A rising tide of vital force kept condensing inside the obsidian obelisk, growing more powerful and purer by the second. Ouroborus and Jormungandr observed this spectacle with solemn gazes, exchanging a silent nod.
Neither wanted to risk any chance that their forces would be caught in a catastrophic backlash. With a quick signal, they directed the rest of the army to withdraw, forming a tight perimeter around the massive black spire. Hope flitted through the Sky Seed Depravitas' minds that everything would resolve peacefully, but they also knew too well that a miracle could crumble into disaster at a moment's notice. Caution demanded they be prepared for the worst.
Overlord, standing nearby, shared their vigilance. He understood that no prediction was ever flawless, however carefully calculated. So, sword in hand, he joined Ouroborus and Jormgundr high in the sky. If some monstrous eruption arose from the obelisk, he would be ready to fight.
