"Gorgeous," he breathed, genuinely impressed.
System ping: [2/3 Mana Pools Mapped. Stabilization 64 %.]
The HUD's progress ring slid past halfway. The red pool was next—pulsing stronger now, as if aware its siblings had been tamed. Rodion's cloak flapped against a sudden hot gust, like breath from a subterranean furnace. Even in cinematic mode, the air shimmered with heat distortion.
But going was half the thrill. Mikhailis grinned, skin prickling with anticipation. Biscuit crumbs forgotten, tea cooling, duty scrolls gathering dust—none of it mattered compared to the dance of pixels and peril below.
"Two down, one to bleed," he announced, rolling his shoulders like a ring announcer. "Show me a finale, fluffy sentinel. Bonus points for pyrotechnics."
Below, Rodion acknowledged with a single, confident nod, optics blazing reflection‑red from the throbbing pool ahead. The Worker Ants shifted formation, Fire Scarabs bumping one another like overeager flares waiting for launch.
