Hackles Raised

She immediately tried to forcibly connect to the nearest Annihilation Array, intending to activate it manually and interrupt the terrifying outburst.

But it was too late.

The shattered Restraint Arrays released chaotic torrents of energy, followed closely by the flood of power unleashed in terror by the Living Plane.

The two Annihilation Arrays that were closer and had not yet been fully activated were like little boats in a storm. Before they could mount any real resistance, they were completely swallowed and torn apart by the surging tide of energy, reduced to fragments of nothingness and dissipating power.

Viola herself bore the brunt of it.

She was closest to the center of the eruption. Though she had the protection of a Level Six wizard, before this impact—as if the entire plane had "leapt up"—she was no more than a fallen leaf in a gale.

Her multilayered, kaleidoscopic shields flashed violently as the irresistible torrent of energy hurled her away, sending her tumbling through the void.

She could only pour every ounce of strength into maintaining her defenses and steadying herself. She had no ability left to control any array.

The sole remaining Annihilation Array had survived only because it was the farthest away, and the three arrays ahead of it had somewhat blocked and expended part of the impact.

Yet its energy barrier flickered erratically, its structure creaking dangerously as it teetered on the brink of collapse.

"Benjamin! Fire! Now!!" Viola forcibly stabilized the communication link as she spun through space, her voice trembling with fury and the force of the energy blast. "Use the opening after its outburst! Break through! Give the old man a chance to get out!!"

Her gaze locked onto the battleship, filled with an urgent command that brooked no refusal.

Yet beneath her nearly fire-spitting