel was wrong—completely wrong!"
"What's going on?! How did the Crossbridge Empire become this? Where did this power come from?!"
Lister's composure had shattered.
The few members of the Skyeye Guild behind him, along with his beautiful female companion, were stacking one shimmering layer of barrier after another around themselves.
"Retreat—now!" From within the glowing clouds, the calm female voice finally broke, trembling as panic replaced poise.
The soft white light enveloping them flickered violently, accelerating away from the battlefield.
"This can't be real!"
