A cold, slimy intent, thick with a malice like the sludge of the Deep Sea, washed over the walls of Roland's soul like a tangible, silent tide.
His Spiritual Power, a full eighteen points, blared a frantic warning. Every cell in his body shrieked of the danger.
The calculating, venomous gaze and the immense pressure radiating from the entity made Roland instantly understand the unbridgeable gulf between them.
'If I fought this thing...'
'...it wouldn't be a fight. It would be suicide.'
Realizing this, Roland didn't hesitate for a second, nor did he entertain a single thought of probing the enemy's strength.
The instant he laid eyes on the being within the Shadow, his body had already reacted on pure instinct.
'Create an opening. Retreat immediately.'
"Retreat!"
His sharp cry cracked like thunder.
It wasn't to steel his own nerves, but to send the clearest, most urgent signal of retreat to all his partners.
