7. Damage Reflection skill fails

Lina's heart sank as she approached the burning village of Ashborne. The once peaceful village was now in chaos, with flames licking at the rooftops and villagers fleeing in all directions. The bandits had wasted no time. They had struck while she was fighting for her life in the forest. She clenched her fists, guilt and anger mixing inside her. She had failed to protect the village. But it wasn't over yet. She still had a chance to fight back, to make a difference.

As Lina ran toward the village, she spotted a group of bandits herding villagers into the square. Some of them were armed, but others were clearly unprepared for the violence that had descended upon them. She couldn't let this continue. She couldn't let them hurt anyone else.

With her dagger still in hand and her damage reflection skill at the ready, Lina charged toward the nearest bandit. He turned just in time to see her coming, but before he could react, she slashed at him, reflecting the damage right back at him. He staggered and fell, his weapon clattering to the ground.

The other bandits noticed her then, and they advanced on her with weapons drawn. But Lina stood her ground, determined to protect the villagers. With each attack they made, she reflected the damage, turning their own strength against them. The bandits fell one by one, their confidence waning as they realized they were no match for her.

But even as she fought, Lina knew she couldn't take on the entire group alone. There were too many of them, and the village was still under siege. She needed help—someone who could rally the villagers and organize a defense.

Her thoughts raced as she searched the burning village for anyone who could help. Then, she spotted him: an older man, the village elder, struggling to fend off a group of bandits near the town hall. His determination and courage gave Lina hope.

She fought her way to him, her mind racing for a plan. When she reached his side, she called out, "Elder! We need to gather the villagers and fight back! We can't let them destroy Ashborne!"

The elder, panting and bloodied but still standing, nodded grimly. "You're right. We must protect our home." He raised his voice, calling to the remaining villagers who had gathered nearby. "Everyone! To arms! Defend your homes, your families! We won't let these bandits take what's ours!"

The villagers, inspired by his words and Lina's bravery, began to rally. Some grabbed makeshift weapons, while others formed barricades to slow the bandits' advance. The tide of the battle began to shift as the villagers fought back with newfound determination.

Lina stood at the front lines, her heart pounding as she reflected the bandits' attacks and defended the village alongside the villagers. The battle was fierce, and every moment counted.

As more bandits were being defeated, the villagers started to help each other as a tag to take down the bandits. Erwin went over to Lina to aid her. With Erwin in front and Lina at the back of the bandit, he had nowhere to run.

Erwin and Lina closed in on the bandit, their movements swift and deadly. But this bandit was different - his eyes gleamed with a fierce determination, and his sword sliced through the air with precision.

Erwin's sword clashed with the bandit's, sparks flying as they exchanged blow for blow. Lina darted in, her dagger flashing in the fading light, but the bandit parried her attack with ease.

The battle raged on, the three combatants exchanging blows and neither gaining the upper hand. Erwin's sword bit deep into the bandit's shield, but he refused to yield.

Lina's dagger sliced through the air, only to be deflected by the bandit's sword. The bandit retaliated with a vicious strike, forcing Erwin to stumble backward.

As Erwin regained his footing, he launched a fierce attack, his sword slicing through the air. Erwin's sword sliced through the air, aiming for the bandit's throat, but the bandit parried the blow with a swift motion, again.

Erwin stumbled, off balance, and his sword jerked wildly, its tip jabbing into Lina's chest.

Lina's eyes widened in shock as she felt the blade pierce her armor and sink deep into her flesh. She stumbled backward, her vision blurring, as Erwin's face contorted in horror.

"Lina!" he cried, his voice trembling with despair.

The bandit took advantage of the momentary distraction, striking at Erwin with renewed ferocity. Erwin, still reeling from his mistake, struggled to defend himself, his sword wavering as he tried to fend off the bandit's attack but to no avail,the bandit jabbed into Erwin's back causing him to fall.

*What happened? I thought I had the damage reflection skill.* Jane thought as blood was basically pouring out and was losing consciousness.

Just then, the translucent screen appeared, and it showed:

"Message: User has received 1500 damage"

"Anomaly: Skill failure. Skill not activated"

"Cause of failure of skill: Unintentional damage received"

"Result: DEATH"