Betrayal

But as his hand dipped into the pouch to grasp the crystallized mana matrices, Ervin simultaneously reached out with his magical senses and ignited his innate spirit abilities! 

In a blinding blur of speed, his corporeal form shimmered and faded from view as the complete invisibility conferred by his white fox spirit enveloped him! 

At the same time, searing waves of incandescent white flames wreathed in a protective aura surrounding his concealed body - the baleful energies of the guardian white tiger spirit imbuing his physical form with incredible power!

"Eh-?!" Lacey and the old alchemist barely had a moment to register the ominous energies and sense of imminent danger blooming in the air around them before all hell broke loose!

Like a phantasmal wraith, Ervin surged forward at unimaginable speed, reforming in a burst of blinding light and hellish heat to plunge a shining blade of furious white fire straight through Sean's torso!