Not toward Aurum — Aurum with his signature still suppressed while he recovered. Not toward Raven — F3's signature back to normal levels after deactivating Soul Manipulation.
Toward Marcus.
Level 74. No Fragment. Without the magical intensity of Aurum or F3.
But the only presence in the corridor that hadn't attacked directly yet — and pre‑sealing level‑200 entities processed threats not by level but by actions taken.
Raven had attacked.
Aurum had attacked.
Marcus had given instructions.
In the creature's logic, Marcus was the unconfirmed variable.
"It chose you," said Raven.
"I noticed," said Marcus. Without changing his tone.
"Can you hold up without Aurum?"
Marcus looked at the creature approaching.
Looked at Raven.
"Do you have a plan, or are you genuinely asking?"
"Both."
Marcus processed that.
