As the black flames finally died down, the creature's figure was revealed.
Max's eyes narrowed, sharp as a blade, as he immediately understood why the creature was still unscathed, even after being caught in the explosion at point-blank range.
Extending from the creature's right arm was a massive black shield, curving outward in a wide arc—formed entirely from its own body.
A defensive construct.
The shield had borne the full brunt of the World Destruction Flame Lotus, absorbing the heat, the destruction, the consuming force of Max's black flames.
Yet—
It wasn't unscathed.
Melting marks littered the shield's surface, dark streaks and dripping, molten residue showing clear signs of struggle. It was evident—the black flames had nearly torn through it.
Max's mind raced.
'So that's how it survived…'
The shield had been just sturdy enough to withstand the attack, but only barely.
