The impact shattered rock and sent waves of snow outward, but Ethan stepped forward through the debris unharmed.
He flicked his fingers.
The water behind the barrier froze instantly, turning into countless sharp ice spears.
"Return," he said quietly.
SWOOSH!
The ice spears shot forward at terrifying speed.
Kiea twisted midair to dodge, but several spears pierced through her armor, drawing blood. Herios swung his axe wildly, shattering some of them, yet more followed relentlessly.
"Break it!" Herios shouted.
He slammed his axe into the ground.
Black lightning spread outward in a violent arc, destroying the remaining ice and blasting apart the stone pillars. The shockwave surged toward Ethan.
Ethan did not retreat.
Instead, he stepped forward.
The ground beneath him glowed faintly red.
Heat erupted.
Molten cracks spread across the frozen mountain path as flames burst upward like rising serpents. The cold air evaporated instantly as a ring of fire expanded around him.
