Countdown

Up till now even the system of others had picked up the feeling that a dark energy was tracking their mana, and all they could do was to run and reach the residence just in time but their speed was no match for the leader and they could feel his aura gaining on them. Although it was daytime which meant that the leader's skills were nerfed, it wasn't a good idea to take a chance to fight him.

Barry had located the shortest pathway toward the residence which would take them about 15 minutes to reach till then all he could do was call for backup to either hold the leader off or block his path in any way possible.

"How is he on his own doesn't he usually send his minions after us", asked Alan.

"Since we defeated Jarvis, I received intel from other captains guarding different districts that the clan they were charged on, their leaders started to die to an unknown cause, according to my speculation the leader might have killed them for their incompetence and decided to work solo to ensure stealth and to reduce the excessive wastage of money on those clans and using it for himself to buy more skills'', answered Barry.

"Guys this isn't the time for any thoughts, it's time to use that skill" " intervened Shelby while grabbing Theo to explain the trio's plan to him as well.

With a sign through a nod, all 4 activated their skill and stopped their progression and instead slowly released their auras to take on the leader. Time slowly ticked as their systems sensors of dark energy grew darker and darker and without any warning 3 shadow demons lunged at the group except for Barry as he stood 1 on 1 against the leader.

"Barry, the student of the master. I must say your cursed technique is quite useful, Might wanna use more of those stages so it may help me with my goal", said the leader

"Your goal...", before Barry could even finish his sentence the leader had already stood before him with his shadow blade, and with no time to waste Barry quickly withdrew his blade and now had to face the man who was on par with the master, although barry now possessing half of masters powers still felt that he was no match for him.

Apart from Barry, the group themselves had individual problems to deal with, Alan, activating his wind ability faced the first shadow demon. The creature lunged at him, its claws slashing through the air. Alan leaped back, and let out his first move.

[Wind Style: Evade]

summoning a gust of wind at his feet he propelled himself higher followed by a flick of his wrist, he sent a razor-sharp blade of air hurtling towards the demon. The creature dodged, but Alan anticipated its move, conjuring a whirlwind that trapped the demon within its vortex. As the demon struggled, Alan intensified the wind's speed, the powerful currents tearing at the shadowy form, but the ability wasn't strong enough, and with a mere touch of the demon's hand on his vortex, he was able to undo the ability, Alan knew the depth of the situation and had to end his battle fast so he could assist the others, but this would require a sacrifice. With no thought in mind, Alan drew his sword and threw himself towards the demon cutting its right hand but his left hand was now piercing Alan's shoulder. This was what he wanted, by wrapping his ability in his hand he stabbed the demon and released wind into the demon's stomach ultimately exploding him and finishing the fight.

Meanwhile, Shelby confronted her own shadow demon near a stagnant pond. The demon's eyes glowed with malevolent intent as it charged. Shelby stood her ground, her hands gracefully weaving intricate patterns in the air. Water from the pond rose, forming a protective barrier around her. The demon's claws struck the water shield, but Shelby manipulated the liquid, transforming it into icy spears that pierced through the demon's dark form. With a wave of her hand, she commanded the water to engulf the demon entirely, freezing it solid. A swift kick shattered the frozen figure, dispersing it into a cloud of dark mist.

Theo faced the final shadow demon, his eyes narrowed with focus. Possessing a multitude of elemental powers, he was prepared for any attack. The demon lashed out, but Theo countered with a wall of fire, forcing the creature to retreat. He followed up with a barrage of ice shards, which the demon dodged with serpentine agility. Undeterred, Theo stamped his foot on the ground, causing earth spikes to erupt and trap the demon in place. He then summoned a dense mist, obscuring the demon's vision, so he could sneak up on him.

[Sword Style: Point Blank Thrust]

With immense force, he pierced the demon right in the head, brutally killing it as he saw its particles sway in the wind. With the minor threat eliminated, the trio prepared to turn their attention to Barry. However, before they could move, Barry's body hurtled past them, crashing into a rock with a sickening thud, blood spurting from the impact.

The leader was done playing games and didn't want these pawns stopping him from what he wanted, so he had to end it all by finishing all of them so that he could acquire the dead body of Alan for his own purpose.

[Shadow Style: Perimeter Control]

A black radius started to release from where the leader was standing making it way to the group at rapid speed, before the group could even realize they were already under the influence of his technique. All of them took out their sword to deflect any unpredictable attacks that could come from within that radius but to their surprise it was a non-avoidable attack that guaranteed death.

"Die", said the leader as 4 spikes of shadows released from the black radius at high speed and aimed at all the individual's hearts granting them instant death. In the blink of an eye, all 4 of them were dead but it was quite an odd death, No blood had spilled on the encounter.

The leader watched in confusion as, moments later, all four bodies erupted into bursts of light, wind, water, and fire. It dawned on him that they had created elemental clones to hold him back, giving themselves a chance to escape. Their plan had worked flawlessly.

"Well played Barry, ill be sure to repay you for your act", said the Leader before disappearing into thin air.