Chapter 254

Halfdan recalled the stories from his father about a berserker he faced long ago. That he was the only man to ever injure Halfdan's father. The story always stuck out for Halfdan because every challenge they ever witnessed was one-sided. As time went on Halfdan started to believe the story was nothing more than a fable to explain an odd scar, until now.

As Hafldan was speeding across the battlefield to ensure the safety of the others Henrik hurled his axes. They spun around Henrik creating a powerful vacuum that Halfdan was being dragged towards. When Halfdan was nearing the axes Henrik grabbed them lunging forward to strike.

The force caused by Henrik was still settling making it difficult to escape the incoming strike. Halfdan in a burst of speed seized Henrik's forearms preventing himself from being slashed in half. Being enhanced from the shrooms Henrik was slowly pushing the axes down. They were reaching the skin, and pushing deeper as Halfdan was forced to defend himself.

All the lighting coursing along Halfdan's body disappeared, and then flared erratically. The allies coming to assist Hafldan could see lightning striking constantly at distance. With Halfdan holding the axes and generating large amounts of electricity Henrik's body was seizing up. Tightening his grip on the axes Halfdan kicked Henrik in the chest as a blinding light obscured their vision.

While Herink was knocked away from the force Halfdan used it as a chance to get rid of the axes. After the last attack, Halfdan was starting to feel fatigued, and if his magic were to run its course he would need every advantage possible. With all his might Halfdan hurled them to the other side of the arena, but in the process, he received several harsh blows from Henrik.

Each strike released by Henrik even when dodged brought about shallows cuts across Halfdan's body. There was a dense layer of wind constantly swirling, and shredding anything in his presence. If not for Halfdan's hardy body, and magic reinforcing it the blows he received would mean death.

Right now the biggest threat for them both was time. Henrik's body has been destroying itself while maintaining this state, and Halfdan's magic could give at any moment causing a rebound. Skade could sense their conditions, and knew she would need to act swiftly. Thyra could see the concern on her face as they approached the storm.

"Is it too late?" Thyra asked.

"It's hard to tell the damage his body has taken, but we still have time to stop the effects. The leader here is supposed to be a gifted healer so don't lose hope just yet." Skade replied.

"I need you to get him on the ground, and hold him steady." Skade relayed to Halfdan.

When the next swing from Henrik was released Halfdan dodged, and seized Henrik by the back. Before Henrik could break free they were both sent to the ground in a strike of lightning. As the two appeared before Skade they realized Halfdan only had a light trickle left on his body.

Henrik broke free from his grip preparing to attack Halfdan. Thyra sprang off the wolf conjuring her weapons once more. She hurled one of the hammers towards Halfdan, and as it was passing his body he seized it. The hammer was yanked back at tremendous speeds causing him to avoid the next attack. Halfdan landed next to Thyra as he tried to catch his breath.

"Thanks for the assist," Hafldan said while preparing for the next attack.

While Henrik was charging their way Skade took a seat while sending her familiar forward to assist. All the remaining runes she cast on the battlefield returned to their original states appearing around her in formation. They began shifting around as Skade began meditating.

"I need a minute to get ready, and you need to keep him within range." Skade relayed.

The familiar went charging past them and pounced towards Henrik. He struck the wolf on the nose with both hands sending it into the dirt. Thyra appeared swinging both hammers sideways striking Henrik in the ribs. To keep Henrik contained they would need a combined force meaning the familiar needed to be protected, and they couldn't afford to hold back.

From the hole in the ground, a muffled howl could be heard under the rubble. The earth began to shake as Henrik's footing was rapidly shifted into quicksand. Springing out from the rubble was the wolf, and its eyes rapidly went from green to blue. The wolf began laying cover fire and saturating him with water.

"We need to keep him there," Thyra told Halfdan while crossing her hammers.

"I only have enough left for one more exchange at the most," Halfdan replied.

"Then fall back to protect your friend," Thyra said while charging forward.

"You're a mighty warrior, but your magic doesn't offer much for defense. We have a better chance of survival working together, and I don't leave comrades behind," Halfdan replied as he gathered his remaining mana.

'It can't be much help in my current state, but Skade should be ready soon.'

Halfdan charged in landing a few strikes to keep Henrik's attention off Thyra. The hammers in Thyra's hands were glowing red, but Halfdan was still exchanging blows. He glanced over at Thyra nodding at her for to strike. A steady stream of lightning was electrocuting them both, and as the attack started to fade Halfdan seized hold of Henrik's shoulders.

A lethal uppercut connected to Halfdan's chin making everything go hazy, and his grip was released. The lightning was starting to fade from his body as the next strike was thrown. Thyra was still catching her breath from releasing her attack, but she tried to intervene. When it appeared too late the wolf latched onto Henrik's shoulder.

Blood from Henrik was seeping into the ground, and it shifted to form a sigil. The runes glowing around Skade faded into the dirt and reappeared in their giant form sealing of Henrik. Each slab was resonating with the familiar as its body rapidly disappeared into Henrik's shoulder. He began squirming in pain, shouting, and followed it up by coughing black blood. The red glow began to fade from his eyes as the runes shattered.