Even as Rui's fierce gaze of determination remained fixed on the eldritch chimera, his actual mind focused on the myriad of possible futures that could unfold.
With each passing second, the number of negative possible futures began growing more numerous while the number of positive outcomes grew fewer and fewer. A strange fog seemed to cover the absolute future from his perception, preventing him from getting an absolute perception of the future that he would otherwise be able to.
With each passing second, the number of Martial Sages participating in the battle fell, leading to a negative feedback loop as the remaining Martial Sages grew even more strained and harmed due to the smaller number of defenders fighting alongside them, leading to their lasting power being drained at even greater rates.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!