Ethan's movements faltered—for the first time.
A sharp alert blared in his mind.
[WARNING]
[Non-organic structure detected]
[Target classification: Pure Mechanical Entity]
[Energy Core: Blood-red + Gold Composite Drive]
The next line of data made his pupils contract sharply.
[Level Assessment: Tier 28 (Peak)]
This wasn't just a "formidable enemy." That label didn't even come close.
Across the entirety of Emerald Castle, not a single member could take this thing head-on.
Ethan took a step back.
Not out of fear—out of calculation.
"Auri. Idra," he said, voice low and steady.
Two familiar auras surged toward him instantly.
A heartbeat later, they merged into his body without hesitation.
BOOM—!
Power detonated inside him.
His aura surged past its former limits in an instant, like something shattered and reforged, reignited from the core.
Across from him, the mechanical entity moved.
A blinding bolt of lightning lit up deep within its chest cavity.
