Captain Zakai crossed his arms to receive the incoming blow. He was forced back about seven meters from the powerful fist, and his arms were numb. After his breakthrough, he was able to perceive things at a much clearer level. He realized that his opponents had far more inner energy than he did, and they were stronger than him by quite a distance. If he was facing only one of the two, he would have a chance. But it was almost impossible for him to handle both opponents at the same time. Besides, their leader was giving off a much stronger aura. Captain Zakai knew now more than ever, that he and his men were in big trouble.
"This armor is pretty sturdy" the mumbled to himself. Although his opponent was stronger than him, the blow didn't even dent the earth armor that he wore. The only problem was that it took a large amount of inner energy to block that attack. It was an impressive ability. As long as he had sufficient inner energy, the armor would remain as sturdy as a rock. He would be able to use this ability for a very long time. Assuming that he is able to escape of course.
"Let's see how long you last" the earth realmer spat out as he chased after Zakai. He was more annoyed seeing that the armor remained undamaged. It looked to be an ability that would be useful for a very long time. But such an ability would require copious amounts of inner energy; a treasure trove of inner energy that his target didn't possess.
*Bang*
Captain Zakai ducked out of the way as a small ball of fire whizzed past him and slammed into the dome. Although he was facing the earth realmer, he hadn't forgotten about the gun master stalking him. The dome prevented him and his men from escaping, but it also provided no hiding spots for the gun master. So it was relatively easy to keep tabs on his position; and he was able to avoid the blast of fire that was meant for him. Although the ball of fire was small, Captain Zakai could feel its heat even when it was some distance away. 'Concentrated blast' was the name given to this technique. It was an advanced version of the regular 'blast'. Huge amounts of fire elements were compressed into a small ball and fired at an opponent; unlike the regular blast that used a far smaller amount of fire. To block an attack like that, Captain Zakai would use up all his inner energy. Even then he wasn't sure that he would be able to deal with the attack completely.
Gun masters, whether they were the rarer ice users or the common fire users, had devastating attacks. And the price for that was a weaker defense. Which was why although Captain Zakai was facing an earth wielder, he was still focused on the gun master. One concentrated blast and poof - he'd be a goner.
From the corner of his eye he could see the area that had been struck by the gun master. The dome was still intact, yet there was a small crack spanning only a few centimeters on the earth barrier. His eyes lit up at the possibility of an escape. He still had the 'thing' 'that boy' had gifted him. If he was able to create a small hole - small enough to leak out their aura - they would be able to use 'that thing' to save themselves.
*Bam*
"Pay attention you fool" the earth wielder's punch landed squarely on Zakai's shoulder, and the captain was sent flying back into the wall. Coincidentally, he landed exactly where the crack was.
"Mmph" Captain Zakai groaned in pain and held his shoulder. His lapse in concentration had cost him. Because of his lack of focus he hadn't strengthened his armor with inner energy, so the attack had dislocated his shoulder and the armor was fractured in that very same region. He fought through the pain and used his inner energy to repair the armor.
'I have only one shot' he thought to himself as he took out a needle from him clothes. It was almost as long as a dagger, and it was as shiny as the midday sun. His opponents immediately saw the strange weapon.
"This is getting interesting" said the leader who was now seated. He was completely unconcerned with the introduction of the new weapon. And the others were no different.
*Bang*
Captain Zakai ducked to avoid the blast from the gun master; a decision that proved unwise as the shock wave hit him hard. Yet he stood his ground, not budging in the slightest. The earth wielder descended upon the injured man with ferocity, intent on breaking his opponent into several pieces.
*Bang*
This time the captain dived out of the way, avoiding the fatal blow. Once he had escaped the strong attack, he threw the needle with ferocity, injecting almost half of his inner energy into the strange weapon.
The earth wielder's countenance changed from angry to terrified when he felt the aura exuded by the strange needle, and his leader was no exception. The aura the needle was giving off was very strong. It totally eclipsed his power. It wasn't giving off such a vibe earlier. Before, it was like a sleeping cat. Now it was similar to a raging tiger.
The earth wielder ducked out of the way hurriedly, and the needle missed him narrowly. The gun master was furious at the recent events. He raised his gun towards one of the soldiers with a sadistic look.
"Let's see what you would do now" he licked his lips in anger and fired his gun. Captain Zakai rushed towards the soldier who was too beaten up to even move out of the way. And he got there just in time; in time to intercept the blast.
*Bang*
"Captain" both of his soldiers exclaimed with their eyes reddened at the sight of their helpless captain sent flying across the field. The gun master smiled in satisfaction. A blow like that wouldn't kill the man because of his armor, but he would be severely injured. Yet when he looked at the man, he didn't feel at peace. The captain had a smile on his face. It wasn't one of a man who was facing death, or the smile of one who had saved the life of another. It was the grin of a soldier who had accompanied his mission.
He looked to the side of the dome that was struck by the needle. What was formerly a cracked barrier, was now fully penetrated, and a fist sized hole was the new attraction. The needle was nowhere in sight. The earth wielder and leader also saw the hole.
"I guess you are calling for help, that's why you look so happy. But this is the Eastern Empire. Help wouldn't arrive for days. By that time you would be in our custody, and your men would be dead." The leader nonchalantly explained.
Yet Captain Zakai didn't lose his smile. In fact, his lips widened even further.
"If…it…was…any…other…person…I…would…agree…but…they…aren't…any…other…person" he coughed as he stated. The three men had a bad feeling about this. But before any of them could speak they felt a suffocating aura wash over them. It was as domineering as it was massive. The gun master and earth wielder both coughed out enormous amounts of blood as they felt their inner organs being crushed. Their leader wasn't in a better state. He was sweating heavily as blood seeped out of his mouth and nose.
"What…the hell…is this" he wondered. Yet the pressure was so massive that his thoughts couldn't be spoken out loud.
*BOOM*
The dome broke apart, yet none of the debris fell on any of the men who had been hidden by the barrier for so long. A figure stood alone amidst the chaos. His brown hair floated majestically in the wind and his handsome face was distorted by anger and rage. He was small, not older than 11, yet the enormous aura was from him. As the leader was wondering how it was that such a small boy had such a great bearing, Captain Zakai smiled as he introduced the newcomer.
"Let...me introduce…you to the…Prince…of the…Western…Empire - Abelard…Smith"