Chapter 5641

Sylvia’s presence shifted, turning sudden and severe. She laced her fingers into a complex seal, lips moving in a quiet, urgent chant. Raw power gathered in her palms, swelling into a sphere so dark it seemed to drink the light around it. “Heavenbane Annihilation!” Her shout cracked the air. She thrust both hands forward, releasing a jet-black wave that hurtled toward Jaehaerys and Brennan. The wave carried ruin itself. Stone vaporized.

Shattered blades became dust. The two hall masters stared, terror hollowing their eyes. They tried to move too late. The torrent swallowed them.

Flesh, bone, and spirit burst into a red mist, then vanished on the wind. Silence returned to Death Gorge. Only scorched earth and drifting ash whispered of the battle that had raged seconds ago.

Jared let out the breath he had been holding. Pain throbbed where blades and claws had found him, yet beneath the ache simmered fierce satisfaction. He was wounded, yes, but experience like this could not be bought, only bled for.

Sylvia turned, eyes softening when she saw the fresh gashes across his ribs. “Jared, you’re in pieces. We need cover and time to heal—now.”

“Not yet. One target remains.” Jared’s gaze locked on Morcant, who was still drawing breath.

“Wait-this is all a misunderstanding,” Morcant blurted, cold sweat beading under the dirt on his face. “I was merely passing by. Your quarrel never concerned me.” He spun on his heel, desperation propelling him toward the shadows.