Simultaneous Hunts

But [Echo of Annihilation] was absolute.

The aura shattered.

The next wave hit home.

BOOM!

Ethan's head snapped back, his vision blurred.

His ears rang.

Then there was blood.

Trickling from his ears.

His eyes rolled back.

His limbs went limp.

Then, after a few agonizing seconds—Alex finally stopped.

Ethan was barely holding on.

His vision was fading, his body unresponsive, but he was still conscious.

Just barely.

Ethan's body slumped forward.

But before he could even hit the ground—

YANK!

Alex caught him by the hair.

Ethan's head snapped upward, pain jolting through his scalp as Alex held him in place like a lifeless puppet.

Alex let out a slow, disappointed sigh.

"You still think you're superior in this scenario, Ethan?"

Ethan's lips parted, but no words came out.