Chink!
A sharp sound cut through the air.
For a split second, it looked like the spear had pierced straight through Vivian's chest—
But at the very last instant, his body moved.
Not fully. Not cleanly.
Just enough.
The spear tore past him, missing his heart by a hair's breadth.
"Ugh—!"
A deep groan escaped his mouth.
It didn't miss completely.
A long, burning cut opened across his chest as the spear grazed him and flew past.
Blood spilled out at once, warm and heavy, soaking into his clothes.
His body shook slightly from the pain.
"…Damn it…" he muttered under his breath, teeth clenched.
Before he could even catch his breath—
"Where is your attention, heaven's child?"
The clown's voice rang out.
Too close.
Vivian's eyes snapped forward—
But he was late.
BAM!!
A fist slammed straight into his face.
It felt like being hit by iron.
His vision went blank for a moment as his body was sent flying through the air.
Wind screamed past his ears.
