Behind the sealed door, Everett rubbed his eyes and muttered, “D-Did I just see one of the Eight Shadow Pavilion Devotees go down like… That?”

Jhaelyn clutched Jemima, eyes bright with fear and irrepressible excitement. Even Saleto gaped, his earlier despair drowned by astonishment.

“All together!” the seven surviving Shadow Pavilion Devotees barked, shooting each other a ruthless glance before attacking in concert.

Ghost-shrouded chains, poison-laced bone needles, black fire that corroded spiritual energy, countless sinister magical items and spells wove into a death-net that crashed toward Jared.

The Twelve Blood Guards became twelve streaks of scarlet, blood blades gleaming as they sealed every path of retreat.

Jared remained unruffled. He inhaled, spiritual energy surging, the Dragonslayer Sword blazed ever brighter.

“Sword Domain! Unfold!”