The sound returned, and the lonely world instantly filled with noise. Ed heard the voices of his teammates behind him.
"They've disappeared, stay alert!" It was Elena's voice.
"Energy Sweep!"
At Jason's shout, the laurel wreath above his head shimmered with dazzling golden light. A ring of pale golden ripples swept outward. Ed watched as the light ignited across his own body and the retreating evil spirits scattered before it.
Those that had vanished mid-charge were revealed again under the golden ripples, just as before.
The same tactic, amplified by the laurel wreath, was far more potent than before. It stabilized their precarious situation, pushing all enemies back and giving the group time to adjust.
Simultaneously, a watery shield enveloped Ed from behind, facing the tentacles head-on. Another condensed bullet tore through the priest who had been screaming in agony, turning him into green smoke under the golden energy and the projectile's impact.
