Book Six: Chapter 29

“We’re not off to a good start to begin with, and you’re about to piss me off,” Mike’s voice reverberated through the furnace chamber, carrying a dangerous edge that made the walls themselves seem to tremble. His presence filled the space, and the ambient magic—tense, crackling, almost tangible—made the air thrum with pressure. Sparks of blue light danced along the seams of the furnace, reacting to the sheer intensity of his aura.

The man across from him, holding a crystal ball, stopped mid-motion, his eyes narrowing. “Stop that,” he said, his voice a low rumble that hinted at both warning and amusement.

“Stop what?” Mike replied, holding his hands out, showing they were empty. Even the subtle movement caused the air to ripple with latent energy. Yuki felt the cold breeze cutting unnaturally through the furnace’s interior, gusting from the man with the crystal ball. It wasn’t just a draft—it