Lumi watched as Valeria put herself between the Elite Guard and the others, and Lumi realized what she was doing with a mixture of admiration and horror.
She's going to try to tank it. She's going to put herself between that thing and the rest of us, knowing full well what it means.
Eclipse Knights at their core, were reckless all-in fighters, to fight effectively even when outnumbered and outmatched. Their training emphasized adaptability, endurance, and the willingness to sacrifice everything for the mission and their comrades.
But this was beyond dire. This was suicide with extra steps.
The Elite Guard regarded Valeria with what might have been amusement, though it was hard to tell with their expressionless void of a face. When it spoke, its voice came from everywhere and nowhere, bypassing the ears and speaking directly to the soul.
"Mortals. How... tedious."
Then it moved.
