"Let's create an opening!" Osiris met Isis's gaze; the two nodded in perfect unison.
The Pluton suddenly dropped his Defense, his crook pointing toward the heart of the vortex. "Judgment of the Netherworld!"
A jet-black beam of energy shot straight into the vortex's core, freezing even the raging energy vortex itself for a brief instant wherever it passed. This was one of Osiris's ultimate authorities as Lord of the Underworld—able to temporarily freeze the flow of all energy.
Isis cast her spell at the same time: "Life Blooming!"
Countless golden flowers blossomed within the energy vortex, each one absorbing the surrounding energy and converting it into pure Life Force. The blossoms spread rapidly, temporarily suppressing the vortex's expansion.
A perfect chance!
Ian immediately turned into a streak of flowing light, charging toward the vortex's center at his absolute top speed. But just as he was about to reach the Eye of the Ra—inevitably, something went wrong.
"I've been waiting for you."
Set-Apep's cold laughter rang out.
Dozens of energy tentacles suddenly shot from the void, weaving themselves into a flawless trap-net. Caught off guard, Ian was ensnared on the spot.
These tentacles not only bound his movements, they were also constantly draining his Magic Power.
"Ian!"
Isis cried out in shock, trying to rush to his aid, but she herself was entangled by other tentacles.
Osiris hacked through several tentacles with all his might, but more immediately moved in to fill the gaps. The Evil God had clearly prepared for this long ago, setting this trap specifically for them.
The energy vortex began to expand again, and faster than before. The Nether River Barrier collapsed completely, and the flowers of life withered one after another. Forced to throw all their strength into protecting themselves, Osiris and Isis could no longer spare any power to aid Ian.
"Pitiful little ants."
Set-Apep's voice was dripping with mockery. "You really thought you could defeat me? How laughable."
The Evil God's visage gradually surfaced in the vortex's center—a colossal face woven from pure energy, blotting out the sky. The Eye of the Ra was set right in the middle of its brow, like a third eye gazing down on all creation.
"Look at the state you're in now," the Evil God sneered on, "Lord of the Underworld? Goddess of Life? And that self-important Wizard? Before my power, you're nothing but slightly larger insects."
Osiris tried to struggle, but the energy tentacles coiled tighter and tighter, even wrenching the crook from his hand. Isis's condition was even worse—her Life Energy was being continuously siphoned away, her face turning ashen white.
"Especially you, Ian Prince."
The Evil God's gaze shifted to the tightly bound Raven. "You had the chance to gain far more. I could give you power surpassing the Gods, eternal life, limitless knowledge… Yet you chose that failed Sun God instead."
In his Raven Form, Ian fought desperately against his bonds, but the energy tentacles were like the most Solid shackles—the more he struggled, the tighter they constricted.
"But it doesn't matter."
The Evil God's voice suddenly became delighted. "Once I've devoured your soul and absorbed all your knowledge and talent, that power will still be mine. And you… you will suffer and regret forever within my body!"
The energy tentacles dragged Ian toward the Evil God's colossal face. That vast mouth slowly opened—not to reveal teeth, but a whirling energy vortex radiating a terrifying suction.
"Become a part of me!" The Evil God roared with mad laughter. "After that, you'll have all the time in the world to regret your choice. I promise you that."
In that instant, Ian felt his consciousness begin to blur, as though his soul were being ripped from his body. He could feel the Evil God's power seeping into every single one of his cells.
It was trying to devour everything that he was.