A grand halo appeared over him, far too large for his body. The clouds danced, or at least seemed to, and the world warped around the weapon. Half-formed sounds and images flickered in and out of existence for miles around.

He had chosen to believe it. So he chose to continue believing.

and its eight clones shone blue-and-gold as they spread out behind him. Three black shells circled around him, a vast white halo covered his head, and a cloak of liquid blood spilled from his shoulders.

“We will not stop,” Lindon said.

That had been a mistake. The strength of a thousand dragons flowed through the Enforcer technique Northstrider funneled into his fists, until his punch was surrounded by a transparent, blood-red dragon.

“Then allow me to show you my proof.”

stone-certain

[That’s a top-quality human vessel you have.

He was instructed to look for a concept that defined him, even in his childhood. So tell me, Mercy, how do people see you?”