The air itself felt alive — thick, heavy, and crackling with invisible pressure. It was as though the atmosphere itself bent under the weight of the man seated before them, a predator whose mere presence froze the world around him.
They couldn't move.
Every muscle locked in place, every breath shallow.
The seated man's gaze shifted toward them, slow and deliberate, his eyes cold and sharp like ancient steel.
"Who are you?"
Each word carried the weight of command, the kind that didn't allow defiance.
"W-what is this feeling...?" Zion's thoughts stumbled as fear gripped his mind.
"I c-can't even move a finger..." Yin's voice was a trembling whisper.
Sera's wide eyes flicked toward Karina — and surprisingly, Karina gave her a slight, confident nod.
"Erase."
Sera's voice was soft, but the effect was instant.
The crushing weight pressing down on them vanished, leaving only the echo of it in their trembling limbs. They gasped for air like drowning men pulled ashore.
