The black-robed man’s face never changed. He flicked his wrist, the bell swallowing the light sphere until it vanished into the runes etched upon its surface.

At that instant, three pairs of pupils, black as midnight, turned toward Jared.

The leader’s voice rasped like shards of ice grinding together. “Your consciousness field hides a powerful divine soul. Surrender him!”

Jared’s heart sank, instinctively used the Focus Technique to shield his consciousness field.

“No!” replied, voice frigid.

“Since you refuse to comply, we’ll have to take it by force!”

Without another word, the three formed seals. From their sleeves shot black light-cables strung with thousands of soul fires.