The freezing gloom of the cell fractured under a sudden, overwhelming surge of dark mana.
From the empty corners of the high concrete ceiling, Two pairs of hollow, burning blue eyes ignited against the dark like twin beacons of death, their light reflecting off the pool of dried vomit on the stone floor.
Slowly, their massive silhouettes condensed from the air.
Zenith and Aegis descended without a single sound. The tall executioner dropped to one knee, lowering its gargantuan, dark-plated torso so its spiked head would not scrape the low ceiling. Beside it, the iron juggernaut Aegis took a knee as well.
"We are here, my Liege," Zenith resonated, its hollow, ancient voice echoing straight into Hide's consciousness.
Lying paralyzed on his side, his cheek pressed hard against the cold stone, Hide's voice came out in a sharp, impatient rasp.
"Zenith... the machine on my back," He breathed through gritted teeth. "Pull it out. Destroy it now."
