And then — the gazes hit him.
All at once.
A wave of paralyzing force slammed into him, and immediately, his speed dropped drastically. His legs, so fluid a second ago, turned heavy like lead and wobbly as well.
His teeth clenched as he frantically manipulated mana within him, trying to resist, trying to fight off the paralysis.
But it was futile.
Two or three Stonehides? He could've resisted. But this… this was multiple dozens or more, all focusing their gazes on him at once.
No amount of willpower could fight that.
But Ethan persisted, gritting his teeth so hard his jaw ached, manipulating the mana within him in desperate, shaky circles...
His mana felt stiff, sluggish like mud, but he was stubborn. Too stubborn.
He had no choice. This was the only way.
First mana circulation... a small boost and release...
"NOT ENOUGH!" he roared through clenched teeth, his voice raw.
Second circulation... his veins felt like they would burst, but he pushed through the pain.
