The wall burst apart as Vesper smashed through it.
Plaster and broken pieces flew everywhere. Dust filled the air. Lit by the faint, flickering glow of emergency lights.
Vesper landed in a crouch. His long black coat flaring around him. His dark eyes gleaming with something between amusement and irritation.
Then, the hooded figure moved.
A blade of pure darkness cut through the air, silent as a shadow, aimed straight for Vesper's throat.
Vesper twisted at the last second. His hand snapping up.
Dark red mana erupted from his fingertips, colliding with the inky slash in a burst of violent energy.
The shockwave ripped through the room.
Kyle, still on his knees. Barely had time to react before a dome of darkness flared around him, shielding him from the blast.
The pressure rattled against the barrier, but inside. The air was still. Silent.
Zalrielle's voice hissed in his mind. "Who the hell is that?"
