Protecting the Capital (Part 2)

Finding a moment of respite amidst the chaos, Nate summoned his status screen. The familiar blue interface flickered into view, revealing a surprising development—he had gained two levels during the battle, a detail he had been too engrossed in combat to notice earlier. With urgency, he allocated all his free points to Intelligence and reviewed the changes with satisfaction.

Name: Nathaniel Cromwell

Level: 17 / Exp (0/1700)

Class: Illusionist Duelist

Race: Half-Fae / Half Unknown (SEALED)

Age: 16

Strength: 37

Perception: 36

Dexterity: 36

Intelligence: 20 > 38

Endurance: 35

Charisma: 34

Free Points: 18 > 0

"Delta Squad, form up!" Harlan's commanding voice cut through the battlefield's cacophony, demanding immediate compliance. Nate, his heart racing, glanced at Gwen, and they both moved with renewed determination.

"Fall back and regroup!" Harlan's authoritative tone resonated as he established a defensive position at the heart of their formation. His piercing blue eyes assessed each squad member and their positioning. "We cannot allow these beasts to breach our lines!" he roared, igniting a fierce resolve in his comrades.

"Right behind you, Nate," Gwen panted, her usual carefree demeanor replaced by a fierce scowl. Her sea-blue eyes burned with unwavering resolve.

"Thanks, Gwen," Nate replied, his grip tightening around his dagger as he fell into formation beside Harlan. Together, they presented a united front against the relentless tide of monsters, each snarl and growl reverberating through the air.

"Steady, everyone! Hold your ground!" Harlan barked as the oncoming horde of claws and fangs threatened to overwhelm them. Squad Delta moved in unison, their actions perfectly synchronized.

Nate focused intently, utilizing a combination of his Vanishing Act skill and dagger mastery to appear behind monsters and dispatch them swiftly.

"Push them back! We're not finished yet!" Harlan's rallying cry spurred the squad to gain ground against the monstrous horde. The battlefield trembled, the air thick with the stench of sweat and blood.

"Stay strong, everyone," Nate thought, his determination unshaken.

Amidst the storm of blades and magic, Nate fought his way toward Harlan, the wind whipping through his black hair. His emerald eyes locked onto the battle-hardened leader, who stood resolute amidst the chaos, barking orders with unwavering conviction.

"Harlan!" Nate called out, using his agility to close the distance. "I have vital information!"

"Speak quickly," Harlan responded, his focus never wavering as he deftly parried an incoming strike.

Breathing heavily, Nate relayed his findings. "There's a realm portal in the forest from which these monsters are emerging. I believe I can close it."

Harlan's attention shifted momentarily, his eyes narrowing with contemplation. Beneath the weight of the situation, Nate sensed a flicker of hope in the leader's gaze.

"Alright," Harlan said, voice firm with resolve. "Here's the plan."

Gwen appeared at Nate's side, her sea-blue eyes resolute. Her chestnut hair fluttered in the turbulent air, and her elfin ears twitched with heightened awareness.

"Listen carefully, Squad Delta," Harlan addressed the squad, drawing their focus. "Our priority is to reach that portal and shut it down. Nate, you lead the way. Gwen, cover our flank and keep the monsters at bay. The rest of you—" Harlan scanned the faces of his squad, a blend of fear and determination, "—protect our comrades and trust in each other. We are our only defense."

Nate nodded, his heart pounding with resolve. He knew this was their chance to halt the monster onslaught and prevent further destruction. As he gripped his dagger, a surge of determination flowed through him.

"Let's move out," Harlan commanded, and Squad Delta sprang into action.

"Stay close," Gwen whispered, her wind magic subtly swirling around her fingertips. "We've got this."

The monstrous roar of a fanged beast nearly drowned out the sound of Nate's pounding heart as he led Squad Delta through the horde. The air was thick with blood and fear, the ground quaking beneath their steps. Yet, they pressed forward, each step a testament to their unwavering determination.

"Stay focused, everyone!" Harlan shouted over the chaos. "Remember our goal!"

Nate kept his breathing steady, emerald eyes scanning for openings. His mind raced, calculating the most efficient routes while assessing the risks.

"Watch your left, Gwen!" Nate warned as he stabbed at a monster lunging for her. She acknowledged his warning with a nod, using a wind blade to finish the creature off.

"Next time, try not to let them get so close," she teased, a hint of a smile gracing her sea-blue eyes.

"Will do, my lady," Nate replied with a grin, a brief moment of levity amidst the chaos.

"Push forward!" Harlan ordered.

An invisible barrier began to form around Squad Delta, repelling the monstrous onslaught as Gwen's magic created a protective shield. The beasts snarled and snapped, unable to breach the barrier.

"Amazing, Gwen!" Nate exclaimed, eyes wide with admiration. "You're doing great!"

"Thanks, Nate," Gwen said, sweat trickling down her forehead. "But we need to keep moving. Time is not on our side."

"Agreed," Harlan added, his voice resolute. "Nate, lead the way. We'll support you. Let's end this nightmare!"

With renewed determination, Squad Delta advanced through the horde.

They finally reached the swirling vortex of the realm portal, its chaotic energies casting eerie shadows across the battlefield. Nate stared into the abyss, a mixture of awe and trepidation flooding over him. He knew their mission's success hinged on his ability to close the rift, and he hoped Cola would guide him in using his spatial magic.

"Alright, Nate. You've got this," Harlan said, patting him on the shoulder. "We'll hold off the monsters as long as we can. Just focus on closing that portal."

"Understood," Nate replied, steeling himself for the task. Cola's voice resonated in his mind, reassuring him of her guidance. Taking a deep breath, Nate raised his hands toward the portal, channeling the magical energy within him.

"Host, focus on your mana core, and I will align your spatial magic with the portal's energy signature," Cola whispered gently in his thoughts.

Nate nodded, eyes narrowing as he concentrated. The air crackled with power, the scent of ozone sharp in his nostrils. His fingertips tingled with icy intensity, but he pressed on, determined.

"Okay, here goes," he muttered, directing his will toward the portal. He felt a strange harmony between his magic and the portal's energies, like two instruments playing in concert.

"Good job, Nate!" Gwen called from her position, fending off a snarling beast. "Keep it up!"

Sweat dripped down Nate's face as he poured his focus into his magic. Slowly, the portal began to shrink, its chaotic colors dimming as the wild energies were subdued.

"Almost there, Nate," Harlan encouraged, voice strained from the battle. "Just a little more!"

With a final surge of effort, Nate pushed his magic to its limits. The portal wavered, its otherworldly glow fading until it collapsed in on itself with a quiet hum.

A triumphant silence enveloped the clearing as Squad Delta took a moment to catch their breath. The realm portal was closed, but the battle was not yet over. The remnants of the monster horde still roared around them.

"Great job, Nate!" Gwen said, her sea-blue eyes alight with pride. "Now let's finish these monsters off."

"Agreed," Harlan added, catching his breath. "We've come this far; there's no turning back."

"Let's do this," Nate declared, fists clenched. "Together, we'll drive these monsters back and secure our victory!"