Noah lay on the cold, uneven ground.
His breath ragged and shallow.
Blood seeped from the deep wound on his leg where the skeletal soldier's chain had struck him.
The metallic tang of his own blood mingled with the stench of demonic energy in the air.
Making his stomach churn violently.
His entire body was trembling.
Not just from pain but from sheer exhaustion.
The cold numbness spreading through his fingers reminded him of his earlier attempts at ice magic.
A bitter realization that if he pushed his mana channels any further, they would shatter.
The skeletal soldier with the chain loomed closer.
Its glowing red eyes locking onto him as if it could smell his vulnerability.
With a horrifying sound, the soldier yanked the chain.
Dragging Noah closer across the dirt.
His fingers clawed at the ground, trying to resist.
But the sharp pain in his leg was unbearable.
He knew he was out of options.
Ice magic was off the table.
His body couldn't handle it anymore.
