Chương 21: Chapter 20: The Lotus and the Prince

Panic erupted. Students ran. Screamed. Scattered. The Hollow General raised its arm. Dark energy gathered. A black beam erupted. BOOOOOOM! Half a mountain vanished. The explosion sent dozens of students flying. Rayan's eyes widened. That attack could have killed everyone. The Hollow moved again. Another blast began charging. Then vines exploded from the earth. Hundreds of them. Thousands. They wrapped around the monster's arm. Restraining it. A familiar voice echoed.

"Move!" Siena. The Lotus Saint. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Green Astra energy surged around her. Flowers bloomed across the battlefield. Nature itself obeyed her commands. The Hollow roared. The vines began breaking instantly. The difference in power was obvious. Yet Siena didn't retreat. Rayan stared.

"She's buying time." The Guardian nodded.

"She's saving lives." The prince looked around. Terrified students. Injured instructors. The Hollow. And Siena standing alone. For some reason— He remembered the vision (from Chapter 2). The future. The ruined world. The endless war. The people who stood beside him. A decision formed. Rayan sighed. The Guardian immediately understood.

"No." The prince smiled.

"Too late." Then he ran toward the monster. First Resonance Siena nearly cursed. The prince was charging directly toward a catastrophe.

"Is he insane?" The Hollow noticed him immediately. Its crimson eyes locked onto Rayan. The pressure intensified. Darkness spread across the battlefield. Students collapsed unconscious. Only a few remained standing. Rayan included. The Guardian suddenly appeared beside him.

"This is suicide."

"I know."

"You cannot win."

"I know." The Guardian looked frustrated.

"Then why?" Rayan gripped Shadowbreaker. His answer came quietly.

"Because someone has to." The exact words (from Chapter 0). The Guardian froze. For the first time— The ancient being looked shocked. Then he smiled. A genuine smile.

"Very well." Golden light erupted. The Hall of Origins shook violently. Ancient chains rattled. The Dharma Astra awakened. A new message appeared. === Dharma Resonance Activated Synchronization Increased 12% → 20% New Skill Unlocked [Dharma Step] === Rayan's body became lighter. Faster. Sharper. Golden energy covered his feet. The Hollow attacked. A massive claw descended. Rayan vanished. BOOOM! The ground exploded. The students stared. The prince had disappeared. No. He had moved. Faster than anyone could see.

To Be continue....