Vesperhart raised a foreleg and slammed its hoof into the ground.
The sharp crack echoed through the enclosure of towering trees.
The surrounding forest erupted with growth. Roots shoved through the soil, trunks shot higher, and countless slender branches reached in from all directions, every tip aimed at Ethan and Auri.
Auri's eyes widened as the surge of life energy washed over her.
It was so dense.
She raised both hands. Pure green energy rose from beneath her feet and formed a shield. The incoming branches struck the barrier one after another, leaves and green light shuddering with every impact.
Vesperhart finally turned its attention to her.
Its antlers lit up again, releasing an energy sphere that slowly advanced toward Auri.
"Would you consider handing over the girl behind you?" Vesperhart asked Ethan. "I will allow you—"
Ethan didn't let it finish.
The energy sphere in his palm expanded rapidly.
