Atrox, who had connected with his Mark Order, was now able to resist the fear aura. He scrambled to his feet, then stumbled as his legs went weak, but he supported himself with his sword.
His will to live, combined with the boost from the Mark Order, gave him the courage to open his mouth, even though his heart was beating so fast it filled his ears. "Who are you?"
Atrox flinched at the sound of his own voice. 'I can't believe that's what I managed to say!'
The monster smiled. "Why do you have to bother about that? It's not like you will live to...!"
The portal behind him suddenly shook violently, and the edge he held began to crack. The monster looked from Atrox to the portal, then narrowed his eyes and raised his right hand.
Suddenly, green light gathered in his hand, throbbing softly. Then the light spread around the room. Time slowed, as if something heavy had suddenly imposed on it. Then, just as it began, everything returned to normal.
