Keiser barely had time to brace himself before the ground erupted.
The explosion hit like a shock, dust, debris, and raw force slamming into him from all sides. Instinctively, he raised his sword, shielding himself as chunks and stone tore through the air.
He felt the impact ripple through his arms and legs, forcing him to slide several steps backward. Even so, he managed to keep his footing, barely, and caught Olga's brother by the collar before the boy could be flung away.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the Princess of Hinode. She had lunged forward, seizing the young beast girl and anchoring herself with one arm while stabbing her short blade into the ground to keep them from being hurled to edge. The strain was visible, she was kneeling, body leaning low against the sheer force pressing down on them.
