A deadly aura exploded from Alogra, far more intense than anything Jack had felt back at the hut. This wasn't a simple surge of power; it was the lethal intent to kill.
'What the—'
Before Jack could finish his thought, he sensed a massive force rushing toward him. Instinctively, he raised his arm in defense, but he was far too slow. Alogra's hand cracked against Jack's cheek, a bone-jarring slap that tasted like blood and sent his head reeling. The sheer force left him barely able to cling to consciousness, almost tearing him from his footing.
"The hell—I just finished dealing with one fight, and now this?" Jack cursed inwardly as he staggered, his hands digging into the earth for support. He managed to steady himself, but only for a moment.
"You still lack power," Alogra's voice echoed, calm and cold from behind him.
