Gerhard and Edmond stood frozen, watching helplessly as Faleria tumbled toward the distant ground below, her limp body carving a dreadful path through the air. Their breath caught, powerless to intervene fast enough. The clone, a blur of unnatural speed, closed in on her with alarming velocity. Its doubled momentum left no margin for error, ensuring its deadly strike would connect long before either captain could react.
Then, in a flash of silvery brilliance, Nora materialized between Faleria and her attacker. Her frost-encrusted sword swung up with unwavering precision, creating a shimmering, icy barrier against the clone''s assault. The impact of their clash sent a shockwave through the air, rippling outward from the collision point. Nora, though skilled, was no match for the sheer force of the strike. The clone''s savage momentum blasted her back through the sky, sending her spiraling in a wide arc, but her intervention bought Faleria a vital few seconds.
Seizing the opening Nora had created, Edmond moved. With a burst of speed and unyielding focus, he closed the distance to Faleria. His sword, bathed in a brilliant golden light, descended in a sweeping arc. The blade crashed down onto the clone’s head with crushing force, stopping its vicious attack mid-swing. The clash produced a wave of radiant energy, a brief but potent flare of light that repelled the clone momentarily, its body recoiling from the intensity of Edmond’s blow.
At that very moment, Cirnath raised his hand, his face etched with deep concentration. From his fingertips, a soft golden glow unfurled into the air, blossoming into a radiant sphere that expanded to encompass Faleria’s falling form. The sphere acted like a cocoon, gently cradling her and pulling her away from the fray. Inside, Faleria’s grievous wounds began to close, the golden energy knitting her flesh back together with deliberate precision. The sphere pulsed rhythmically, radiating warmth and calm amid the surrounding chaos.
"Leave her to me," Cirnath’s voice rang out, calm but commanding. His spell, the powerful ‘Healing Room,’ would shelter Faleria, ensuring both her physical restoration and protection from further harm. Within the golden bubble, she was safe from the brutal battle raging just outside.
Gerhard, knowing full well the enormous strain Cirnath was under, quickly positioned himself as a human shield before the priest. He could feel the palpable tension in the air, knowing Cirnath was balancing not only Faleria’s protection but also the city-wide golden platform that supported them all in mid-air. Such an immense feat was grueling for even a B-ranked priest, and the weight of this responsibility pressed heavily on Gerhard’s mind. Any breach in their defense could spell disaster.
Meanwhile, Emma fell back from the front lines, grimacing as fresh wounds along her arm and shoulder bled sluggishly. Though painful, they were not fatal. She tore a strip of fabric from her sleeve, quickly wrapping the wound to stem the bleeding, her sharp eyes still locked onto their adversary.
“There’s something more,” she noted, her voice quiet but filled with growing alarm. “Their strength... it’s increasing with every clone we take down.”
Her eyes locked onto the adversary—every step, every movement of clones seemed faster, more precise, as if they were growing stronger with each of his clone’s deaths. The notion was chilling. Edmond’s gaze briefly flicked to her, the same understanding dawning in his eyes, but he remained resolute.
Together, Edmond advanced, flanked by Nora, who had regained her balance and rejoined the fight, and Emma, her injuries notwithstanding. Their movements were synchronized, driven by years of battle-hardened camaraderie. A mere glance between Edmond and Gerhard communicated everything—an unspoken understanding, a nod of mutual acknowledgment.
No words were necessary. They had fought together for too long to require them. Their battle plan was set, understood instinctively. Edmond moved to engage the clone head-on, with Nora at his side. Meanwhile, Gerhard took his place to defend Cirnath, who continued to maintain the platform and heal Faleria.
Gerhard raised his right hand and under his hushed incantation, a dense fog enveloped the battlefield, obscuring vision and muffling sound. As Kenneth gestured to dispel the mist, Edmond, Emma, and Nora burst forth from the veil, each engaging their spectral clone. The clang of metal rang out from where Emma and Edmond clashed with their foes. In contrast, Nora’s blade met no resistance, slicing through her opponent as if through air. Then, in a twist of illusion, a second Nora materialized behind Edmond’s preoccupied clone and delivered a decisive stab. The clone’s form crystallized into ice before fragmenting into nothingness.
Nora had invoked ‘Mirage,’ a spell that turned the fog into a canvas for her deception. As her doppelg?nger fell, the illusion dissipated. Gerhard seizing the moment, conjured his infernal chains, lashing out at Nora’s clone to thwart any further assault.
Nora advanced unscathed through the remnants of her icy foe. Kenneth, quick to react, pointed his sword at the disintegrating clone and uttered, “Explosion enchantment.” The remaining clones ignited, their forms alight with impending doom. Edmond unfurled his golden wings, enveloping Nora in a protective embrace.
The explosion ripped through the air, a deafening blast that sent Emma tumbling violently through the sky. The shockwave rattled the battlefield, leaving even the most seasoned fighters momentarily disoriented. Gerhard, in the midst of forming a protective wind barrier, felt the pressure hit him hard. Before he could react, Emma’s clone darted towards him, its movements unnaturally fast, its blade aimed directly at his unguarded side. Gerhard’s heart raced, knowing he wouldn’t be able to deflect it in time. His expression hardened in the face of imminent danger.
But just before the clone’s strike could connect, a streak of golden light blazed from above, descending like a meteor. Emma, her body glowing with divine radiance, appeared in a burst of energy. Her once-pristine Paladin armor was in tatters, her skin bruised and bloodied, yet she moved with fierce determination. Her right fist, now an enormous golden construct, collided with the clone’s attack, shattering its momentum and sending it reeling through the air. Without wasting a second, Emma lunged forward, grabbing the clone’s leg mid-air with unrelenting force.
With a furious cry, she flung the clone aside, her body propelled by sheer will as she rocketed after it. "I will not let you get away from me again!" Emma’s voice carried across the battlefield, filled with a burning resolve. Her speed was unlike anything her companions had seen before—an effect of the dangerous technique she had invoked, her “Limit Break.”
Each of her strikes radiated with golden light, fists blurring as they smashed into the clone with the power of a celestial storm. The clone struggled under her relentless barrage, its form slowly crumbling with each hit. Emma’s blows were merciless, precise, and overwhelming, until finally, the clone’s body gave way, disintegrating under the sheer force of her attack. But just as victory seemed near, the fallen clone’s remains began to shimmer ominously, an all-too-familiar glow signaling an impending explosion.
"Emma!" Cirnath’s voice cut through the battle, filled with warning.
But the warning came too late. The clone detonated in a brilliant flash of light, sending yet another concussive wave across the sky. When the smoke began to clear, Emma’s form could be seen—hurtling through the air, her scorched golden armor still clinging to her battered frame. Severe burns marred her skin, but by some miracle, she had survived. Her limit break, though draining, had given her enough strength to endure the blast.
The reprieve, however, was short-lived.
The final clone, now twice as fast and ferocious, wasted no time. It darted towards the wounded Emma, blade poised for a lethal strike, ready to end her life in one swift motion.
But just as the clone neared, Gerhard’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Salamander!" From the swirling skies, a massive, fiery winged lizard descended with terrifying speed. The magical beast, its body wreathed in flames, lashed out with its tail. The searing tail cut through the clone’s path, striking with precision and scorching the clone upon impact. The clone staggered back, reeling from the burning attack.
Meanwhile, Cirnath, his face tight with concentration, extended his hand toward Emma. A soft golden light formed around her, enveloping her in a protective sphere. The sphere floated gently through the air, pulling Emma safely back to Cirnath’s side, where he could begin to heal her extensive wounds.
High above the chaos, Kenneth observed the battle unfolding beneath him with a smug expression. His gaze shifted lazily between the struggling captains below. Edmond’s swift movements had not escaped his notice, particularly during the earlier clash when the fog had covered the battlefield. His lips curled into a knowing smirk as he called down to Edmond, his voice dripping with mockery.
“Clever. Passing your teleportation glove to her amidst the fog. That saved her for now... But look at you both.” Kenneth’s eyes gleamed with malice. “You’re drained. I can sense it. The glove’s toll on your stamina—it’s steep, isn’t it? So tell me... What’s your next move?”
Kenneth’s insight was accurate. The teleportation glove’s drawback was severe, sapping stamina exponentially with each use. Edmond had already teleported twice, covering a distance exceeding 200 meters, equivalent to the exertion of walking 10,000 meters. Nora, having used the glove for a near 200-meter distance, was physically less robust than Edmond. Moreover, Edmond’s other glove, which dispelled spells, also came with a hefty price—doubling the mana cost of the negated ability. Having used it against an A-ranker’s spells twice, Edmond’s mana reserves were now utterly depleted.
Edmond gently lowered Nora to the ground, her back showing signs of burning from the explosion.
“Your losses are equal to ours; four of your clones have been defeated,” Edmond retorted, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Kenneth’s response was a grin, broad and confident. “Is that so?”
Without waiting for Edmond’s reply, Kenneth and his remaining clone launched a simultaneous attack. Kenneth engaged Edmond in a flurry of swordplay, while his clone targeted Nora. The air was filled with the sound of clashing steel as they fought. Nora’s shoulder was already injured, struggling to fend off the clone’s flaming sword. Without warning, the sword detonated, unleashing an explosion that could have leveled a structure. The blast sent Nora tumbling backward, her sword flung from her grasp.
The clone, relentless, pursued her with increased velocity, its blade poised to deliver a fatal blow. But just as it seemed he would reach her, the platform beneath him gave way. Gerhard’s Salamander, which had vanished moments before, now reappeared directly below the clone. The creature’s gaping maw, filled with flames and molten rock, awaited its prey. The clone, caught off guard and unable to evade, cast a knowing glance at Cirnath and Gerhard, realizing their ploy.
As the clone clashed with Nora, Cirnath moved with quiet precision, manipulating the magical golden platform beneath them. His hands, glowing faintly, guided Gerhard’s Salamander into position, setting up the perfect ambush. From below, the fiery beast emerged like a specter, its molten jaws wide open. The clone, distracted by its duel with Nora, barely registered the threat before the Salamander’s infernal bite closed around it.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
For a fleeting moment, Cirnath felt a surge of victory rise within him. His heart raced as he watched the clone engulfed in the Salamander’s searing maw. “Finally,” he exclaimed, his voice almost trembling with relief. “The last one is defeated!”
But as Cirnath turned to his comrades, Gerhard remained unmoved, his face set in a grim frown. He could still feel it—the clone’s presence. Despite being captured within the Salamander’s jaws, it hadn’t been destroyed. The battle was far from over.
Meanwhile, Edmond was locked in a brutal exchange with Kenneth, both combatants moving at breakneck speed. Kenneth’s mastery of enchantment spells allowed him to control the battlefield with terrifying precision. Just as Edmond raised his sword for another strike, Kenneth whispered a single word that echoed with power: “Heavy.”
Suddenly, Edmond’s sword became impossibly heavy, its weight pulling him down with crushing force. His armor, already cumbersome, now felt like a leaden prison. With a grunt of effort, Edmond staggered and fell on the platform, his movements slowed by the enchantment. Kenneth saw his chance and, in a blur of motion, launched himself toward Gerhard, aiming for a lethal blow.
Gerhard, standing on the edge of exhaustion, had precious little mana left for another spell. His mind raced through the possibilities, weighing the outcomes in mere seconds. As Kenneth closed in, his sword poised to strike, Gerhard made his decision. He whispered a single word, “Switch.”
In an instant, Gerhard swapped places with his Salamander. Kenneth’s strike, now unstoppable, continued on its path. His sword, glowing with an eerie purple light, slashed through the Salamander’s body instead of Gerhard’s. The clone trapped within the Salamander also bore the brunt of the devastating blow, but Gerhard’s mind was elsewhere—focused on the Salamander’s final gift.
The Salamander’s death triggered its ultimate defense mechanism: a self-detonation. Gerhard had chosen this tactic knowing the risk but also knowing the reward. His own life would have ended permanently if Kenneth’s strike had landed, but the Salamander, a summoned beast, could be reborn after a month’s time.
As the Salamander’s body began to collapse, its core ignited. Gerhard’s eyes gleamed with grim satisfaction as he called out, “Cirnath!”
Cirnath, ever watchful, responded without hesitation. His hands flashed as he manipulated the magical platform beneath them, warping it to form a protective barrier. Golden light flickered and solidified, creating a shield just moments before the Salamander erupted in a massive explosion.
The blast was cataclysmic. Flames and molten rock expanded outward in a fiery wave, threatening to obliterate everything within its radius. The explosion reached high into the sky, stretching from Orchid Street to Main Street, engulfing the battlefield in a searing inferno. Kenneth, caught in the thick of it, was thrown backward, while the clone inside was completely incinerated. The explosion cracked the very foundation of the magical platform, causing fractures to splinter across its surface.
Cirnath’s barrier held firm, but only just. The impact left him straining, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he maintained the protection over his comrades. The platform wobbled precariously, its once golden glow dimming under the strain.
As the smoke cleared, the battlefield lay in devastation. Chunks of the platform began to crumble away, falling to the ground below. But amidst the chaos, Gerhard stood resolute, knowing that though the Salamander was lost, they had survived the clash.
As the dust began to settle over the battlefield, four of the six combatants lay incapacitated, their bodies still, only faint groans of pain indicating life. Cirnath stood among them, his once-bright mana reserves now nearly drained. His breath came in shallow, ragged bursts as he struggled to keep his Healing spheres active. Edmond, finally freed from the weight of the heavy enchantment that had shackled him during the earlier stages of the fight, stood tall, his eyes scanning the remnants of the chaotic scene, ready for whatever was about to unfold.
Across the battlefield, Kenneth stepped forward, his clothes unsullied, his body unscathed. He wore a smug smile, as though this part of the battle had merely been a warm-up. “Shall we begin the real game?” he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Edmond’s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the situation. Faleria lay on the platform, her chest rising and falling heavily as Cienath worked to heal her wounds. Her armor bore deep dents and was smeared with streaks of blood. She struggled to rise, but her strength was nearly spent. Beside her, two captains equally battered, lay motionless their injuries too severe for them to move. Gerhard, though visibly depleted of mana remained standing, his eyes sharp with unwavering determination. And Cirnath, despite the fatigue gnawing at him, continued to channel his dwindling magic, his Healing spheres flickering weakly in the air.
With a sharp inhale, Edmond’s hand tightened around the hilt of his sword. He could feel the tension in his muscles, the anticipation of what was to come. But before he could act, a sudden sound pierced the air.
Ding.
The sound, clear and resonant, echoed like the toll of a church bell, cutting through the tension and signaling an unmistakable shift in the battle''s tide.
Ding.
To everyone’s disbelief, the destroyed platform beneath their feet began to reassemble itself, as if time itself were being reversed. And in the blink of an eye, a small, gleaming church materialized, its pristine form seemingly conjured from the very air itself.
Ding.
The final bell tolled just as a voice, both commanding and achingly familiar, cut through the tumult of the battlefield. “Yes, let us begin.”
Edmond spun on his heel, his heart pounding as he searched for the source of the voice. Standing there, with a calm yet reassuring grin, was Oryu—his old comrade. His presence, radiating both power and authority, sent a wave of relief through Edmond.
“Excellent work, everyone,” Oryu said, his tone both proud and firm. His gaze flickered to Cirnath, who stood barely upright from exhaustion. “Cirnath, escort everyone into the church; I’ll assist with their healing.”
Without hesitation, Cirnath nodded, his face pale but determined.
The golden glow of his already-formed healing spheres spread further, enveloping another captain along with Faleria and Emma. The spheres’ light pulsed softly as they lifted the injured gently from the ground, their wounds steadily mending under its soothing warmth.
Gerhard, drained of mana and realizing he could no longer contribute meaningfully, turned and followed Cirnath into the shelter of the Church.
Slowly, they were guided toward the gleaming sanctuary that had appeared. The doors swung open, inviting them inside.
As the last of the wounded passed through, the great doors of the church closed behind them, sealing them away from the chaos of the battlefield outside. For a moment, all was still.
Edmond, who had harbored suspicions about Kenneth’s rank and ability to summon his domain, now found his curiosity piqued by Oryu’s similar feat. “How can you use your domain as well?” he inquired.
Oryu’s smile broadened. “Summoning one’s domain requires a vast reservoir of mana, not necessarily the rank of A3 or higher. A legendary item or dragon mana gems can serve the same purpose.”
His gaze then shifted to Kenneth, adopting a more solemn tone. “Kenneth Randall, a mercenary of the Magic Empire and an A1 rank—I assume you possess a legendary item. What business do you have in my city?”
Kenneth’s expression soured at Oryu’s intervention. “Indeed, I have a magical item, but I didn’t use it to call forth my domain. I utilized a crystal instead. As for your second inquiry, you’ll have to defeat me to uncover that.”
Anticipating Kenneth''s next move, Oryu brandished his staff, its shaft adorned with three distinct gems—yellow, red, and blue, each shimmering with latent power. With a flick of his wrist, the yellow gem ignited, releasing a concentrated beam of light that shot toward Kenneth, moving with the speed and intensity of a lightning strike.
Kenneth, reacting with lightning reflexes, transformed his sword into a broad shield, the blade’s metal shifting seamlessly. The beam struck the shield, deflecting off with a loud crackle of energy. But Kenneth wasn’t done. Without pausing, his weapon morphed again, this time elongating into a sleek longbow. In a fluid motion, he nocked a flaming arrow, and before releasing, two enchantment circles flared to life—one multiplying the arrow, the other amplifying its speed. In an instant, the single arrow multiplied into a hundred, each glowing with fiery intensity, all aimed directly at Oryu.
Oryu, his expression calm and calculated, activated the blue gem on his staff. A shimmering protective barrier materialized in the air, forming a translucent circle around him. The arrows struck the shield with a series of deafening impacts, each detonation ringing out as flames collided with the magical defense. The force shook the air, but Oryu stood unmoved within his impenetrable wall.
As the final arrow exploded and the smoke cleared, Oryu’s hand moved toward the red gem. It pulsed once before unleashing a radiant light that surged upward, illuminating the sky. A massive golden magic circle, so large it spanned half the city, formed overhead, casting an eerie glow across the battlefield. Kenneth’s expression changed instantly, his confidence wavering as recognition dawned.
“This spell?” he gasped, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Rage quickly replaced the shock in Kenneth’s eyes. “You dare bring that staff into battle? Do you have a death wish?” His voice was sharp, seething with both fury and frustration at Oryu''s audacity.
In response, Oryu simply smiled, his calm demeanor betraying nothing of the chaos that was about to unfold.
Atop the immense golden circle in the sky, a majestic figure began to take shape, its ethereal form reminiscent of a divine angel. The being, gilded in radiant light, shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. Its wings, expansive and majestic, unfurled in a slow, deliberate motion, each feather glowing with a soft, warm luminescence that seemed to pulse with the magic of the heavens themselves. The figure’s halo, a perfect ring of light, hovered above its head, casting a glow that bathed the battlefield in a soft, golden hue.
With an aura of authority, the celestial being raised one hand, its delicate, glowing finger pointing directly at Kenneth. As if sensing the imminent danger, Kenneth’s instincts flared to life. His muscles tensed, and his eyes widened in realization. Without hesitation, he invoked a powerful light enchantment. His body became lighter, almost weightless, as he prepared to evade the incoming attack with unparalleled agility. The air around him shimmered, reflecting the light of his enchantment as he moved to dash out of harm''s way.
However, before Kenneth could make his move, Edmond appeared in his path, his entire body enveloped in a golden aura. The energy surrounding him crackled, alive with power, mirroring the brilliance of Emma’s earlier display. His eyes, now glowing with the same golden intensity, locked onto Kenneth with unwavering determination. The air around Edmond vibrated with energy as he activated his “Limit Break,” pushing his strength and speed far beyond their natural limits. His muscles surged with newfound power, and with a primal roar, he lunged forward, his sword raised high above his head, gleaming in the light.
With a mighty downward swing, Edmond brought his sword crashing toward Kenneth. The force behind the attack was immense, the platform beneath him trembling under the weight of his strike. Yet, even in the face of Edmond’s amplified strength, Kenneth managed to react. He raised his weapon, transforming it into a shimmering shield just in time to intercept the blow. The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed across the battlefield as sparks flew from the impact. Kenneth gritted his teeth, muscles straining as he held his ground, managing to halt Edmond’s devastating attack.
But the clash was not without consequence. Though Kenneth had stopped Edmond’s strike, the diversion had served its purpose. Oryu, positioned at a distance, had been gathering energy for his spell. The golden circle above intensified, glowing with overwhelming radiance. In the center, a concentrated beam of light began to form, coalescing with the combined power of the spell. The air crackled with energy, and in an instant, the beam shot downward, lancing directly toward Kenneth.
Kenneth, still locked in a standoff with Edmond, barely had time to react. His eyes flickered with panic as he realized the magnitude of the incoming attack. Desperately, he began to invoke a variety of protective enchantments, his hands moving quickly to cast defensive spells. A barrier of light shimmered into existence around him, layers of magic forming shields meant to withstand any assault. But the suddenness of Oryu''s strike left him with too little time to unleash the full extent of his power. He shoved Edmond backward with sheer force and spun around, raising his weapon-turned-shield just in time to absorb the impact of the beam.
However, the force behind Oryu’s spell was too great. The beam collided with Kenneth’s magical defenses, overwhelming them one by one. His shield cracked first, then shattered under the immense pressure, sending shards of magical energy flying in all directions. The impact was immense, hurling Kenneth backward as the remnants of his enchantments disintegrated. His body slammed into the luminous platform below with a thunderous crash, the golden surface rippling from the force of his fall.
Meanwhile, Oryu, standing at the edge of the battlefield, showed the toll his spell had taken on him. His breathing had grown labored, and beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, dampening his once calm demeanor. As he lowered his staff, a soft glow enveloped his hand, and with a sudden flash, his little finger dissolved into particles of light, the ultimate price paid for the immense power he had unleashed.
…
Below, amidst the chaos, Leo’s attention was captured by a cacophonous sound akin to shattering glass. He gazed skyward to witness the fragmentation of a once-solid golden platform, its shards cascading downwards. From the epicenter of the destruction, a figure plummeted to the earth, landing mere meters from Leo with such force that the shockwave propelled Leo against a nearby building’s wall. Struggling against the pain wracking his already battered body, Leo fought to remain conscious. As the dust settled, he discerned the form of a man still drawing breath. The man extended his hand, conjuring an enchantment circle familiar to Leo from his studies. Powerless to move, Leo could only watch as the man whispered an incantation. Heat suffused Leo’s body, his vision blurring until, overwhelmed, he succumbed to darkness.