15 - Clash of Courage: Unyielding Defenders

Ren's action caused all the air in the room to seem sucked out, as Jon prepared to protect Gwen at any cost...

In that decisive moment, when Ren appeared in front of Jon, the world seemed to pause for a brief second. Jon, acting on pure instinct, kicked Gwen with all his might, sending her far away from the approaching danger. 'She needs to stay safe,' raced through his mind, adrenaline making his heart beat rapidly.

At the same time, he raised his sword in an attempt to intercept Ren's axe. 'If I can just block this blow...' But the fierce momentum of Ren's axe challenged Jon's defense. With a muffled, guttural sound, Jon was thrown against the dungeon wall.

The pain manifested almost immediately. He could taste the metallic tang of blood and feel a sharp burning sensation in his ribs. 'This can't be the end. My second chance can't end like this,' he thought, quickly trying to formulate a plan.

Gwen, attempting to recover from the kick and the impact against the floor, looked up in time to see Jon being thrown. 'This can't be happening,' she screamed in her mind, feeling fear take over every part of her being.

Ren, realizing his advantage, looked at Jon with an expression of superiority. "I guess your sword wasn't a match for my axe," he taunted, before casting a predatory glance in Gwen's direction. 'I suppose I can use this girl to find out about the entrance matrix,' he thought, beginning to approach the young archer.

With slow, calculated steps, Ren began to approach Gwen. Each beat of his heart echoed in his ears, with the image of the desperate young girl imprinting in his mind. 'I never thought it would come to this, using my strength against children. But the desires of the human heart often override morality,' he pondered internally.

Externally, however, Ren was playing the perfect executioner. A cruel smile formed on his lips, amplifying Gwen's fear and Jon's desperation. He relished in this momentary power over them.

"If you tell me what I need to open the dungeon," he began, his voice low and menacing, "I assure you both a quick and painless death. It's the least I can do for you."

Jon, using every ounce of strength he had left, tried to get up, his eyes fixed on Gwen. 'I need to think of something. We can't die here. Not like this.' The sight of Gwen, her tears glistening in the dim dungeon light, fueled his protective urge.

On the other hand, Gwen seemed immobilized by fear, her blue eyes locked onto Ren. 'Jon... What can we do?' she thought, desperately searching for an escape but feeling her options run dry.

As Ren drew closer to Gwen, the whisper of an arrow slicing through the air resonated in the dungeon's silence. In the last second, Ren's instinctive reflex made him raise his hand, blocking the arrow that Jon, against all odds, had released. The intensity of pain in Jon's broken arm and ribs made him bite his lips so hard that blood flowed, but his focus on protecting Gwen and finding an escape outweighed his momentary agony.

'Never underestimate someone with something to lose,' Jon thought, struggling to keep his eyes open and his mind clear.

Ren let out a guttural cry of surprise and pain, looking at his hand where the arrow was lodged. The surprise in his eyes was evident. Though he had dominated the situation until now, he hadn't expected such resistance from an injured child. It was clear why he had become a mercenary and not an imperial knight or a hunter, something more fitting for his bestial race. In terms of combat skills, he was at best average.

"Did you really think it would be that easy?" Jon spat the words, despite his vulnerable situation.

In the dungeon's darkness, the gravity of the situation exacted its toll. As Ren grappled with the pain of the arrow, Jon shot a quick glance at Gwen, only to realize she was paralyzed by fear.

"What are you doing?!" Jon yelled, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "GET OUT OF HERE!"

Gwen hesitated, her teary eyes revealing the internal conflict of leaving her friend behind or attempting to help. But before she could respond, Jon cut her off, his voice heavy with frustration and urgency.

"What use is a helpless one who couldn't take a step this whole time?!" It was a deliberate cruelty, a way to push her into action.

Gwen blinked, a mix of surprise and determination in her eyes. She understood the message. The only chance, however slight, to save Jon was to seek help. Without further hesitation and without looking back, she sprinted, her footsteps echoing against the stone floor, creating a rhythm that guided her through the darkness.

Meanwhile, Ren, overcoming his pain, yanked out the arrow and looked around, only to catch Gwen's figure disappearing into the shadows. Adrenaline and anger surged through him, but he still had Jon, the boy who had somehow caused him so much trouble in so little time.

The dungeon scene grew increasingly sinister as Ren channeled his rage. Fueled by hatred, he grabbed Jon by the collar, forcing his head onto the cold stone floor. With a swift tug, he raised Jon's face and then slammed it down again onto the stone, producing a resounding thud that reverberated through the walls.

"And you still think you can defy me?" Ren growled, his voice like the scrape of iron against stone.

Without allowing Jon a moment to catch his breath, Ren delivered a direct punch to the boy's stomach. The air rushed out of Jon's lungs, causing him to cough and writhe in agony. With the back of his hand, Ren struck Jon's face, leaving a deep gash on the boy's cheek.

'It was supposed to be quick,' Ren reflected inwardly, sweat trickling down his forehead, 'but I underestimated this boy.' The pain in his arm infuriated him, wearing away his patience even more.

Resolute and consumed by anger, Ren leaned down, his eyes almost sparking as he drew closer to Jon. "I just need the entrance's secret," he snarled, his free hand moving toward Jon's face. "Don't make your death worse than it already is."

Jon, despite the sharp pain and the bruises on his face, managed to focus on Ren. 'So, my second chance ended before it even began,' he thought, a hoarse and lifeless laugh escaping his lips. The contrast between his bloodied face and the bitter laughter he emitted was stark.

"Go to hell..." Jon muttered weakly, his eyes cloudy yet defiant.

Ren leaned in, his keen hearing picking up each word, "Say it louder. Weren't you full of yourself just a while ago?"

Yelling with every last bit of strength he had, Jon spat blood as he shouted, "FUCK YOU, YOU JERK!" The blood and saliva splattered onto Ren's face, causing a momentary surprise.

For a brief moment, a deathly silence hung in the dungeon, with only Jon's labored breathing breaking the stillness...