Above the Magic City Stronghold, the tranquil night sky conjured by the Night Lady stood in eerie contrast to the faint aura of destruction drifting from the distant sea.
The brief relief of driving off the Lord of the Bone Abyss had vanished, replaced by a heavier sense of dread.
The silence between the four gods did not last long.
Starlight rippled around the Night Lady. Her shadow-veiled face seemed to nod slightly, affirming Dies Martin's assessment.
A gentle yet undeniable will flowed through the air. "The Lord of Lies speaks the truth. Shadow's current state is like the most delicate of surgeries. The slightest outside interference could undo everything, or even destroy him."
Her will reached every god present and, without a word, soothed the anxious people in the Command Center below.
The Night Lady's judgment carried the greatest authority. Her power and Shadow's sprang from the same source, giving her the clearest sense of Qin Chuan's condition.
"Tch. Those fellows across the sea have some patience." Dies Martin's indistinct face seemed to turn toward the water, his tone lightly mocking. "So many gods watching over a 'seed' in the middle of transforming, and not one dares make the first move. Interesting."
A dull rumble came from the Lord of Lava. Molten rock flowed faster across his massive body, as though stirred by his displeasure. "Destruction and Astaroth are behaving themselves? Just waiting at Shadow's door for him to come out?"
"Nobody wants to make the first move." Dies Martin chuckled, a dangerous edge in his voice. "Whoever strikes first gets attacked by everyone else. The Undead and the Abyss already hate each other. Who'd be stupid enough to hand the other side an opening?"
He paused, his tone turning more serious. "More importantly, that kid down there is