Ken staggered back, his aura faltering as the last waves of celestial energy rolled through the dungeon. His robes were torn, his hair matted with dust and blood. He could still feel the sting of the Empress's unleashed Qi across his skin, a reminder that even restrained, her strength had always been far beyond his comprehension. The white-haired celestial woman beside him steadied herself, her breathing uneven, her eyes reflecting a rare trace of fear.
They both knew the truth...if the Empress decided to fight them now, it would be a tough battle. Ken clenched his jaw, trying to maintain the cold confidence that once defined him, but his hands trembled ever so slightly. He could still taste the power that had torn the dungeon apart, the divine energy that had once ruled the heavens of Lechia. And yet, he refused to admit defeat.
