Charging

Despite the severe injuries inflicted by the first volley of shots the three figures began to rise once more. Dark, cold energy weaving around them and seeping into their wounds, knitting flesh and bone back together quickly. Their pale skin seemed to absorb the dark energy, the gashes and holes closing rapidly.

"Oh shit..." Erik muttered, his face grimaced as he watched the figures stand again. He already suspected that they will not that easy to kill.

But before he and Mia could fully process what was happening Liam's voice cut through the shock. "Don't give them a fucking chance!" he shouted as he cocked his Boltr again. Without hesitation, he fired another round.

BANG!

The shot echoed through the glade, the magic slugs tearing through the air towards the nearest figure.

Erik and Mia snapped out of their stunned state and immediately following Liam's lead. They quickly cocked their Boltr and shoot

BANG!

BANG!

The sound of gunfire filled the glade once more as Erik and Mia unleashed their own attacks, aiming to finish off the figures before they could fully recover. The trio fired in rapid succession.

The dark figures seemed momentarily surprised by the ferocity of their attack. They staggered as the slugs struck them again, the magical energy embedded in the projectiles crackling upon impact.

But they were quick to react.

One of the figures with facial expression twisted with a mix of anger and frustration extended his hand and murmured an incantation under his breath. A thin dark barrier began to form around him, shimmering with a cold light. The other two recognizing the tactic so they decided to joined in, raising their hands as well.

A translucent but strong magic shield materialized around them with surface that rippling like water. The trio's magic slugs collided with the shield and creating shockwave on its surface.

"They've put up a shield so quick!" Mia shouted, her frustration clear as she pumped her shotgun again.

The trio continued to fire, but it was clear that the shield was absorbing every shot.

The three dark figures began to regain their composure. They glanced at each other, a shared understanding passing between them. Despite the initial shock of the attack they now seemed confident, their cold eyes gleaming with malice from behind their masks.

Erik clenched his jaw, realizing that the element of surprise had passed. The figures were adapting, and they needed to change their strategy—and fast. The Boltr will not be effective before their magical shield.

The dark figures regained their composure within the protective barrier, they exchanged sinister glances. Their confidence growing as they observed the trio. In their eyes they were just children.

Without hesitation Erik slung his Bǫltr onto his back and reached for his sword. Liam followed suit, letting his shotgun rest against his back as he drew his twin axes. He spun them in his hands, his muscles tensing as he prepared for the upcoming clash. Mia also stowed her Bǫltr and grabbed a short stick from her side. With a quick twist of her wrist, the stick extended and elongated then transforming into a sleek spear.

The trio stood ready with weapons at hand. With a synchronized motion the figures lowered their magical shield then the dark energy dissipating into the air around them. They wasted no time in charging forward and closed the distance with frightening speed.

Erik braced himself as the first figure lunged at him. He met the attack their blades clashing with a sharp ring. The impact sent a shockwave up Erik's arm but he can handle it easily.

Meanwhile, Liam was locked in combat with the second figure who wielded a dual jagged blade that coated with dark energy. Liam's dual axes moved and he expertly parrying each strike and countering with brutal swings of his own. The clang of metal against metal filled the air as their weapons collided repeatedly.

Mia faced off against the third figure, her spear darting forward precisely. The figure was fast, but Mia's reflexes were sharper. She danced around her opponent, her spear thrusting and spinning in a flurry of strikes that forced the figure to constantly adjust his stance.

For several intense minutes the forest glade echoed with the sounds of clashing metal, grunts of effort and the sharp intake of breath as the trio fought their enemies. Erik parrying the relentless blows of his opponent while seeking openings for counterattacks. Liam's axes spun and struck brutally, each swing aimed to break through the dark energy that coated his adversary's blades. Mia's spear danced in her hands to sought to pierce the defenses of the swift figure she faced.

But just as it seemed the battle was reaching a the peak the three dark figures abruptly disengaged and leaping back together. The sudden pause left the trio momentarily off balance, their weapons still raised as they tried to anticipate the next move.

The tallest of the dark figures started talking to them. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Before the trio could respond the shorter figure with the jagged blades sneered at them.

"They're just children," he scoffed with disdain. "Listen, kids. If you don't want to experience a painful death, I suggest you start talking now."

Liam's grip tightened on his axes, his anger flaring at the condescending words.

"Children, huh? You think you can beat us that easily?" he shot back with a smirk playing on his lips. "You're the ones who should be worried."

The taunt had its desired effect. The shorter figure's expression twisted with anger, his hollow eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Arrogant little brat," he hissed. Without warning, he burst into motion, and becoming a blur as he charged at Liam with terrifying swiftness.

Liam barely had time to react as the figure closed the distance in the blink of an eye. He raised his axes just in time to block the incoming strike, but the sheer force of the attack sent him stumbling backward.

The figure's dual daggers flashing as he unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes at Liam.

Erik and Mia, seeing their friend under intense pressure, quickly moved to intervene but the other two dark figures stepped forward, blocking their path with cold smiles. The battle was far from over.

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