The sudden change caught everyone off guard, leaving them no time to react.
By the time they regained their senses, Mond's body was already rapidly swelling, his skin cracking in every direction.
It looked like a balloon about to burst.
"Quick, protect His Majesty!" The sight sent the crowd into a panic.
At once, guards drew their weapons and formed a human shield, standing in front of Fratis and the others.
The powerful individuals also reacted immediately, setting up defenses to shield the princes and dukes within.
However, due to the haste, they couldn't protect everyone.
"Protect me! Hurry, protect me!" A group of nobles, their faces full of fear, tried to force their way into the protection of the guards.
But the guards didn't even glance at them.
Their duty was to protect Fratis—whether these nobles lived or died had nothing to do with them.
