Chapter 96: Kingdom of Noor
"There’s something I can do," MK called out, desperation edging his words. "Form Shift can give us the protection we need to move, but I need to know—how far out is the city?"
His gaze fixed on Noelle with an intensity that spoke volumes, the protective instincts of a guardian blazing fiercely and undeniablely.
Desperation flickered in Raiden’s eyes as they darted wildly, his form still dancing away from the relentless sand. The howling wind made detecting mana creatures all but impossible, but if Levi and Freya spoke the truth, direction was irrelevant now. They needed only to break free from the storm’s grip, then worry about finding their proper path to the city.
"Let’s head to the south!"
MK whipped toward Raiden, offering a resolute nod. His crimson eyes ignited with power, and the golden aura that had been streaming from his body suddenly condensed, hardening into a shimmering cube that surrounded them.
Though the wind had stopped its relentless assault, MK trembled under the strain, sweat beading on his face while his features set in fierce resolve, teeth grinding together.
"We need to hurry!" MK shouted over the chaos as they pressed forward, though his movements lagged behind. The sheer violence of the wind left him no choice but to take cautious, controlled steps—even the slightest rush of panic could send him spiraling into the storm’s maw.
Raiden’s thoughts spun wildly as dread crept in. At this devastating pace, remaining in the desert much longer would bleed MK’s mana dry, leaving them defenseless.
"I could nullify his weight, make him weightless so I can carry him," Leo offered, eyes fixed on MK. "The question is—will that interfere with his power?"
"Don’t worry, I can handle it," MK replied, the words rasping through his desert-burned throat.
Leo caught Raiden’s eye with a brief nod. In one fluid motion, he canceled out MK’s weight and lifted him with ease onto his shoulder, their bags and gear coming with them.
MK’s protective cube flickered, its surface sending out a surge that rippled against everyone inside and made them grab for balance. He tightened his focus almost immediately, bringing the shield back to steady strength.