That sight wasn't shocking to Lucia alone.0

A grotesque eye had emerged in the center of the avatar's chest, swiveling wildly as it fixated on Ian, who was advancing amidst a flurry of golden afterimages.0

Whoosh—0

At the same moment, violet streaks erupted like pulsating veins across the avatar's body. The grotesque eye glowed intensely, spitting out a powerful arc of magical energy.0

Rumble! Boom!0

The arc of violet energy exploded brilliantly after deflecting upward at a sharp angle just before Ian. For a moment, the flash illuminated him holding his Platinum Barrier high with his left arm.0

How did he deflect that from that close?0

Lucia's jaw dropped as she realized what had just happened. Ian had not only intercepted the arc of energy but had struck it precisely with the barrier, sending it off course.0

What stunned her even more was not the barrier's ability to deflect the attack, but Ian's reaction speed to such a close-range assault.0

Crack, crackle—0

Meanwhile, the avatar's two elongated arms extended forward, their ends transforming into single-edged blades. The blades condensed into a hardened, rock-like form, shimmering faintly with cold violet light.0

Woosh—0

Ian didn't wait. He pushed off the ground and charged, swinging his Light Sword as he closed the distance. The avatar's writhing tentacles twitched, and it turned one of its bladed arms to meet Ian's attack he...0