"You shall die, my friend."
Saying this, Sicotes screamed, "Aura Manipulation Technique: Time Pause!"
Hearing this, Samarth was shocked. Suddenly, Sicotes disappeared from his location. In the next moment, Sicotes reappeared close to Samarth, attempting to strike with an aura blade. It was as if he had vanished for an instant and then materialized right beside him. Samarth was in shock, unable to react. Just as the aura blade was about to hit Samarth, a black, tail-like object intercepted Sicotes' hand, saving Samarth. The clash between the tail and the aura blade produced a resounding echo, jolting Samarth back to his senses. Sicotes stepped back, eyes widening as he traced the source of the tail.
A colossal dragon stood before them, its scales gleaming in the sunlight. It was Garudax, the familiar of Arthur.
"Be careful, human," Garudax rumbled. "You mean a great deal to my master. If you die, he will be very upset."
