Baren was strong, indeed strong. Istrid and Reinal were not worthy opponents for him, the difference in power between them was palpable and visible even to a mere guest who didn't understand anything about it.
But... he was hardly the strongest. At the very least, because Gladius was here.
"What the hell...?" Baren muttered, blinking several times.
Just a second ago, he was in the banquet hall, in the middle of nowhere, with only white tables, bewildered guests, and a destroyed chandelier around him.
But... now Baren was looking up at the clouds, the night sky covered in hundreds of bright stars.
The cold night wind blew by his side, bringing freshness and ruffling his hair.
Small pebbles from the debris rolled slightly to the side under the wind's force, as if wanting to continue their journey after such a powerful tug.
Baren slowly stood up, leaning on the largest piece of rubble before looking forward.