The violet-gold storm of Will's aura cast long, jerking shadows against the dying cavern. He stood at the edge of the glassed crater. His mana pool thrummed with a depth resembling an ocean pressed behind a dam.
The entity that gifted him the sun faded.
The Level 75+ Metal Phoenix folded its wings. The roaring plasma in its feathers dimmed into a dull, cooling gray brittle as charcoal. It looked at the bubbling pools of acidic sap and the necrotic rot. The ancient redwood bled out.
"It's looking at us again," Don whispered. His voice cracked. He held his empty crossbow like a club. "Will, tell me it's a 'thank you' look and not a 'you're my next meal' look. I'm really tired of being scrutinized by things that can melt my face."
"It's not hungry, Don," Maddie grunted. She kept her sign-halberd raised. "It's just finishing the job."
The Phoenix looked at Will. Its molten eyes locked with his.
