Staggered

The figure dodged each of their attacks with fluid movement. His movements almost effortless as he observed their relentless assault. He seemed content to toy with them for now, gauging just how far these mortal children could push their powers.

But as the battle raged on, Mia felt a tugging sensation in her mind, something deep within her urging her to push beyond her limits.

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she focused, her mind spinning. There was something more she could do, something she hadn't yet dared to attempt. The ancient knowledge whispered in her thoughts, guiding her to what felt like an impossible feat. But here, in Asgard, with the very air thick with Aether, she felt a surge of confidence. She had to try it.

Mia closed her eyes for a moment, reaching deep within herself and drawing on every ounce of Aether she could muster. Her hands moved in a blur without her knowing and tracing intricate patterns in the air. She wasn't just casting a single Rune—she was weaving multiple Runes together. A Fire Rune blazed to life before her and launched toward the figure in black armor, and alongside it, another Rune began to form.

The air around the figure shimmered, the Rune's power taking hold. His movements that once graceful and swift suddenly became sluggish as though he was wading through thick mud. The surprise in his eyes was evident is one can see through his mask.

Seeing their opportunity, Erik didn't hesitate.

He dashed forward and his knife glowing with a fierce red and blue light because his own ability and Aether-infused strength amplifying its power. The figure tried to react but the Rune's debuff slowed him just enough. Erik closed the distance in an instant then his knife slicing through the air with no other intention but to kill him.

"HAAA!"

Erik drove the glowing blade toward the figure's chest, aiming for a weak point in the armor. The figure now realizing the threat these children posed. But he could only watch in narrowed-eyed anger as Erik's strike landed with a resounding impact.

"This will not eno- wait, what?!"

The figure was caught off guard as Erik's knife pierced through his armor with a force he hadn't anticipated. He had believed himself invulnerable to these children, protected by layers of dark enchantment and steel. But now he suddenly felt the cold, sharp edge of reality—literally—as the blade sank into his flesh.

"Ugh…"

A grunt of pain escaped him and his eyes that is hidden behind the mask widened in shock. Erik, feeling the knife drive deeper, could sense the moment of weakness. His heart pounded with adrenaline, his excitement surging as he saw that their combined efforts were working. Without hesitation he twisted the knife and driving it further into the figure's chest.

Liam arriving a second later and immediately had his own knife poised for a deadly strike. He aimed for the figure's head, intending to end the battle right now. The figure who still reeling from Erik's attack tried to move, but the Rune's debilitating effect held him in place, slowing his reactions. He cursed under his breath, fury and disbelief filling his mind. He cocked his head backward at the last moment.

Liam's blade slashed across the figure's neck, slicing through the flesh with brutal precision. But before he could follow through, the figure lashed out. His body erupting with a blinding blue and cold light. The force of the explosion sent both Erik and Liam flying backward, their bodies crashing against the stone walls with a heavy thud.

As the light dimmed, the figure staggered but remained standing. His neck and chest were bloodied, dark red staining his once-impenetrable armor. He raised a hand to his neck, feeling the warmth of his own blood seeping through his fingers. A gurgling sound was heard from him.

The pain was real, the threat undeniable. These children had wounded him and that realization filled him with a seething rage. His cold, calculating demeanor was replaced with a savage determination.

The figure staggered with blood dripping from his wounds. His mind boiling with anger and disbelief. He glared at the trio with blazing eyes filled with fury behind the narrow slits of his mask. His voice, once cold and composed, now dripped with venom as he spat out his curse.

"You insolent wretches! You dare to wound me?!" His words were like ice, freezing the air around them even further.

The temperature in the room plummeted again, the walls creaking under the intense cold. Frost began to crawl up the stone and the ground beneath their feet crackled as it froze solid. His eyes glowed brighter, seething with a cold light.

Erik and Liam felt the pressuring cold tightening around them, sapping their strength and courage. The figure's aura was overwhelming, pressing down on them with a weight that seemed impossible to bear. For a moment doubt crept into their hearts, the fear threatening to paralyze them.

But then Mia's voice rang out, cutting through the cold.

"Don't freeze now, ladies! We can defeat him!" Her shout was suddenly reignited the flame of courage within her friends. The protective Rune she had cast still shimmered around them, its light keeping the worst of the figure's freezing power at bay. For the trio, the figure's cold attack is much fiercer and stronger than what their families feels but Mia's protection keeping them from freezing literally.

Erik and Liam felt the warmth of Mia's words and the Rune's power wrapping around them and her Rune Casting shielding them from the biting cold. The fear that had gripped their hearts began to loosen its hold, replaced by a renewed sense of bravery. They exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement passing between them.

Mia suddenly stretched out her hand toward a rack in the corner of the chamber where her father's old shotgun rested. The weapon trembled for a moment before it flew through the air and landing in her grasp.

"Erik, catch!" she then called, tossing the shotgun to him with a swift motion.

Erik caught the weapon. He glanced at Liam, who gave him a nod of understanding. They both knew what needed to be done.

Liam dashed toward the figure again, his immense strength propelling him forward with incredible speed. He was the vanguard, ready to absorb the figure's attacks and create an opening. Erik followed close behind, the shotgun gripped tightly in his hands, ready to shoot at the first opportunity he see.

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