The two blades, one massive and one slender, collided in an instant, and the impact rang out with a sharp, crystalline crack that cut through the air like glass shattering.
Ethan's expression changed immediately. His soul-formed body flickered violently, once, then again, and on the second flicker he nearly faded from sight entirely, his form turning so faint it was barely there. The pink-gold soul blade he had summoned didn't merely break upon contact with Yurix's weapon, it collapsed completely, dissolving into scattered fragments of energy that vanished almost as soon as they appeared.
Yaya's array was still active, silently enforcing its rule. Any Soul Energy within the prison that lost its owner's control was instantly drawn away and absorbed, and Ethan's dissipated power was no exception. Compared to Yurix, the gap between them was still far too wide.
Yurix's lips curled further, his smugness deepening as he took in Ethan's state.
Ethan felt his chest tighten. 'Not enough?'
