The moment Vivian spoke the words, "Xi Realm," something changed.
Dark shadows began to rise from his body.
At first, they were thin, like smoke. Then they grew thicker, heavier, moving like living things. They twisted around his arms, his shoulders, his back, as if they were answering his call.
The air around them turned cold.
The clown's eyes widened.
For the first time, his expression lost its ease.
He tried to move, to pull his hand away, but Vivian's grip was too strong. His wrist felt like it was locked in iron.
The shadows stretched outward.
Slow at first.
Then faster.
In just a moment, they spread in every direction, covering the space around both of them. It was like a dark curtain was closing in.
The light faded.
The storm outside felt distant. Vivian looked at him calmly.
"Now I will finish this," he said, a faint grin forming on his face.
The shadows were just about to close completely—
Then—
The clown's expression changed.
His lips curled upward.
