To the Forest

The clash between wind and fire had reached its climax, the battleground now adorned with the remnants of their fierce confrontation. Thomas, the brave knight, and Duval, the merciless assassin, were locked in a battle that surpassed mortal limits. The air crackled with the energy of their clash, and the ground beneath them bore witness to the devastation wrought by their opposing forces.

With each strike, the clash of their weapons reverberated through the battlefield, creating a symphony of steel and elemental fury. Thomas, driven by unwavering loyalty and a desire to protect his young master, fought with a ferocity that defied his waning strength. His sword, guided by his unwavering will, sliced through the air with resolute purpose, while his wind magic unleashed gusts of power that threatened to uproot even the sturdiest of trees.

Duval, scarred and twisted, gracefully countered each of Thomas' attacks. His daggers, dark and deadly, danced in his hands as he deflected, evaded, and launched retaliatory strikes. Flames erupted from his fingertips, engulfing the surrounding area in a destructive heat. He moved with calculated precision, exploiting every opening with lethal accuracy.

As the battle raged on, fatigue began to weigh heavily upon Thomas. The strain of defending against Duval's relentless assault took its toll on his once-athletic form. His movements grew sluggish, his sword swings losing their former speed and power. Yet, even in his weakened state, he fought on, his determination unwavering.

In a momentary lapse of Thomas' defenses, Duval seized the opportunity. With swift and deadly precision, his blade found its mark, piercing through the knight's faltering guard. A gasp escaped Thomas' lips as his eyes widened in disbelief. The world seemed to slow as he stumbled backward, his grip on his sword loosening. Blood stained his armor, marking the wound that would prove fatal.

With a final, defiant gaze, Thomas collapsed to the ground, his life force ebbing away. His valiant efforts and unwavering dedication to his duty were extinguished in that fateful moment. The battlefield fell silent, the clash of their elements replaced by an eerie stillness. The once indomitable knight now lay motionless, his body a testament to the sacrifice he had made.

Duval stood over Thomas' fallen form, a malevolent smirk etched upon his scarred face. He reveled in the echoes of victory that reverberated through his being.

And over the other side, despite Lumina's weakening body and the gaping wound she carried, her determination remained unwavering as she pressed on. She understood that stopping meant certain death for the children she cradled in her arms. Desperation mingled with her resolve as she attempted to heal herself, channeling her fading energy into the wound. Yet, her efforts proved in vain. The dagger remained lodged within her, a grim reminder of her precarious state. Removing it would only hasten her demise. If she removes it and could not heal herself fully in time, she may die of blood loss.

"Aunt, please stop... please STOP!" Auric's voice cracked with anguish, tears streaming down his face as he pleaded for her to reconsider. "You're going to die at this rate!"

The blade protruding from Lumina's stomach was a harrowing sight, its pain intensifying with every step she took. The wound continued to bleed, staining her clothes and draining her vitality. Her eyes flickered with determination as she pushed forward, her strength fueled by her love and unwavering commitment to protect those she held dear.

Finally, they reached the relative safety of the forest, the cacophony of battle fading into the distance. Yet, the respite was short-lived as Thomas fell, his valiant spirit extinguished. Duval's rage echoed through the air, his attention turning toward Lumina and the children. With an air of malevolence, he taunted them.

"Bitch!" His voice boomed, filled with sadistic delight. "Why do you want to go there? The smell of blood will attract the monsters! Since you know you're going to die, are you trying to take me down with you? Hah!"

Duval closed in on them, his intent clear. Lumina knew the forest was treacherous, a perilous place even for the most skilled. But she had no other option. She had to protect the kids at all costs.

Gently, Lumina set Auric and Ellie down, their eyes wide with fear and confusion. Ellie, having awakened from her unconscious state, burst into tears upon seeing her mother's condition. "Wahhh! Mom, what happened? Wahh! Mom!"

Lumina's heart ached at her daughter's distress. She mustered a reassuring smile, despite the pain that radiated through her body. "I'm okay, sweetie. I'm okay," she whispered, her voice strained. She pulled Ellie into a tender embrace, holding her close to provide comfort and solace. Auric was also pulled into the hug, tears streaming down his face, seeking solace in his aunt's embrace.

Lumina locked eyes with Auric, her gaze intense. "Auric, listen to me carefully," she spoke with unwavering seriousness. "Infuse mana into the black ring of your mother's, the one with runes, and run toward the heart of the jungle with Ellie. Do not look back. And here take my spatial ring. It contains herbs, money, and necessary items that may help you in the future."

Auric understood the gravity of the situation. He fought back his sobs, taking the spatial ring and nodding resolutely. Time was of the essence. Lumina gathered both Auric and Ellie in a final, heartfelt embrace, her touch filled with love and the bittersweet knowledge that this might be their last farewell, and kissed their foreheads.

Duval's presence grew nearer, Lumina mustering her fading strength to create a temporary barrier, a shield that enveloped them. It served as a brief respite, buying them precious moments to execute their plan.

BOOM! A resounding crash reverberated through the area as Duval crashed into the shield while attempting to deliver the final blow to Lumina.

"Ha-ha-ha! You want to play, huh, bitch? Well then, I'll oblige! Entertain me!" He shouted, relentlessly attacking the barrier.

Lumina urgently motioned for Auric to flee, her voice filled with concern. "Auric... even if it burdens you... please, take care of Ellie. Survive and stay safe... Now, GO! Run!"

Tears streamed down Auric's face as he held Ellie in his arms. She clung to Lumina, unwilling to leave, her cries echoing in the air. "M-MOM! MOM! Brother let me go! mom!"

Auric took Ellie on his back, carrying her in a piggyback.

giving a last look at lumina who smiled and motioned them to leave, auric commanded the system.

< System allocate the remaining attribute points, 30 to agility, 20 to strength, and 10 to dexterity. >

[Affirmative! 60 attribute points utilized. Remaining attribute points: 4]

Auric swiftly took off, tears still streaming down his face.

"Goodbye... my children, stay safe," Lumina said with a bittersweet smile.

Observing Auric's departure, Duval attempted to give chase but was halted by Lumina.

"Where do you think you're going? The party isn't over yet. I still owe you a debt, don't I?" Lumina declared.

Duval, who commanded the power of fire, stood confidently, a smirk playing on his lips. He sensed Lumina's weakening state as she clutched her bleeding stomach, her complexion turning pale and ghostly.

"Oh, really? Then let's not waste any more time. HA-HA!" Duval retorted.

Lumina gritted her teeth, determination flickering in her fading eyes. With the last remnants of her strength, she summoned her earth element, causing the ground beneath her to tremble in response. She knew she couldn't match Duval's speed and lethal precision, but she had to buy time to protect the kids.

As Duval advanced, flames dancing menacingly around his fingertips, Lumina summoned a wall of dense soil and rocks, attempting to shield herself. However, Duval's fire tore through the barricade effortlessly, leaving Lumina vulnerable and exposed. The searing pain in her stomach intensified, but she refused to yield.

With a burst of fiery energy, Duval propelled himself forward, leaving a trail of flames in his wake. Despite her weakened state, Lumina managed to evade his initial assault, narrowly dodging the lethal flames as they licked at her heels.

Summoning the last remnants of her strength, Lumina launched a counterattack. She thrust her hand forward, causing a massive chunk of earth to rise from the forest floor and hurtle towards Duval. The colossal rock collided with him, momentarily stunning him as dust and debris filled the air.

Seizing the momentary distraction, Lumina mustered every ounce of energy she had left. Her wounds screamed in protest as she lunged at Duval, her movements fueled by desperate fury. She struck with unbridled abandon, her fists and feet infused with the power of the earth element.

Caught off guard by Lumina's sudden surge of brutality, Duval attempted to counter her onslaught. Yet Lumina fought like a wounded animal, her blows propelled by a determination to protect and to take revenge of Max's death. With each strike, her pale face flushed with a mix of pain and defiance.

However, Lumina's strength rapidly dwindled, her movements slowing and growing less precise. Taking advantage of the situation, Duval regained his composure and unleashed a torrent of scorching flames, engulfing Lumina in a searing inferno.

Lumina staggered, her body succumbing to the agony of the burns. With her last breath, she glanced in the direction of Auric and Ellie. And fell.