Hope Island…
"Boom"
The battlefield stood in stunned silence after the sharp crack of the sniper's rifle.
The bullet, moving faster than thought, was aimed directly at Das. There wasn't time for anyone to react, but the Fire Python and Snow Python Spirits materialized instantly, forming a glowing yin-yang circle in front of him.
The bullet disappeared into their swirling forms, swallowed whole before it could reach its target.
Das glanced toward the northern ridge where the shot had come from, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. Before another bullet could be fired, he acted.
Channeling the Phoenix Spirit's power, he stretched out his hand, and an invisible force gripped the sniper. The figure was pulled from their hidden perch as if by an unseen magnet. When the sniper's masked face was close enough, Das's eyes widened slightly in recognition.
"Mona," he murmured, his voice laced with surprise.
