Elius didn't answer their question.
He stared at them, at their wide-eyed faces, waiting for his story.
For his truth. But his gaze slowly shifted away, toward the darkness where the dungeon trembled faintly under some unseen force.
"We don't have time for that," he said coldly.
His voice sliced the tension like a blade, clean and without apology.
And then—he stood.
A sudden, sharp motion. Tension flooded his body again. His silver eyes narrowed.
The others rose to their feet instinctively, ready for battle.
Ron cracked his neck. Lina's ethereal form shimmered with a cold glint. Shiro summoned his clone without a word. Klee clutched her staff.
Elius took one slow step forward, then another. And then—
He vanished.
A thunderous boom echoed down the tunnel.
Elius had become a blur, a crimson storm tearing through the darkness.
A horde of goblins appeared just ahead—maybe fifty strong, all screeching and snarling.
Elius didn't hesitate.
SLAAASH!
