Dian summoned a blade of ice and slashed at the dead branches.
Nothing happened.
Not even a mark.
His heart tightened with panic. Why… why wouldn't it cut? Was he too weak?
He glanced at Yanai, who was still trapped in the illusion beside him, and immediately moved to wake him.
Yanai's eyes snapped open. The moment he saw Nina bound to the tree, his expression changed.
"Nina!"
He reacted instantly, summoning vines to strike at the branches.
But just like Dian, his attack did nothing.
"What's going on? Why can't we hit it?" Anxiety and confusion surged through him.
"Wait… there's something wrong with this damned tree," Dian muttered, frowning.
A rough, delighted laugh echoed from the withered trunk.
"Hahaha… a merfolk? And a royal one at that. No wonder you broke through the illusion so quickly."
Its branches trembled with excitement.
"I like your power too. If I absorb you as well… my illusion will become unstoppable."
