A purple explosion rippled outward.
The air shook.
Bel's aura detonated, turning into a permanent blast of energy that bent the floating stones around him and carved cracks into the jagged ground beneath.
Obsidian scales covered his arms, shoulders, and back. His white hair grew longer, wilder, whipping in the wind like the mane of a beast. Sharp black claws extended from his fingers.
And for the first time, a new feature: two twisted horns curled from his forehead.
His breathing slowed.
A pulse ran through him, from spine to skull.
"Huh..." he muttered, flexing his fingers. "This form... it feels strangely satisfying."
Above him, the bird shrieked.
Lightning danced across its feathers.
Bel smirked, eyes glowing beneath white strands.
"Now... let's see what it takes to eat your heart."
[Abyssal Pressure - Active]
A wave of energy spread from his body, turning the air red and heavy.
High above, the lightning bird faltered.
