The Encounter ( 231 )

"Hold!"

Erinette's command rang out, sharp and decisive, slicing through the tension in the air.

Immediately, all three Pekkos skidded to a halt, dust swirling around them like a curtain of uncertainty.

Javier's eyes flickered with curiosity. "Hah? Why stop—"

"Liana! Gloria! Prepare for battle!" Erinette's tone brooked no argument.

Liana and Gloria instantly responded, gripping their weapons as their expressions turned serious, ready for whatever threat lay ahead.

Then—

A shadow flickered at the edge of the trees.

From the darkness, two figures emerged.

The first was a tall, cloaked figure draped in black robes, their face shrouded beneath a deep hood. An unnatural aura surrounded them, warping the very air as if reality itself recoiled.