The undead honor guard led Mary, Louisa, and the maidservants through the devastated battlefield. The Cursed Mist began to dissipate, revealing blood-soaked dirt and the smoking wreckage of warships. Upon reaching the center of the plateau, the women froze in absolute panic.
There stood Ethan, but his appearance was monstrous. There was no trace of his amethyst scales; this time, his body was completely covered in pitch-black scales. Above his head floated a massive dark vortex, a sphere of pure devouring force that resembled a miniature black sun.
To the side, the mutilated torsos of the Great Ancestors and Gusher lay on the ground, squirming helplessly. Crul had warned Ethan that their living energy was far too concentrated and powerful, advising him to first devour the mass of corpses from the army to strengthen his vessel before consuming the living leaders, ensuring perfect and efficient assimilation.
