Chapter 96
The storm kept closing in, while savage waves pounded against Clayton’s back. Yet he didn’t panic—not even when a massive wave surged straight at him.
Splash!
The wave finally slammed into the water dome he had conjured earlier. But instead of shattering, the dome held firm, remaining stable even under the crushing force of the impact.
Inside, Clayton was thrown forward by the wave’s momentum. The sheer force sent the entire dome hurtling across the lake’s surface—carrying him at incredible speed.
Meanwhile, the storm had already reached the shoreline he’d stood on moments before. It tore through the landscape with relentless fury, pelting the earth with marble-sized hail. Still trapped inside the water dome, Clayton continued to glide until he finally reached the opposite shore.
Once there, he staggered to the side and collapsed, breathless and spent. Only then did he look back—and witness the devastation.
Fortunately, a dense patch of trees had absorbed much of the impact, preventing the storm from spreading uncontrollably. Still, large swaths of the forest had been ravaged, unable to withstand its wrath.
Seeing the destruction, Clayton felt a mix of relief and gratitude. If he had hesitated even a second longer, he would have been swallowed whole.
This storm was far stronger than the last—and honestly, there was no guarantee his icy water dome would’ve held if it had taken a direct hit. Once again, he thanked his instincts for pushing him to act in time.
After a short rest, he resumed his journey. Staying in that area was far too risky—the storm could strengthen again, and next time, he might not be so lucky.
...