For a moment, malice so intense it was nearly tangible rushed straight at him.
The instant the man reached out, Ian seemed to see a mountain peak shudder as an enormous rocky hand came crashing down from above. There was nowhere to flee, nowhere to block. He could not help holding his breath as darkness fell over his vision.
Though not everyone in this world was born able to manifest psionic power, anyone could temper the will and spirit within through arduous training, using the imagined form of an "illusory shape" to drive their potential and erupt with strength and pressure beyond ordinary imagination—even the psionic power of life itself.
At this moment, the man was using the ascension technique known as Phantom Form, imitating the oppressive might of a Titan from myth and legend.
He believed that an eight- or nine-year-old child could never hide any secret from him.
Yet from beginning to end, Ian did not make the slightest motion to retreat.
He stood perfectly still. Though surprise at being caught off guard could plainly be seen, there was more of a calm acceptance—a calm acceptance that, having made his choice, he would not regret it.
Thus, the palm did not truly come down, instead turning into a heavy wave of the hand.
With a forceful sweep through the air, the old knight pretended to be fierce. "I'm an Empire wanted criminal. Why aren't you running? If you don't, I'll kill you!"
When he said this, he was half joking and half serious.
He truly could not tell anyone his name. If the Empire discovered him, it would not only bring trouble upon himself; the child before him would be dragged into it as well.
This child was calm, rational, and courageous. In the future, he might even