Karot's eyes glimmered wickedly, filled with savage joy and murderous intent, as he prepared to deliver the decisive blow. His bladed fingers flexed eagerly, poised to end the struggle once and for all. But then, unexpectedly, the cocoon surrounding Vlad trembled violently, sending a deep, resonant heartbeat echoing across the battlefield.
"THUMP!"
Shock and astonishment rippled visibly across the faces of Voroe and humans alike. Whatever transformation Vlad had been pursuing seemed to have reached completion far sooner than anyone anticipated—barely three minutes had passed, far short of the promised five.
A subtle, knowing smile crept onto the faces of the Sky Seed Depravitas, who stood frozen in the grip of ice. They knew their leader well. Vlad had never been one to foolishly reveal his true intentions or accurate timelines to the enemy. This was all part of his intricate and cunning plan, designed to lull his foes into a false sense of security.
