The atmosphere throughout the sanctuary had changed once again.
The overwhelming pressure still remained.
The corrupted mana still flooded the ruins.
The colossal creature still lingered beneath the abyss.
And yet—
The sense of imminent destruction that had dominated the battlefield moments earlier had begun to fade.
Not because the danger had disappeared.
But because something far older and far stronger now stood between that danger and the students.
The Vice Dean remained at the edge of the abyss, his silver blade resting casually at his side while his golden eyes remained fixed upon the darkness below. The mere fact that he stood there seemed enough to halt the creature's advance.
The gigantic crimson eyes continued watching him.
The corruption continued churning.
Yet the creature no longer attempted to emerge.
It waited.
As though calculating.
As though remembering.
As though deciding whether continuing this battle would be worth the cost.
