The stake in Elio's heart clattered to the ground, but it seemed too late.
Elio's eyes flew open, only to witness the final moment of his life.
Fathoran's sword blade gleamed with deadly intent as it descended towards Elio's neck. Time appeared to slow, each fraction of a second stretching into eternity. Elio's eyes, newly opened and still clouded with pain, barely managed to focus on the blade that promised his end.
Then...
Elio saw the light.
A roar tore through the air, followed by an orange glow that illuminated Fathoran's surprised face. The light of a small but fierce fireball struck his back, altering the trajectory of his sword.
Elio: 144 - 5 = 1 Resistance / 138 Armor Resistance.
Tarec, his heart pounding in his chest, watched as his desperate plan bore unexpected fruit.
♢♢♢♢
Moments earlier, Tarec had noticed the patriarch moving increasingly slower when facing Lucien and Selene.