The battlefield exploded into motion.
The eight masked figures reacted at the same time. Dark symbols burned across their masks as twisted powers awakened.
The one in the center raised his hand. His aura was heavier than the rest.
"I am the Apostle of Madness," he said, his voice layered and unstable. "Your courage will break."
A wave of distorted energy spread outward. The air twisted. Sounds bent. Even thoughts felt slower, heavier.
John felt it—but laughed.
"Trying to shake my mind?" he said. "Too weak."
Golden sigils flared around his head, stabilizing his thoughts as he pushed forward.
Another masked figure slammed both hands together.
"Slaughter Domain."
Blood-red light flooded the area. The ground cracked open, forming jagged blades of hardened blood that surged toward John from every direction.
John snapped his fingers.
"Golden Bastion."
A dome of condensed gold formed around him. The blood blades crashed into it and shattered instantly.
