As Sophie stood there, observing the nine Mana Rings rotating brilliantly within her core, the aura she had just awakened erupted outward in waves.
It was instinctive.
Power surged from her without restraint, the newly forged aura expanding as if announcing itself to the world. The pressure rolled through the core space, and in the next instant, it brushed against Bruce's aura.
No.
It clashed against it.
For a brief moment, Sophie felt it clearly. Her aura collided with his, only to be utterly overwhelmed. Bruce's aura was stronger. Not just in rank, but in class. Vast. Refined. Absolute. Where hers surged chaotically like a newborn tide, his stood like an endless ocean, calm and immovable.
The dominance was instant.
Sophie's heart skipped as she realized what was happening. She immediately tried to rein it in, forcing her aura inward. But having just broken through, her control was unstable. The aura resisted, flaring erratically, refusing to settle.
