Chapter 120: Trial and Error

Caden, ever the curious and brave soul, decided on a more direct approach. Concentrating his essence into his hand, he steadily moved it toward the zone. Elara watched with apprehension, her eyes widening slightly as his fingers breached the invisible boundary.

At first, there was nothing. A gentle hum and a momentary warm sensation. But it rapidly escalated. A small, pinpoint laser targeted his hand. It was warm, and then it got hot. But Caden, drawing upon his training and the inherent resistance granted by his essence-infused hand, endured.

Just as it seemed his defenses would hold against the laser, another beam, brighter and more powerful, shot out from a different point, focusing on his hand. The sudden intensity caught Caden by surprise. The pain was sharp and immediate, the laser feeling like it was searing through his skin and muscle.