Paragon Raizel couldn't fathom what had gone wrong, why the strange monster that had been such an ally had suddenly frozen. Something unusual was clearly happening to the creature. Not one to waste precious moments, he continued battling the Devilish Belial 'single-handedly', while noting the approach of another entity—one that seemed more threatening.
His momentary distraction cost him dearly. He tumbled to the ground from a blow of his own hand, stolen by the Devilish Belial.
Recovering swiftly, he stood and managed to withstand the devil's next barrage of heavy blows with his self-generated durability.
Concerned about depleting his essence, Burning Storm began intentionally reducing his protective shield of durability, absorbing the lighter impacts if it meant conserving his soul essence.
At least until the monster rejoined the fray.
And that moment arrived sooner than expected.
