The ground shuddered like it was trying to breathe. Every few seconds, another wave of pressure rippled through the battlefield as the Colossus swung its massive arm, scattering light and debris across the plain. Around it, several powerful auras flared and clashed, hammering at the translucent barrier that trapped the creature inside. The barrier itself didn’t even flicker. Their attacks went through it easily, striking the monster’s body, but the barrier offered no feedback—no ripple, no distortion. It was like the light itself existed only to keep the Colossus from leaving.From the outer edge of the battlefield, Talon watched as explosions of mana and divine energy lit the horizon. He tightened his grip on his sword, weighing his next move. He had been about to rush toward Hugo and Lamar, who were locked in a violent exchange nearby, when a sudden radiance spread across the sky. It wasn’t blinding—it was soft, warm, and alive.The fighting slowed. For a moment, the only sound was

The Adventurers didn’t dare give the Colossus a chance to recover. The moment its glow dimmed and the cracks across its stone hide widened, they all moved in. Swords, spells, and projectiles came from every direction. Everyone wanted to land at least one hit, anything to make the monster weaker before it could regain its strength.Hugo and Lamar exchanged a quick look. Whatever grudge they had against the Blue Devils would have to wait. They broke off from their skirmish and joined the charge against the Colossus.Even weakened, the creature was terrifying. Every swing of its massive arms crushed the ground and sent out shockwaves that toppled the less steady Adventurers. Its strength had fallen to that of a Preliminary Stage Squire, but even then, that was the strength of something that could crush a fortress wall with its bare hands.Fortunately, Talon’s inner force was still rampaging inside the Colossus’s Spiritual Core, keeping it unstable. That chaos

The forest stretched endlessly around them, dense and green, every leaf shining faintly under the evening light. The air was heavy with the scent of moss and mana. They had reached Verdant Hollow, a deep woodland at the edge of Ironwood Plains, where the canopy was so thick even sunlight could barely slip through. Parked among the trees were Nimbus Carriages—massive, sleek wagons powered by energy crystals. They hovered a few inches above the ground, humming faintly. Members of both the Blue Devils and Red Angels moved around them, some nursing injuries, others maintaining a tight guard perimeter. Talon barely made it halfway to camp before his legs gave out. He collapsed beside the nearest carriage, his breathing uneven. “Talon!” Veyra’s rushed to his side, barely catching him before he hit the ground. Magnus turned immediately, his expression shifting from battle fatigue to alarm. “Get a healer here!” But before anyone could respond, Veyra had already placed a hand on Talon’s c

When Talon opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was fatigue. His body wasn’t in pain exactly, but it carried that dull heaviness that came after pushing past every limit. The air was damp and cool. He blinked a few times before realizing he was inside a tent, lying on a soft bedroll. Veyra sat nearby, slumped in a chair with her head resting on folded arms. She had clearly fallen asleep waiting for him. Her white hair spilled over her shoulders, faintly glowing under the lamplight. Talon shifted a bit, his hand halfway to brushing her hair before he stopped himself. His fingers hovered for a second, then he pulled back with a small smile. Her eyes fluttered open, red and clear even in the dim tent. “You’re awake.” She straightened quickly, worry flashing across her face. “How do you feel? Are you hurt?” He tried to sit up, and she was already moving to help him. “I’m fine,” he said. “Just a little tired.” Veyra checked his pulse and placed a hand against his chest, foc