Reborn as a Demonic Tree

The reality-shattering explosion pushed every Bastion backward like a tsunami. The shields on every Bastion except Erebus were vaporized in the shockwave, and the leaves on all demonic trees for miles had been stripped in the wake of the assault. It was a miracle that the Bastions hadn't been blown out of the sky and the forest below wasn't on fire.

As the roar of the attack reduced to a distant rumble, Ashlock wondered if he had spent more Qi shielding the Bastions and his offspring in the forest below from destruction than he had during the attack.

"Did you get him?"

Ashlock was broken from his thoughts and looked toward the voice in surprise. Stella had appeared out of nowhere and was standing next to Elysia on the edge of the Bastion. She was shielding her eyes from the blinding chaos of Qi sprawling out above them, which had replaced the sky.

"No, Cult Leader," Elysia bowed respectfully before pointing into the distance, "The vermin still lives."

"How can you tell—oh god, what happened to you?" Stella sandwiched Elysia's head between her palms and studied her face.

"I thought my mortal eyes could handle a fragment of the All-Seeing Eye's power." Elysia reached up and opened her eyelids, showing the empty space within, "As you can see, I paid the price for my foolishness."

"Sol can heal your eyes—"

"No thanks." Elysia respectfully rejected Stella's offer.