The Sun God's Resurrection

Before his words had even faded, the most agile tentacle, its tip shaped like a giant pincer, struck like a venomous snake leaving its den. Ignoring the several mana shields Ian had hastily raised, it seized him with terrifying precision once more!

The tentacle's grip was monstrously strong. It clenched instantly, and Ian felt every bone in his body groan under unbearable pressure. His mana was completely sealed, and even breathing became difficult. He was lifted high into the air like a lamb awaiting slaughter, suspended directly before the evil god's sixteen perfect faces.

"Struggle!" the evil god snarled. The tentacle gripping Ian began to move slowly, feeding him toward the gaping, fang-filled maw on one of its faces. "Let fear seep into your soul! Let despair gnaw at your mind! In the eternal agony of becoming a part of my 'perfection,' savor the foolishness of your choice today!"

Ian was held tightly, like a small bird trapped in a giant serpent's coils. He struggled with all his strength, unleashing bursts of mana and twisting his body, but the evil god's power was as immovable as a mountain. The fang-filled maw drew closer and closer, its foul stench washing over him. He could even see the dark-purple flesh walls deep in its mouth, pulsing like living organs.

Never had the shadow of death been so clear.

At the critical instant before that giant mouth closed and its fangs came down—

Ian, tightly gripped and seemingly driven into a dead end, suddenly stiffened. Then, on his face distorted by pain and suffocation, the corner of his mouth rose in an utterly abrupt, agonizingly slow smile.

"Heh heh..."

A low, hoarse chuckle, filled with indescribable mockery and calculation, squeezed from his crushed throat.

The evil god's movements stalled for an extremely brief