Elias Hawthorne

Goliath's Fist was a devastating spell, one that channeled the very essence of the earth into a single, monumental blow.

Lancelot's fist, surrounded by a massive construct of rock and earth, aimed directly at Barnabus.

The construct was enormous, dwarfing both combatants, and it radiated an overwhelming power, with veins of glowing bloodstone pulsing through the rock, adding an extra layer of lethal potency.

Barnabus's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as he saw the magnitude of the attack.

He raised his own hand, dark energy swirling around it, preparing to counter the blow.

The two forces collided with a thunderous impact.

The ground shook violently, and a shockwave rippled outwards, flattening everything in its path.

For a moment, it seemed as if the very air would shatter from the force of their clash.

he ground quaked as the ripples of mana hung in the air, shimmering like heat waves. The intensity of the clash had left the air charged with energy.

Barnabus, slightly staggered but far from defeated, wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Impressive," he growled. "But not enough."

Lancelot, breathing heavily, knew that he had put everything into that attack. His eyes widened as Barnabus channeled a bit of his dark mana into his hand.

The air around his hand crackled with an ominous, dark energy.

In a heartbeat, Barnabus swung his hand, backhanding Lancelot with such force that the impact echoed like a thunderclap.

Lancelot was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth as the sheer force of the blow crushed his ribs.

His body arced through the air, a blur of motion heading straight for a building.

Just as Lancelot was about to crash into a building, a wave of water surged around him.

"Water Magic: Ocean's Embrace!" Sir Elias's voice rang out, filled with authority and power.

He appeared on the scene, his clothes stained with blood from the henchmen he had slaughtered.

A torrent of water materialized, wrapping around Lancelot in a protective cocoon.

The water's gentle yet firm grip absorbed the impact, slowing his flight and setting him gently on the ground.

The spell dissipated, leaving Lancelot drenched but alive and unharmed.

Barnabus smirked, his eyes narrowing as he observed Sir Elias. "Another ant shows up," he mocked, his dark aura pulsating with malevolent energy.

He stood tall, his presence radiating unrestrained brutality and confidence.

Sir Elias's expression was grim, his eyes focused and unyielding. He positioned himself between Lancelot and Barnabus, ready to defend his comrade.

The air was thick with tension, the battlefield silent except for the faint crackling of residual magic and the distant sounds of burning buildings.

"Barnabus the Slayer," Sir Elias said, his voice steady, "your rampage ends here."

Barnabus's smile widened, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Bold words for a dead man," he replied, his aura flaring as he prepared to unleash his next attack.

"If I die here, Marina dies. I have to survive somehow," Sir Elias thought, his mind racing. "He is too strong for my current self. I have to unseal my power."

Lancelot, barely able to speak, managed to croak out, "Run, it's too dangerous."

Sir Elias's expression hardened.

"This attack... it seems to have been planned. No one managed to flee the town to report," he thought, cursing their misfortune.

"Damn, we were caught off guard."

He released his spiritual pressure, the air around him thickening with power.

Inside his conscious realm, a place of vast waters and turbulent winds, a massive grimoire lay chained at its center.

Sir Elias's spiritual avatar moved to the grimoire, unlocking the chains with a determined expression.

As the chains fell away, a surge of mana flowed into him from the surrounding area.

His body began to change, the years melting away as he regained his youth.

His hair darkened, wrinkles smoothed, and his eyes sparkled with renewed vitality.

"It's been ages since I let loose," Sir Elias said, his voice resonant with power.

"I am Elias Hawthorne. Remember my name in the depths of hell."

The area surged with mana, Elias's aura spreading throughout Mossy Hollow and beyond.

The intensity of his power was palpable, sending shivers down the spines of those nearby.

"What... Enlightened Stage? Was he just a wolf in sheep's clothing?" Lancelot thought, his bloody face twisted in disbelief.

With a wave of his hand, Sir Elias extinguished every flame in the entire town. The flickering fires were snuffed out instantly, leaving only smoke and smoldering ruins.

Barnabus moved, his dark red aura intensifying. "You done with the show-off?" he sneered, launching himself at Sir Elias.

"Heavenly Demon Technique: First Form – Infernal Devastation!"

The air crackled with energy as Barnabus's dark power clashed with Sir Elias's magic. "Wind Magic: Winds of Chaos," Sir Elias whispered.

The two forces collided, creating a massive shockwave that rippled outwards.

Just before the shockwave could reach Lancelot, Sir Elias whispered another spell, "Water Magic: Tortoise's Shell," enveloping Lancelot in a protective barrier.

Barnabus was propelled back by the force of the clash, his body slamming into the city wall with a resounding crash.

Dust and debris filled the air as he struggled to his feet, his dark aura flickering.

Sir Elias stood tall, his aura radiating power. "Your rampage ends here, Barnabus," he said, his voice echoing with unyielding resolve.

He threw a small pill towards Lancelot, who caught it instinctively.

"That's a Saint Grade Vitality Replenishing Pill," Elias explained. "In about ten breaths, you'll have recovered all of your strength."

He continued, "Take Marina and leave this place. Here, this is a flight artifact. Use it to get out of here."

Lancelot struggled to breathe properly, the intensity of sir elias's presence weighing heavily on him.

"His presence... it's overwhelming," Lancelot thought, nodding in agreement.

"I'm sorry, but your subordinates are dead. Move fast. I have already cleared the east side of the town," Sir Elias said, his voice firm and unwavering.

Lancelot took the pill, feeling its restorative energy spread through his body almost immediately.

He nodded again, more resolute this time. "I understand," he said, his voice stronger. "I'll get Marina to safety."

Just as Lancelot prepared to leave, a group of Barnabus's henchmen appeared, having returned from their rampage elsewhere in the town.