Compared with the attack he had encountered on the top floor of the Ankara Hotel last time, this one was clearly more "plain." It lacked that crushing psychological pressure that had descended the instant the attackers appeared.
But perhaps the difference lay not in the strength and caliber of the two sets of attackers, but in Kallen's own rapidly growing strength, which had naturally changed his perception.
It bore out that saying: much of the time, changes in the world depended solely on the height from which you viewed it.
Only, because most people had their eyes set in their heads, they easily viewed things with an inflated opinion of themselves. For Kallen, it was the exact opposite. Before he had grown accustomed to one level, he had leaped to the next, leaving him unable to adjust properly.
The second round of attacks was ready to begin. The giant warrior and the assassin opposite them had already adjusted their condition, even improved it.
Holding a gem in each hand, Drew said to Kallen:
"Minister Kallen, I'll leave my young master in your protection."
"All right."
Jisen was surrounded by the red barrier Drew had set up earlier. Kallen rose and stood behind the barrier to provide protection.
Jisen turned to look at Kallen and asked, "What do you mean by this? Don't tell me..."
Jisen stopped there. He knew some things could not be said, especially now.
"I'm worried someone might launch a sneak attack from behind."
Kallen offered this perfunctory explanation, then folded his arms and simply stood there. Clearly, he had no intention of joining the fight.
Jisen changed his tone. "You should find a way to get me out of here."
"I will, but not now. Turning our backs on them at a time like this would