The battlefield felt unstable now.
Not controlled.
Not predictable.
Balanced on something thin.
Jovian could feel it.
One more shift—
And something would break.
He just didn't know what.
Vital Mirage stayed close, its presence sharper than ever before.
Not stronger.
More focused.
Across from him, Voss stood still again.
But this time—
It felt different.
"…You've forced it this far," Voss said.
Jovian didn't respond.
He was watching.
Waiting.
Because now—
Even Voss had to choose his next move carefully.
That alone changed everything.
Lucien stepped slightly to the side.
Alaric adjusted his stance.
Iggy held position—barely.
For once, no one rushed.
No one spoke.
They all felt it.
The edge.
Voss took one step forward.
The field responded immediately.
Sharper.
Denser.
But not stable.
Not like before.
"…So this is where it shifts," Jovian said quietly.
Voss met his gaze.
"Yes."
No hesitation.
No denial.
Just truth.
That made it clear.
Whatever came next—
Would decide everything.
Jovian exhaled once.
Then stepped forward.
Vital Mirage followed.
Not fast.
Not slow.
Certain.
Behind him, the others moved too.
Not as a formation.
Not as individuals.
Something in between.
And for the first time—
Voss didn't move immediately.
He waited.
Watching them approach.
Carefully.
As if—
For the first time—
He couldn't see the outcome clearly.
And that—
More than anything—
Was the real turning point.