The air felt thick and heavy, like the weight of an entire mountain had descended into the room.
Marcellus stood firm, his silver spear glowing faintly as a terrifying pressure rolled off it in waves. James felt frozen in place.
His knees buckled under the invisible force, his lungs burned for air, and his heart pounded like a drum in his chest.
Every instinct screamed at him to run, but his body refused to obey. He could barely think.
'Is this what true power feels like? I can't move… I can't even breathe!'
Suddenly, Caylus moved, his expression dark and grim as he summoned his own soul weapon.
The black halberd appeared with a flash of dark energy, the room plunging into a clash of light and shadow.
The halberd's overwhelming aura pressed against Marcellus' spear, creating a moment of reprieve.
James gasped, stumbling slightly as the crushing pressure eased just enough for him to breathe again.
