Ethan's unexpected encounter V

In a split second, Quin darted to the right, determined to retrieve the antidote that Ethan had flung into the dense depths of the forest. Meanwhile, Ethan readied himself to flee, his mind set on putting as much distance as possible between him and the unfolding chaos.

Yet, his escape plan was abruptly shattered when an assassin materialized out of the shadows, launching a surprise attack from behind. The cold steel of two small knives found their mark, piercing Ethan's back.

Reacting swiftly, Ethan pivoted with lightning reflexes, his grip tightening around the assailant's neck. With a swift, calculated motion, he forced the assassin's face toward his knee, delivering a bone-crushing blow. The resounding impact echoed through the air, as the force of the blow sent the assassin crashing to the ground.

The forest floor trembled beneath them as Ethan's body collapsed, disoriented and incapacitated by the devastating counterattack.

The forest floor quivered beneath the weight of the tumultuous clash, Ethan's body succumbing to the overwhelming force of the counterattack. Disoriented and battered, he fought against the encroaching darkness that threatened to consume him.

"Not yet," Ethan murmured, his words barely audible amidst the chaos. His clothes clung to his body, soaked in his own blood, a stark testament to the severity of his wounds. Gritting his teeth, he mustered every ounce of determination, refusing to yield to his injuries.

Lying on the ground, his trembling hand tore his shirt asunder, rending it into two uneven halves. With a swift motion, he discarded one portion and gingerly pressed the remaining fabric against his lacerated skin. Pain surged through his body with each movement, a cruel reminder of the battle raging within him.

Drops of crimson dripped from his fresh wounds, marking the path he painstakingly tread. Grasping onto the surrounding trees for support, Ethan persevered, each step a testament to his unyielding spirit. Every labored breath he took resonated with an indomitable resolve, as he braved the tempest that threatened to tear him asunder.

…

Meanwhile….

Veronica's voice pierced through the chaos, resonating with frustration and desperation. "Bali! Explain what the hell is going on here?!" she demanded, her gaze fixated on Bali, who remained steadfast with his back turned to them. "Why did Quinn suddenly run off like that? Why is Gabi writhing in agony on the ground? And why the hell are we under attack?!"

Bali remained silent, his gaze fixed upon the swirling fog and the raging inferno before him. His stoic demeanor only added to the mounting tension and confusion.

Frustrated, Veronica was on the verge of forcefully grabbing Bali's shoulder when Elena stepped forward, interposing herself between the two.

"Get out of the way, Elena!".

Sensing the urgency in Veronica's voice, Elena spoke with a measured tone, trying to diffuse the rising tension.

"I understand your concerns, Veronica," Elena said, her voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "But we must remain calm and think through the situation. Perhaps it would be wiser for us to regroup in a safer location before attempting to unravel the mysteries that surround us."

Veronica's anger simmered momentarily, her frustration giving way to a begrudging acceptance of Elena's suggestion. Though the questions burned within her, she realized the importance of maintaining composure amidst the chaos.

With a sigh, she reluctantly conceded, her mind shifting to the immediate task of ensuring their safety before seeking the answers they desperately sought.

Veronica's gaze shifted towards the priestess diligently attending to Gabi's injured form on the ground. Concern etched across her face, she inquired, "How is she?"

Raising her eyes from Gabi's weakened state, the priestess responded with a tinge of helplessness, "I'm afraid there's little I can do without the antidote. The elixir of damage transfer has taken its toll on her. Judging from her injuries, it appears that the one engulfed in that raging inferno is the very person to whom Gabi is linked."

A look of disgust twisted Veronica's features as she cast a disdainful glance towards the flames. Letting out a resigned sigh, she resolved, "Help her to her feet. We must make our way to the valley path. It provides more open space and keeps us at a distance from immediate danger." With a commanding tone, she issued her instructions before setting off towards the path, with Elena trailing closely behind.

Responding swiftly to Veronica's orders, the priestess, aided by her fellow sisters, hoisted Gabi gently over her shoulder. Meanwhile, Bali remained rooted in place, his unmoving figure an enigmatic presence amidst the turmoil.

His eyes remained fixed on the dancing flames, their mesmerizing glow casting eerie shadows across his face. Bali appeared calm and collected on the outside, but inside, a storm of fear and uncertainty raged within him. The outcome of their plan had taken an unexpectedly dark turn, leaving him shaken to his core.

Never in his wildest dreams had he anticipated the plan to unravel so rapidly. When Quin and Gabi had approached him, they had spoken of nothing more than removing the false hero from power and banishing him from the kingdom.

The mention of explosions and assassins had been conveniently omitted, and Bali found himself grappling with the weight of the unfolding chaos before him.

"Sir hero, are you not joining us? This place is fraught with danger," a soft voice broke through his thoughts, accompanied by the presence of Bali's trusted priestess, Sandra. Her calm smile radiated reassurance, a beacon of solace in the midst of the chaos.

Bali turned to face her, his eyes betraying a flicker of desperation. "Sandra, may I ask you something?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"I am forever at your service, Hero. What troubles you?" Sandra responded, her voice a soothing melody amidst the chaos.

Bali hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Throughout the annals of history, amidst the countless heroes summoned, have there been any who ultimately turned into the villain?".

A slight furrow appeared on Sandra's brow as she pondered the question. "There have been instances, rare as they may be. But rest assured, Hero, the collective might of other heroes has always risen to vanquish those consumed by darkness. Why do you ask such a thing?".

Bali's lips curled into a bitter, humorless laugh, his eyes gleaming with a mix of self-reflection and regret. "I have made a grave mistake, I can't believe I let my ego and pride get the better of me… can't even look myself in the mirror again, deep down, I am still the same thug I once was, nothing has changed".

With a sudden surge of energy, Bali extended his arm, presenting his spear to Sandra. The air around him crackled with a fiery aura, a reflection of the turmoil within his soul. "Return to your sisters, Sandra. I make sure to kill every last one of these assassins here".

The weight of Bali's words hung in the air, mingling with the ominous silence that enveloped the surroundings.