The creature folded its wings and crossed the distance toward him.
Marcus's own manifestation descended before Phei and lowered itself like a beast welcoming its master. Phei's giant figure stepped casually onto its back as though the Angel Progenitor had summoned the enormous creature solely to save him the trouble of standing in the sky.
Then Phei reached toward the golden sea.
The ocean stirred beneath him.
A line of light appeared far below.
It widened.
The sea split.
An enormous sword rose vertically from the depths.
World Essence streamed from the blade as it climbed, not wildly, but in heavy golden sheets that slid down its edges and returned to the sea. The weapon continued upward for kilometers before its hilt finally reached Phei's open hand.
His gauntlet closed around it.
