Ken didn't move yet.
His eyes stayed locked on the Ice Belle, reading her stance, the pressure radiating from her, the way the air itself seemed to stiffen around her presence. Even at this distance, even mid-flight, it was obvious this was no longer the same opponent they had seen before.
Not the same level.
Not the same threat.
Something had changed.
His voice came out low, controlled, but carrying clearly to the others behind him.
"Be careful."
The four celestials behind him adjusted instantly, their auras tightening as they spread slightly wider in the air.
Ken didn't take his eyes off her.
"She's grown stronger."
One of the celestials frowned. "How much stronger?"
Ken's jaw tightened slightly before he answered.
"Enough to freeze a formation mid-cast without preparation," he said coldly. "Enough to break through layered castle defenses in a single descent."
A brief silence followed that.
Then he added the part none of them liked hearing.
"I saw it at Lechia."
