With a small nod, the cloaked figure finally lifted his ability. In an instant, Zion and his group felt their bodies loosen, the invisible restraints vanishing like mist.
As soon as they were freed, everyone instinctively dropped to their knees, gasping for air. The sensation of being completely immobilized, even for a short moment, had drained them.
Calvin glanced at Zion, his eyes sharp. Though his voice was barely a whisper, Zion could read the words from his lips.
"Don't accept it."
Zion clenched his jaw. His mind raced. What should I choose…?
"You could just accept their offer and crush them later," Zero's voice echoed in his mind. "After all, you're stronger than them. But you'd be at a disadvantage… You don't know their abilities yet."
Zion hesitated. "You're not certain, Master. Some of the students here awakened their Aetheris before I did."
Zero hummed in thought. "Hmph. Talent is an advantage."
