**** Billion's PoV
I looked at Steve and noticed the changes in him right away. His presence felt sharper, stronger. Especially the lightning, there was more of it around him now, like it clung to his skin.
His new sword caught my eye too. It looked sleek and powerful.
I stood up and stretched, rolling my shoulders. My body felt light, but filled with energy.
Steve glanced at me. "What now?"
I gave a small shrug.
"We head deeper into the forest."
He tilted his head slightly, studying me. "Do you have a plan?"
I nodded without hesitation. "Yeah. I want to put as much distance between them and us as possible."
He didn't argue. Just nodded back.
I stepped off the branch and dropped down. My feet hit the ground without a sound, and I straightened up smoothly.
Then I let my Psynapse flare. My perception spread wide, reaching through the trees, the bushes, the ground beneath us.
Steve landed next to me a second later.
I activated [Essence Engine].
