Ethan glanced back. Uncle Jed was holding a figure charred black beyond recognition. It was that same Alaric Avatar he and Blackie had fought earlier, the one that had later merged with another double and become terrifyingly strong—strong enough that Ethan had wisely disengaged to rescue Amber instead.
Now, the thing was half-dead, thoroughly captured and bound by what looked like countless layers of energy seals, undoubtedly Regis's handiwork.
"You…" The Alaric who had just leaped from the high platform froze at the sight of Regis and the others. His eyes widened further as all eight of the combat mechs closed in. He flinched, taking two hurried steps back, panic washing over his features.
"The true body?" Ethan blinked.
"The true body is this weak?" he continued, his voice laced with disbelief as he scrutinized the man before him. He'd already sensed this one's power level, and it was pathetically low compared to the empowered Avatar they'd faced before.
