I lunged forward without thinking and activated Furion's ability, forcing it outward in a sharp wave.
The knights froze mid-step.
"Wh—what…?!"
"I—I can't move my body!"
Their voices overlapped in confusion as their limbs locked in place, armor creaking faintly under the strain. I slipped past them before anyone could react, planting myself squarely in their path.
"Wait!" I shouted. "Just—wait a moment!"
My voice echoed far louder than I expected.
Gradually, the chaos settled. The shouts died down, the clamor softened, and one by one, everyone present turned to look at me.
All eyes.
Every single one of them.
In an instant, I had become the center of the scene.
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
…This is the worst.
I hate this. I hate standing out. I hate being stared at like this, like some kind of spectacle on display. My chest felt tight, my pulse loud in my ears.
So then—why did I step forward?
The answer was painfully simple.
