The wind howled even harder.
Thanks to the points of light flashing within it, Hope could just barely make out its path.
The winds holding the monster in check eased a little. Farther out, they formed a visible, glowing wall of wind that enclosed everyone.
Hope did not even have time to react. After only a moment of surprise, Dr. Morgan resumed chanting his obscure, incomprehensible words.
His voice rose and fell with a strange rhythm, like an aria praising some great achievement.
It made Dr. Morgan look like an ancient priest.
Though there was no visible sign, Hope could feel an enormous field spreading out, enveloping everyone along with the trapped monster.
It was that—the Reverse Spirit-Infusion Ritual. Although he did not know what had happened, Dr. Morgan clearly had no intention of waiting for Jack.
Dr. Morgan had been chatting idly with Hope and Paul as though he had nothing to do, but just as Professor Rice had said, he was the only one who could control the ritual.
The things placed beside them earlier were slowly changing under the ritual's influence.
The sudden turn of events had prompted Dr. Morgan to banish the monster ahead of schedule.
"Breathe in," Paul told Hope.
Hope froze for another second before realizing that he had forgotten to breathe again.
The Reverse Spirit-Infusion Ritual—it seemed to have neutralized the effects of the Spirit-Infused Water.
He and Paul both stared at the wall of wind.
The gale formed two barriers. One trapped the monster, while the other surrounded and protected the group.
"We—might need to join the others," Paul said. "I don't understand what's going on, but gathering together might reduce the strain on the wind wall."
Hope suspected Paul was right.
But before he could respond, another mishap left him speechless.