Reality had made its place known for the leaders of the two groups, Elion and Seren. In a matter of minutes, they had come face-to-face with the vastness of power that separated them from Pyris and his group.
The sting of it hit them harder than the creature's blows.
Both had initially felt no hint of Pyris's true strength—thanks to the invisible ring he wore, a gift from Zaryana that effectively masked most of his aura.
With his strength concealed, they had assumed he was within their league, someone they didn't need to factor into their plans too seriously. The only real unknown had been Zara, whose identity and powers were mysterious but undeniable.
All they knew about her was the quiet command she carried and the slight wariness she inspired.
Yet now, having witnessed Pyris dispatch the beast with ease—slaying it in a mere three moves—the realization of their own naivety struck hard.
