The second Demon Arrow moved slowly. At least, that was how it appeared to Deo and Derant. This was due to the special ability of the Blade Bird Tribe, known as Second Chance. In moments of life-or-death crisis, they could temporarily perceive time in 0.1-second increments.0

The trajectory of the Demon Arrow was aimed at Derant, and each of the brothers responded differently. Deo took to the air with his injured wing, while Derant infused his sword with aura to meet the Demon Arrow head-on. But then, the Demon Arrow suddenly split into two, with one half now hurtling towards Deo.0

The split was unexpected, but it didn’t faze Deo. He sneered; the speed and path of the incoming arrow were predictable.0

Too easy.0

Deo swung his sword toward the Demon Arrow aimed at his ankle. Although his swing was also slow, it was more than enough to intercept the arrow’s path. Or so he thought.0

That’s when he heard Derant’s urgent voice from below.0

“Waatchh for thee spppllittt—”0

Deo didn’t hear Derant’s warning, as their slowed-down perception of time made it difficult to understand each other. Deo remained focused on the Demon Arrow coming his way. Now, the Demon Arrow hit the sword… or rather, it didn’t. The Demon Arrow, which had split once, split again right before it hit the sword.0

“...!”0

The Demon Arrow split into two, brushing past Deo's sword. Deo thought of folding his wings to block it. His wings moved, ever so slowly....0