"Break through!"

Dustin's rage exploded inside him. His Dracan essence surged like a tidal wave and crashed relentlessly against the last few pressure points with unstoppable force.

Thunderous explosions rang out in quick succession.

Dustin, who had lost too much blood, finally buckled under the strain and fell from midair. At that instant, his life was hanging by a thread.

…

Inside the ancient temple atop Embercrest Hill, Grace, who was helping Zeus and Hera decipher the breakthrough technique, paused mid-translation. A strange unease stirred in her chest as if she had sensed something, and she frowned.

What happened? Had Dustin failed?

The thought struck like lightning, sharp and sudden. Her chest tightened with worry.

She had placed all her hope in him. If he failed to break through and died, it wouldn't just be her life on the line. Everyone on Embercrest Hill, and even half the nation, would be doomed.

Suddenly, a knot of fear twisted in Grace's gut. She had to get back t