Ritual

The count began to speak, his voice trembling.

His muscular build and delicate voice were so mismatched that at first, it seemed like an act.

Is this what they mean by “tough outside, soft inside”?

But the count wasn’t a weak person. It was clear that his longing and worry for his son had brought him to this state.

The tears flowing from his eyes seemed genuine, not feigned.

“My son Edgar…”

The count’s voice shook.

He slowly began to tell Edgar’s story, starting from his early childhood.

“From a young age, he admired his older brother. My two sons were always together. Brian led Edgar, and Edgar followed his brother.”

Oh no, now he’s going to recount their entire lives.

A tear dropped from the count’s eye.

“‘Tell it briefly’ was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

Because his sorrow was real.

“Edgar had a natural talent for swordsmanship. He started with a wooden sword at the age of five, and by seven, he had already mastered the basic techniques of the Hindga family.”

My gaze drifted toward the ceiling.

Miel, bored with the lengthy story, began to play around my head, trying to create something with the count’s hair.

Her small feet tugged at his hair as if crafting something.

Her icy-blue wings fluttered lightly, scattering shimmering dust.

Cecilia flew to the window to admire the view outside.

Her three pairs of red wings sparkled in the moonlight, casting a beautiful shadow on the window.

Rote continued to orbit around me, her metallic surface reflecting the room’s light subtly.

The artworks on the walls caught my eye.

Paintings and sculptures…

The count’s voice droned on, but my mind wandered elsewhere.

‘I wonder how Master is doing…’

A heaviness settled in my chest.

Why are we still here?

My fingers fidgeted involuntarily.

“…and three years ago, the Second Knight Order embarked on the Shia Kalt expedition…”

The count’s story faded in and out of my awareness.

Did he mention something about jasmine tea earlier?

What was that about leather gloves from Kauai?

“…but he didn’t return. Only news of their annihilation reached us.”

Huh?

That’s not true!

The count’s tears flowed like a waterfall.

But that wasn’t the truth.

When the knight order entered, Edgar was very much alive, and Brian had even brought him back injured for me to heal.

‘Edgar isn’t dead!’

“Wait, Ed…”

“And, oh. Brian…”

I tried to interrupt to tell him Edgar was alive, but the count began to speak of Brian, tears streaming down his face.

Ugh, this is getting too complicated.

Glancing at the wall clock, three hours had already passed.

My legs were starting to ache.

Levi, seated in her chair, let out a small yawn before quickly covering her mouth, looking embarrassed.

Ryandel remained composed, as always.

He was a man of manners, even in unexpected situations.

Truly impressive…

Wait…

The important thing was that Edgar was alive, but why hadn’t he returned home?

Why hadn’t he sent word?

Perhaps something happened on his way back?

As I pondered, the count was deep into recounting Brian’s childhood.

“Brian didn’t have much talent for swordsmanship, but he had a kind heart. He always helped the weak and couldn’t stand injustice, even scolding the village children for bullying frogs.”

Oh no, this will take a while…

Looking out the window, the sun was setting.

The light faded, casting long shadows across the room.

I sighed and approached the window.

Cecilia flew to my shoulder.

Her warmth was comforting.

She must be tired too…

“…and ten years ago, Brian decided to become an adventurer and left home. At first, I thought he’d give up and return soon… but there’s been no news of him since.”

The count’s tears flowed like a torrent.

His shoulders shook violently.

While it was heartbreaking, it was also frustrating.

The room was now illuminated only by moonlight streaming through the window.

The servants entered to light the candles, brightening the room.

It had truly taken far too long.

It felt like five hours had passed.

I could wait no longer.

I took a deep breath and spoke.

‘You fool! When someone who knows your sons comes to visit, shouldn’t you ask about their well-being first?’

“How frustrating! If you don’t know anything about your children’s whereabouts, wouldn’t the visitor who brought news of them know?”

Huh?

Why was my speech becoming more archaic?

The count’s eyes widened in surprise.

His expression was both startled and excited.

“Do… do you know what happened to my children?”

Fool!

That’s what you should have asked first!

‘Yes! Edgar isn’t dead from the expedition, and Brian is still active as an adventurer. They even met during the Shia Kalt expedition three years ago!’

“Well, Edgar didn’t die during the expedition. I don’t know why he didn’t return home, but Brian is indeed still an adventurer. The two of them met during the Shia Kalt expedition three years ago.”

The count’s expression transformed completely.

His tears dried, replaced by hope and relief.

A look of joy spread across his face, and a smile tugged at his wrinkled lips.

“R-really…? Is that true?”

‘Of course!’

“Why? Do you think I’d lie?”

At my words, the count hastily shook his head.

“No! Oh… thank goodness. But why is Edgar…”

Kukuuku

Suddenly, a tremor was felt from the ground.

It started faint but grew stronger.

The candles flickered, and the paintings on the walls tilted.

Huh?

An earthquake?

Miel suddenly leaped from the count’s head and circled around me anxiously.

Her wings fluttered much faster than usual, and her small feet tapped as if trying to convey something urgent.

Cecilia also flew from the window to my side.

Rote continued her calm orbit around me, and Glacia, now awake, began to follow slowly.

Levi and Ryandel followed closely behind.

The source was very close.

It was beneath the noble residential plaza.

The plaza was empty, likely evacuated due to the tremors.

As we approached, the ground began to crumble.

What was happening!

Suddenly, a massive green beam erupted from the plaza floor.

The green light intertwined with the moonlight, creating a mystical spectacle.

Along with the beam, a figure soared into the air.

『 ☆☆☆☆ 【Edgar】 Human LV158 』

Wow!

It’s really Edgar!

His status window confirmed it.

But his level had risen significantly!

He was much stronger than when we met in Shia Kalt.

“Edgar!”

The count wailed upon seeing his son.

His voice was a mix of joy and fear.

The large man’s eyes overflowed with tears, and he involuntarily spread his arms.

Edgar floated in the air, unresponsive.

His condition looked severe.

His body was covered in wounds, especially his chest, which bled profusely.

But the blood didn’t seem normal.

It shimmered in silver and black, wriggling like a living thing.

The wounds were discolored and appeared to be rotting.

His right ear was nearly torn, and his face had deep gashes, also oddly discolored.

These weren’t ordinary injuries.

Why was he so badly hurt again!

I had healed him before, and now he’s on the brink of death once more.

It seemed he had a knack for attracting injuries.

‘Healing pollen!’

I immediately released emerald pollen from my hair.

The pollen, carried by the wind, flew toward Edgar.

As the pollen touched his wounds, the black discoloration began to recede.

‘Glacia! Catch him!’

“Glacia! Catch him!”

Glacia, with powerful wingbeats, soared up.

Her speed was faster than usual, perhaps 70% of her top speed.

Still, it was impressive.

As she flew, the air around her chilled, creating a fleeting frost.

She reached Edgar and embraced him mid-air.

Though she couldn’t carry people, she could descend slowly.

Edgar, unconscious, rested in Glacia’s arms.

She brought him down awkwardly, as if handling fragile cargo.

“Oh… Edgar. Thank you. Thank you.”

Watching Glacia descend, the count wept bitterly.

His voice trembled, and his face was soaked in tears.

As Edgar touched the ground, the count rushed to embrace him.

“My son… my son…”

The count stroked Edgar’s face, muttering.

“How I’ve searched for you… where have you been…”

A warm yet sorrowful feeling filled my chest.

It seemed Edgar had been through an intense battle.

Looking into the crumbling plaza, shadowy figures in black robes stumbled about.

Some were injured, lying on the ground, while others tried to flee, supporting each other.

Throughout the underground, the Ouroboros symbol, seen before at the Silverbrooke Manor, was painted.

The floor was stained with blood, and candelabras were overturned.

‘These must be the cultists.’)

As Michel’s apostle, I couldn’t let such an evil group go unchecked.

They were to be judged by me, the apostle of Michel.

And then, in the center of the underground space, something suspicious caught my eye.

It was shadowy, formless, and occasionally took on a human shape before distorting again.

It moved like smoke rising from a chimney, warping the surrounding space.

It seemed to tear the fabric of reality and stitch it back together.

Those near it appeared distorted, as if time itself was warped around them.

『 ☆☆☆☆☆ 【ᚲᚹᛖᛚᛚᚨᛏᚨᛚᚨ᛫ᚦᛖ᛫ᛈᛖᛁᚾᛋᛖᛖᚲᛖᚱ】 Demon LV303 』

Wow!

What’s with that name!

The name in the status window was so strange it hurt to look at.

But the level was clear.

303!

Similar to mine.

This was an incredibly powerful being.

Even at rest, it seemed to drain the air around it.

Light bent around it, sounds muffled, and even scents faded.

Where it gazed, it felt as though all life force was being sucked away.

A chilling fear ran down my spine.

“Th… this…”

Ryandel’s voice trembled.

His face was pale, and his hand holding the crystal staff shook slightly.

“A demon… and a high-ranking one at that. A legend come to life…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

As a magician who had seen much, even he had never encountered such a being.

Levi dropped the hand holding her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs trembled.

“H… how do we defeat this…”

But she quickly steadied herself, gripping her bow again.

Her hands still shook, but her eyes were resolute.

The count, however, seemed speechless, clinging tightly to Edgar.

His face was etched with despair and fear.

‘This demon must be a servant of the Evil God!’

It was certain.

This being was a minion of the Evil God.

It had to be eliminated.

As a believer in Michel and her chosen apostle, it was my duty to judge this evil.

A fiery passion surged through me.

A holy mission burned in my chest.

‘Michel, I, your apostle, will slay this wicked horde and offer their blood to you!’

I prayed silently to Michel.

I drew the Crimson Bind from my waist.

The black blade glinted red in the moonlight.

In an instant, I activated Red Moon.

The sky turned crimson, and the light bathed the entire plaza.

Using my Bloodline ability, I transformed the scattered blood into mist.

The red moon and red mist seemed to engulf the world.

A crimson aura swirled around me.

Michel’s judgment was about to begin.

My eyes turned red, and my hair fluttered without wind.

“Hah… hah…”

The count retreated, his face consumed by fear.

His eyes were wide with terror.

He seemed to be seeing something unimaginable for the first time.

He clutched Edgar tightly, as if to protect his son at all costs.

‘Hmph! Isn’t it obvious I’m far stronger?’

“How dare you! To defile the holy power of Michel, the Goddess of Blood and Slaughter, by mistaking it for the Evil God’s might! Your blasphemous blood will be purified in Michel’s name!”

Their arrogance infuriated me!

“This… this is…”

Ryandel tried to speak but failed to form words.

He was pale, his hands trembling as he clutched his staff.

Levi dropped her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs shook visibly.

“T… this is…”

But she quickly steadied herself, raising her bow again.

Her hands still trembled, but her determination shone through.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘These cultists…’

Looking into the underground, the robed figures were in disarray.

Some were injured, others attempting to flee, and the floor was bloody with overturned candelabras.

‘These are clearly cultists.’)

As Michel’s apostle, I couldn’t let such evil go unchecked.

They were to be judged by me, the apostle of Michel.

And then, in the center of the underground space, something suspicious caught my eye.

It was shadowy, formless, and occasionally took on a human shape before distorting again.

It moved like smoke rising from a chimney, warping the surrounding space.

It seemed to tear the fabric of reality and stitch it back together.

Those near it appeared distorted, as if time itself was warped around them.

『 ☆☆☆☆☆ 【ᚲᚹᛖᛚᛚᚨᛏᚨᛚᚨ᛫ᚦᛖ᛫ᛈᛖᛁᚾᛋᛖᛖᚲᛖᚱ】 Demon LV303 』

Wow!

What’s with that name!

The name in the status window was so strange it hurt to look at.

But the level was clear.

303!

Similar to mine.

This was an incredibly powerful being.

Even at rest, it seemed to drain the air around it.

Light bent around it, sounds muffled, and even scents faded.

Where it gazed, it felt as though all life force was being sucked away.

A chilling fear ran down my spine.

“Th… this…”

Ryandel’s voice trembled.

His face was pale, and his hand holding the crystal staff shook slightly.

“A demon… and a high-ranking one at that. A legend come to life…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

As a magician who had seen much, even he had never encountered such a being.

Levi dropped the hand holding her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs trembled.

“H… how do we defeat this…”

But she quickly steadied herself, gripping her bow again.

Her hands still shook, but her eyes were resolute.

The count, however, seemed speechless, clinging tightly to Edgar.

His face was etched with despair and fear.

‘This demon must be a servant of the Evil God!’

It was certain.

This being was a minion of the Evil God.

It had to be eliminated.

As a believer in Michel and her chosen apostle, it was my duty to judge this evil.

A fiery passion surged through me.

A holy mission burned in my chest.

‘Michel, I, your apostle, will slay this wicked horde and offer their blood to you!’

I prayed silently to Michel.

I drew the Crimson Bind from my waist.

The black blade glinted red in the moonlight.

In an instant, I activated Red Moon.

The sky turned crimson, and the light bathed the entire plaza.

Using my Bloodline ability, I transformed the scattered blood into mist.

The red moon and red mist seemed to engulf the world.

A crimson aura swirled around me.

Michel’s judgment was about to begin.

My eyes turned red, and my hair fluttered without wind.

“Hah… hah…”

The count retreated, his face consumed by fear.

His eyes were wide with terror.

He seemed to be seeing something unimaginable for the first time.

He clutched Edgar tightly, as if to protect his son at all costs.

‘Hmph! Isn’t it obvious I’m far stronger?’

“How dare you! To defile the holy power of Michel, the Goddess of Blood and Slaughter, by mistaking it for the Evil God’s might! Your blasphemous blood will be purified in Michel’s name!”

Their arrogance infuriated me!

“This… this is…”

Ryandel tried to speak but failed to form words.

He was pale, his hands trembling as he clutched his staff.

Levi dropped her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs shook visibly.

“T… this is…”

But she quickly steadied herself, raising her bow again.

Her hands still trembled, but her determination shone through.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘These cultists…’

Looking into the underground, the robed figures were in disarray.

Some were injured, others attempting to flee, and the floor was bloody with overturned candelabras.

‘These are clearly cultists.’)

As Michel’s apostle, I couldn’t let such evil go unchecked.

They were to be judged by me, the apostle of Michel.

And then, in the center of the underground space, something suspicious caught my eye.

It was shadowy, formless, and occasionally took on a human shape before distorting again.

It moved like smoke rising from a chimney, warping the surrounding space.

It seemed to tear the fabric of reality and stitch it back together.

Those near it appeared distorted, as if time itself was warped around them.

『 ☆☆☆☆☆ 【ᚲᚹᛖᛚᛚᚨᛏᚨᛚᚨ᛫ᚦᛖ᛫ᛈᛖᛁᚾᛋᛖᛖᚲᛖᚱ】 Demon LV303 』

Wow!

What’s with that name!

The name in the status window was so strange it hurt to look at.

But the level was clear.

303!

Similar to mine.

This was an incredibly powerful being.

Even at rest, it seemed to drain the air around it.

Light bent around it, sounds muffled, and even scents faded.

Where it gazed, it felt as though all life force was being sucked away.

A chilling fear ran down my spine.

“Th… this…”

Ryandel’s voice trembled.

His face was pale, and his hand holding the crystal staff shook slightly.

“A demon… and a high-ranking one at that. A legend come to life…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

As a magician who had seen much, even he had never encountered such a being.

Levi dropped the hand holding her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs trembled.

“H… how do we defeat this…”

But she quickly steadied herself, gripping her bow again.

Her hands still shook, but her eyes were resolute.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘This demon must be a servant of the Evil God!’

It was certain.

This being was a minion of the Evil God.

It had to be eliminated.

As a believer in Michel and her chosen apostle, it was my duty to judge this evil.

A fiery passion surged through me.

A holy mission burned in my chest.

‘Michel, I, your apostle, will slay this wicked horde and offer their blood to you!’

I prayed silently to Michel.

I drew the Crimson Bind from my waist.

The black blade glinted red in the moonlight.

In an instant, I activated Red Moon.

The sky turned crimson, and the light bathed the entire plaza.

Using my Bloodline ability, I transformed the scattered blood into mist.

The red moon and red mist seemed to engulf the world.

A crimson aura swirled around me.

Michel’s judgment was about to begin.

My eyes turned red, and my hair fluttered without wind.

“Hah… hah…”

The count retreated, his face consumed by fear.

His eyes were wide with terror.

He seemed to be seeing something unimaginable for the first time.

He clutched Edgar tightly, as if to protect his son at all costs.

‘Hmph! Isn’t it obvious I’m far stronger?’

“How dare you! To defile the holy power of Michel, the Goddess of Blood and Slaughter, by mistaking it for the Evil God’s might! Your blasphemous blood will be purified in Michel’s name!”

Their arrogance infuriated me!

“This… this is…”

Ryandel tried to speak but failed to form words.

He was pale, his hands trembling as he clutched his staff.

Levi dropped her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs shook visibly.

“T… this is…”

But she quickly steadied herself, raising her bow again.

Her hands still trembled, but her determination shone through.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘These cultists…’

Looking into the underground, the robed figures were in disarray.

Some were injured, others attempting to flee, and the floor was bloody with overturned candelabras.

‘These are clearly cultists.’)

As Michel’s apostle, I couldn’t let such evil go unchecked.

They were to be judged by me, the apostle of Michel.

And then, in the center of the underground space, something suspicious caught my eye.

It was shadowy, formless, and occasionally took on a human shape before distorting again.

It moved like smoke rising from a chimney, warping the surrounding space.

It seemed to tear the fabric of reality and stitch it back together.

Those near it appeared distorted, as if time itself was warped around them.

『 ☆☆☆☆☆ 【ᚲᚹᛖᛚᛚᚨᛏᚨᛚᚨ᛫ᚦᛖ᛫ᛈᛖᛁᚾᛋᛖᛖᚲᛖᚱ】 Demon LV303 』

Wow!

What’s with that name!

The name in the status window was so strange it hurt to look at.

But the level was clear.

303!

Similar to mine.

This was an incredibly powerful being.

Even at rest, it seemed to drain the air around it.

Light bent around it, sounds muffled, and even scents faded.

Where it gazed, it felt as though all life force was being sucked away.

A chilling fear ran down my spine.

“Th… this…”

Ryandel’s voice trembled.

His face was pale, and his hand holding the crystal staff shook slightly.

“A demon… and a high-ranking one at that. A legend come to life…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

As a magician who had seen much, even he had never encountered such a being.

Levi dropped the hand holding her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs trembled.

“H… how do we defeat this…”

But she quickly steadied herself, gripping her bow again.

Her hands still shook, but her eyes were resolute.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘This demon must be a servant of the Evil God!’

It was certain.

This being was a minion of the Evil God.

It had to be eliminated.

As a believer in Michel and her chosen apostle, it was my duty to judge this evil.

A fiery passion surged through me.

A holy mission burned in my chest.

‘Michel, I, your apostle, will slay this wicked horde and offer their blood to you!’

I prayed silently to Michel.

I drew the Crimson Bind from my waist.

The black blade glinted red in the moonlight.

In an instant, I activated Red Moon.

The sky turned crimson, and the light bathed the entire plaza.

Using my Bloodline ability, I transformed the scattered blood into mist.

The red moon and red mist seemed to engulf the world.

A crimson aura swirled around me.

Michel’s judgment was about to begin.

My eyes turned red, and my hair fluttered without wind.

“Hah… hah…”

The count retreated, his face consumed by fear.

His eyes were wide with terror.

He seemed to be seeing something unimaginable for the first time.

He clutched Edgar tightly, as if to protect his son at all costs.

‘Hmph! Isn’t it obvious I’m far stronger?’

“How dare you! To defile the holy power of Michel, the Goddess of Blood and Slaughter, by mistaking it for the Evil God’s might! Your blasphemous blood will be purified in Michel’s name!”

Their arrogance infuriated me!

“This… this is…”

Ryandel tried to speak but failed to form words.

He was pale, his hands trembling as he clutched his staff.

Levi dropped her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs shook visibly.

“T… this is…”

But she quickly steadied herself, raising her bow again.

Her hands still trembled, but her determination shone through.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘These cultists…’

Looking into the underground, the robed figures were in disarray.

Some were injured, others attempting to flee, and the floor was bloody with overturned candelabras.

‘These are clearly cultists.’)

As Michel’s apostle, I couldn’t let such evil go unchecked.

They were to be judged by me, the apostle of Michel.

And then, in the center of the underground space, something suspicious caught my eye.

It was shadowy, formless, and occasionally took on a human shape before distorting again.

It moved like smoke rising from a chimney, warping the surrounding space.

It seemed to tear the fabric of reality and stitch it back together.

Those near it appeared distorted, as if time itself was warped around them.

『 ☆☆☆☆☆ 【ᚲᚹᛖᛚᛚᚨᛏᚨᛚᚨ᛫ᚦᛖ᛫ᛈᛖᛁᚾᛋᛖᛖᚲᛖᚱ】 Demon LV303 』

Wow!

What’s with that name!

The name in the status window was so strange it hurt to look at.

But the level was clear.

303!

Similar to mine.

This was an incredibly powerful being.

Even at rest, it seemed to drain the air around it.

Light bent around it, sounds muffled, and even scents faded.

Where it gazed, it felt as though all life force was being sucked away.

A chilling fear ran down my spine.

“Th… this…”

Ryandel’s voice trembled.

His face was pale, and his hand holding the crystal staff shook slightly.

“A demon… and a high-ranking one at that. A legend come to life…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

As a magician who had seen much, even he had never encountered such a being.

Levi dropped the hand holding her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs trembled.

“H… how do we defeat this…”

But she quickly steadied herself, gripping her bow again.

Her hands still shook, but her eyes were resolute.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘This demon must be a servant of the Evil God!’

It was certain.

This being was a minion of the Evil God.

It had to be eliminated.

As a believer in Michel and her chosen apostle, it was my duty to judge this evil.

A fiery passion surged through me.

A holy mission burned in my chest.

‘Michel, I, your apostle, will slay this wicked horde and offer their blood to you!’

I prayed silently to Michel.

I drew the Crimson Bind from my waist.

The black blade glinted red in the moonlight.

In an instant, I activated Red Moon.

The sky turned crimson, and the light bathed the entire plaza.

Using my Bloodline ability, I transformed the scattered blood into mist.

The red moon and red mist seemed to engulf the world.

A crimson aura swirled around me.

Michel’s judgment was about to begin.

My eyes turned red, and my hair fluttered without wind.

“Hah… hah…”

The count retreated, his face consumed by fear.

His eyes were wide with terror.

He seemed to be seeing something unimaginable for the first time.

He clutched Edgar tightly, as if to protect his son at all costs.

‘Hmph! Isn’t it obvious I’m far stronger?’

“How dare you! To defile the holy power of Michel, the Goddess of Blood and Slaughter, by mistaking it for the Evil God’s might! Your blasphemous blood will be purified in Michel’s name!”

Their arrogance infuriated me!

“This… this is…”

Ryandel tried to speak but failed to form words.

He was pale, his hands trembling as he clutched his staff.

Levi dropped her bow.

Her eyes were wide with fear, and her legs shook visibly.

“T… this is…”

But she quickly steadied herself, raising her bow again.

Her hands still trembled, but her determination shone through.

The count, however, was beyond consolation, holding Edgar tightly.

His face was a mask of despair and fear.

‘These cultists…’

Looking into the underground, the robed figures were in disarray.

Some were injured, others attempting to flee, and the floor was bloody with overturned candelabras.

‘These are clearly cultists.’)

As Michel’s apostle, I couldn’t let such evil go unchecked.

They were to be judged by me, the apostle of Michel.

And then, in the center of the underground space, something suspicious caught my eye.

It was shadowy, formless, and occasionally took on a human shape before distorting again.

It moved like smoke rising from a chimney, warping the surrounding space.

It seemed to tear the fabric of reality and stitch it back together.

Those near it appeared distorted, as if time itself was warped around them.