Hoisted across Wang Yu's shoulders was a monstrous contraption, a magitech alchemical weapon three or four times as large as he was. It resembled a colossal cannon forged from alchemical alloys and braced with intricate joints. At its heart, visible within a half-transparent chamber, burned a searing crimson stellar core—the heart of a Fire Elemental Lord.0

That fearsome beam had been unleashed from this very weapon. Its contained, focused energy had been compressed into a searing ray whose penetrative might far outstripped the wasteful, scattered detonation of an explosion.0

This apocalyptic shot heralded the start of the battle between the Church of Dragonkind and Wang Yu's companions.0

The incandescent column of fiery annihilation swept forth. But Philett, a half-draconian who had ascended into the realm of legend, showed no trace of fear. His wings—black, vast, feathered, and grotesque—spread wide, then folded across his chest to form a living shield against the oncoming blast.0

The ray slammed into his feathers. The heat of the weapon, hot enough to vaporize stone, burned his feathers to ash in an instant. Yet even the smoke did not dissipate. It coiled together, dark and choking, forming a...0