But retreating wasn't as simple as it had been moments ago.
His body felt as though invisible weights had been strapped to every limb, dragging him down with relentless force.
The pike in his hand, once light and nimble, now felt impossibly heavy.
Seth's knees buckled, and he fell, planting the pike into the ground for support.
His breath came in ragged gasps, clouds of white mist forming in the frigid air.
Exhaustion painted his face, dark circles under his eyes and the sheen of sweat mingling with the grime of battle.
"What… what's happening?" he managed to ask, his voice hoarse and strained.
[Your stamina and reserves have finally tapped out, Seth,]
Zera's voice responded, steady but tinged with an undertone of concern.
Seth closed his eyes for a moment, letting her words sink in.
There was no panic in him, only resignation.
He'd known this would come.
