Third Person's POV
Many people gasped quietly as they turned their eyes toward Ethan, as anyone with clear combat and common sense could see that he had more than enough time to interrupt the deacon's spell while it was forming.
Yet, to their disbelief, Ethan did not move an inch.
He neither spoke nor shifted his stance, and he calmly watched as the magic continued to build.
The deacon's figure grew taller and broader, and his presence became even more oppressive by the second.
A thick, dusky yellow armor formed over his body layer by layer and covered him completely.
It sealed around his limbs, chest, and even his horns, leaving only two narrow slits for his eyes.
The finished form resembled an earth demon straight out of ancient folklore—massive, indomitable, and seemingly carved from living stone.
The ground beneath his feet cracked faintly under the weight.
Ethan observed the transformation closely, his gaze analytical rather than fearful.
