A War Between Kingdoms (Part 2)

The remaining Magus stood atop the burning wreckage of their ships, determined to combine their powers against a common foe—Kai, who floated effortlessly in the air. The sea churned violently beneath them, waves crashing against the remnants of the fleet, and dark clouds gathered overhead, swirling ominously in anticipation of the battle.

Kai's lightning arrow shot down, striking one of the Fire Magus with explosive force, obliterating the remains of the ship in a brilliant flash. The deafening echo served as a warning to the others that this was their fate if they dared to challenge him.

Despite the destruction, a volley of spells shot through the air: a torrent of flames, a surge of water, a barrage of ice arrows, and a crackling bolt of lightning, all aimed directly at Kai. He regarded the oncoming attacks with a calm demeanor, his expression unwavering. The spells collided with him, creating a massive explosion that illuminated the darkening sky.

Yet, as the smoke cleared, there stood Kai, unscathed, his blue eyes crackling with electricity. He raised his hand, summoning the storm to swell above him. Bolts of lightning rained down from the sky, striking the remaining Magus with merciless precision, ending their lives in a heartbeat.

Taking a deep breath, Kai surveyed the chaos around him. The rumble of the sea matched the discord of battle, but he quickly turned his gaze away. These were his enemies—showing mercy in war could lead to dire consequences. His cloak billowed in the wind as he adjusted it, shooting toward the port with renewed determination, the air crackling behind him. Sparks of lightning erupted from his eyes as he prepared to disrupt the chaos below.

Meanwhile, Xavier Brandon leaned against a tall tree, his blue eyes cold and unforgiving as the wind whipped through his hair. The town he guarded with his fellow students seemed deceptively peaceful, an unsettling calm before the storm.

"I wonder how they're faring," he muttered under his breath. Dressed in the uniform of the Institution of Magic—a black mage cloak adorned with a star insignia—his thoughts drifted to his family. He hoped they were safe. "It's been a while since I received a letter from Mom. With Imperial City evacuated, I shouldn't have to worry."

His carefree demeanor shifted as his gaze landed on a small building not far away—the local herb shop. Suddenly, crimson flames erupted, engulfing the structure and consuming everything within. Other buildings caught fire almost simultaneously, igniting chaos in the once-quiet town. "This better be worth it," he remarked, a hint of boredom in his voice.

As residents screamed and fled, Xavier stepped forward, feeling oddly detached from the panic that enveloped them. He had always been different; the fear of others felt alien, a sensation he couldn't grasp.

He halted before a group of five fire Magus, their figures imposing against the backdrop of destruction. "Far from home, aren't you?" he taunted, his voice steady and mocking.

The Magus exchanged glances before bursting into laughter, clearly underestimating him. Xavier, however, remained unfazed, a malevolent smirk spreading across his lips. They were weak—far too weak to be a threat.

"How many of you are in this town?" he asked, feigning casual curiosity. This only served to irritate the fire Magus, one stepping forward with confidence.

"Don't worry, I'll handle him," the Magus declared, his brown hair flailing in the wind, crimson eyes blazing with intent. "There are only five of us. Why do you ask? Afraid to fight?"

With a flourish, he channeled his Endowment, flames coalescing into a lethal orb. He hurled the fireball at Xavier, who regarded the attack with apparent indifference.

The orb surged forward, the heat brushing against his skin, but Xavier's expression remained calm. When the fireball collided with him, an explosion erupted, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.

"Where are you now?" the fire Magus laughed, his voice dripping with derision as the smoke began to clear.

"Right here," Xavier's voice cut through the haze. In a flash, he appeared beneath the fire Magus, a gleaming sword in hand. With a swift thrust, he pierced the Magus's heart, silencing him instantly.

Standing tall, Xavier withdrew his sword as the lifeless body fell to the ground, a pool of blood forming around it. "Anyone of you courageous enough to step up?"

"Anyone else courageous enough to step up?" Xavier asked again, his gaze fixed on the group of Magus. They flinched at his challenge, realizing he was toying with them. Their pride wouldn't let them ignore such disrespect.

With a sudden roar, spells erupted from the Magus, an inferno of flames hurtling toward Xavier. Yet he remained unfazed, his expression still bored, as if their attacks were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

"Weak," he muttered, an azure aura igniting around him, pulsing with energy. It surged outward like a protective flame, engulfing him and pushing back the incoming fire. The blazing inferno parted as he moved through it effortlessly, his confidence unshakeable.

In the blink of an eye, Xavier closed the distance to one of the Fire Magus. With a flick of his wrist, he thrust his sword forward. The blade sliced through the air with precision, striking true and silencing the Magus before he could react.

The remaining Magus stared in disbelief, their resolve crumbling under the weight of his power. Xavier felt a rush of exhilaration; their fear was palpable, and he savored the moment. He stood among the flames, the azure glow around him contrasting starkly with the chaos engulfing the battlefield.

"Who's next?" he taunted, his voice steady, laced with a quiet confidence. The air crackled with tension as the remaining Magus hesitated, uncertainty creeping into their ranks.

Xavier stepped forward, the aura surrounding him flaring brightly as he prepared for their next move. He was ready to face whatever they had left, knowing he was more than a match for them.

"Come on," he urged, his tone as mocking as ever. "I expected more from you."