The realization became clearer with every passing minute. My father ruled the team through force, overwhelming enemies until resistance simply ceased to matter. My mother ruled through defensive preparation.
The shield was only the most visible part of that system.
The moment the four creatures began their assault, the defenders responded.
Streams of soul energy surged through prepared channels beneath the mountain as offensive formations activated across the surrounding peaks. Brilliant lances of blue light erupted from hidden positions and slammed into the advancing beasts. Entire sections of the mountain opened to reveal arrays that launched compressed spheres of soul energy powerful enough to shake the surrounding sea.
At the same time, the Transcendent warriors gathered behind the protection of the barrier began contributing their own attacks.
My father wasn't the only powerful fighter present.
