Variable (10)

The battle waged on, unrelenting and brutal. Elandrialith moved swiftly, summoning vines and roots to shield Ash from the creature's relentless attacks. But the once-coordinated counterattacks had turned into an exhausting struggle, with Ash's energy fading fast. Each strike he attempted grew weaker, each dodge slower, and Elandrialith found herself carrying the brunt of the fight.

Her face was set in determination, even as a sheen of sweat gathered on her brow, her movements slightly slower than before. Every ounce of mana she poured into her spells to shield and strike was a drain on the forest itself—a risk she was hesitant to take.

With a sharp twist of her good arm, Elandrialith sent a wave of thorned vines crashing into the creature, momentarily slowing its advance. She glanced at Ash, who was bracing himself against a nearby tree, breathing heavily, blood trailing from a deep cut across his shoulder. The creature had found its mark on him, and it showed.

"Pull yourself together, human," Elandrialith muttered, though there was an edge of urgency in her tone as she pulled him back from another strike.

Ash gave a weak nod, forcing himself back to his feet and gripping his sword with determination. "I'm not giving up… I just—need a moment."

Elandrialith didn't reply, but her gaze softened slightly, betraying a flicker of concern. She let her gaze linger on him for just a second, then turned back, extending her good arm to summon another wave of forest energy, directing it in a spiraling assault toward the creature. But each spell seemed to chip away at her strength.

The creature lunged forward, taking advantage of the brief lapse in her defenses. Elandrialith barely managed to sidestep its lashing appendages, but not before one landed a glancing blow against her left arm. She bit back a cry of pain, her arm now hanging limply at her side, useless.

Ash, gritting his teeth, moved to her side, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and concern. "You're… protecting me more than I'd expect from someone I barely know."

Elandrialith's gaze turned to him, her voice calm despite the strain in her expression. "Do not mistake this for kindness, human. I don't care for humans… but I have my reasons."

Ash raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "A reason to risk your life like this? For someone you barely know?"

Elandrialith's gaze was fixed on the creature, her expression dark. "I don't need to explain myself to you." Her voice softened into a whisper as she added, "Just watch."

A sudden gunshot rang through the forest, splitting the tension like a knife. A sharp, speeding bullet pierced the creature's thick, viscous body with surprising precision, leaving a streak of dark mist in its wake.

Ash's eyes widened, momentarily stunned by the shot's precision and its impact on the monster. He turned, scanning the trees for the shooter. As his gaze settled on the figure emerging from the shadows, a wave of relief and familiarity washed over him.

Standing there, casually holding a handgun pointed at the creature, was Lucius, his face set in its usual neutral, dismissive expression. His amber eyes were narrowed as he examined the creature, and he clicked his tongue in disgust as he took in its grotesque form.

The creature shrieked, an ear-piercing noise that seemed almost like a threat. Lucius barely blinked, unfazed by the display. He merely raised an eyebrow, scoffing. "That's the best you've got? You're even uglier in person than I imagined."