The world folded inward as Victor's vision fractured into layers of light and shadow, and his consciousness was pulled away from Fang Chen's body like a tide retreating from shore.
The avatar vanished and the courtyard fell silent.
---
Qin Lau remained coiled within the courtyard with his wings folded and his massive form barely contained by the space. His eyes were closed, but his senses were sharp.
He could still feel his master...
Distant...
But present.
That was all that mattered.
So when footsteps approached the courtyard boundary, Qin Lau's eyes snapped open.
A young man stepped forward hesitantly.
Above his head floated a name tag.
Jin Kade.
But of course only players could see this name tag.
His expression was tense with urgency written plainly across his face.
"Fang Chen?" Jin Kade called out. "I— I need to speak with you. It's urgent."
Before he could take another step, a massive shadow blocked his path.
Qin Lau shifted slightly.
