Ethan tore across the battlefield toward the crimson pillar of light. The blood-soaked barrier loomed ahead, yet no soldier of the Blood Clan moved to stop him. Whether they didn't take him seriously or hadn't been ordered to attack, he couldn't tell. In a blink, he reached the edge of the barrier, the shimmering membrane of scarlet energy rippling within arm's reach.
A prickle of unease made him glance upward. His eyes locked on the void where the ancient monster sat in meditation. The creature was staring directly at him. Ethan bared his teeth in a grin, and with a flicker of intent, the Twilight War Spear materialized in his hand.
He compressed a Shred ability and swung at the array. Three crescent-shaped arcs of light shot forth, carving through the membrane and streaking toward the blood-red portal. He braced himself for interception—but none came. The old monster didn't lift a finger. It just watched him, face unreadable.
