With the integrity of the beacon's shield now at a precarious 40%, Team Fire found themselves in a critical pinch. Kang-dae had done everything he could to interrupt the three Assassins' hit-and-run tactics, but the relentless pressure was taking its toll. Chin-hwa, ever the marksman, managed to slip a few shots past Kang-dae's defences, each one chipping away at the beacon's remaining shield.
In-su, Aerial's tactical mage, was drained from maintaining his illusion tricks. His mana reserves were depleted, reducing his role to mere support, far from the direct threat he posed at the match's start.
"Kang-dae, let's do this together," Hana's voice crackled over the comm. She emerged from her cover, her fighter's stance ready for the fray. "I've got your back."
Kang-dae nodded, relief washing over him as Hana joined the fray. Together, they formed a formidable wall of defence around the beacon. Hana's swift and powerful strikes complemented Kang-dae's unyielding shield, making it significantly harder for the Assassins to get through.
Jin-kyong, perched at her elevated vantage point, precisely adjusted her aim. She locked onto Chin-hwa, who was preparing to send another deadly volley toward the beacon. With a steady breath, Jin-kyong released her shot. The energy bolt streaked through the air, forcing Chin-hwa to dodge and halt his assault.
"Nice shot, Jin-kyong," Kang-dae commended, his voice strained but grateful. "We need to keep this up."
Jin-kyong's shot had bought them precious seconds, but the clock was still ticking. The game was now a race against time. They would claim victory if Team Fire could hold out just a little longer, even with the beacon's shield reduced to a sliver.
"Stay sharp, everyone," Sang-hee's voice came through, the determination evident despite the exhaustion. "We just need to hold the line."
The Assassins, though relentless, found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Team Fire's reinforced defence. Every attack they launched was met with fierce resistance from Kang-dae and Hana. The coordinated strikes and defensive manoeuvres were a testament to Team Fire's training and resolve.
Chin-hwa, momentarily thwarted by Jin-kyong's marksmanship, repositioned himself, seeking another angle of attack. But Jin-kyong was vigilant, her eyes never leaving him, her trigger finger ready to fire at the slightest movement.
In-su, despite his depleted mana, scanned the battlefield, looking for any remaining opportunity to tip the scales in their favour. But Team Fire's tight formation and unyielding defence left little room for exploitation.
The tension in the arena was palpable. Every second felt like an eternity as the countdown continued. The crowd held its collective breath, fully aware that the next few moments would decide the champions.
"Hold the line!" Kang-dae roared, his voice a rallying cry for his team.
The clock ticked down relentlessly, but Team Fire's resolve never wavered. With the beacon's shield dwindling, they fought with everything they had, knowing that victory was within their grasp if they could just hold out a little longer. The final moments of the match were a blur of action and determination, as both teams pushed themselves to their limits, the outcome hanging by a thread.
With Chin-hwa backing away, the three Assassins were left exposed, unable to rely on their usual support. Jin-kyong's steady aim kept Chin-hwa in check, forcing him to retreat further. This created a rare opening for Hana and Kang-dae to shift from defence to a more aggressive stance.
Hana, the second-best Fighter in all of Korea, saw her chance. Her eyes gleamed with fierce determination as she readied her blades, each movement brimming with precision and deadly intent. She moved with the speed and grace of a seasoned warrior, her bloodthirsty demeanour signalling the beginning of her assault.
"Kang-dae, cover me," she commanded, her voice firm and resolute.
"Got it," Kang-dae responded, his shield at the ready.
Hana charged at the Assassins, her blades a blur of motion. Instead of focusing on a single target, she chose to take on two of them simultaneously. Her dual strikes were a whirlwind of slashes and thrusts, each blow calculated to inflict maximum damage while maintaining her defence.
The Assassins, caught off guard by her ferocity, struggled to keep up with her relentless attacks. One Assassin, code-named Assassin 1, attempted to parry her strikes but found himself overwhelmed by her sheer speed and power. Hana's blade found its mark, cutting through his defences and eliminating him from the match.
[Team Fire: Enemy Elimination!]
NexaRealm's automated voice declared, the crowd erupting in cheers.
The second Assassin, known as Assassin 2, tried to exploit Hana's momentary focus on Assassin 1. He launched a swift counterattack, aiming to catch her off guard. But Hana's reflexes were honed to perfection. She dodged his strikes with ease, her movements fluid and deadly. With a swift, precise thrust, she took down Assassin 2, securing another elimination.
[Team Fire: Enemy Elimination!]
NexaRealm announced, the tension in the arena rising to a fever pitch.
The third Assassin, seeing his comrades fall, lunged at Hana, hoping to avenge them. But Kang-dae was ready. He intercepted the attack with his shield, deflecting the Assassin's blade and pushing him back. Kang-dae's defence was unyielding, his strength providing a formidable barrier.
"Hana, finish it," Kang-dae urged, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Hana didn't need further prompting. She turned her focus to the final Assassin, her eyes locked on her target. With a series of swift, lethal strikes, she dismantled his defences, her blades moving with deadly precision. The Assassin had no chance against her onslaught, and within moments, he too was eliminated.
[Team Fire: Enemy Elimination!]
NexaRealm confirmed, the crowd's roar echoing through the arena.
With the three Assassins down, Team Fire had managed to turn the tide. Hana and Kang-dae stood victorious, their aggressive manoeuvre paying off. Jin-kyong maintained her vigilant watch, ensuring Chin-hwa remained at bay. In-su drained and unable to offer more than strategic guidance, could only watch as his team's offensive crumbled.
The beacon's shield, though battered, still stood. Team Fire, though weary, held their ground with unwavering resolve. The clock continued to tick down, and with each passing second, their victory drew closer. The final moments of the match were a testament to their skill, coordination, and sheer determination, as they fought to secure their place as champions.
The crowd was in an uproar as the tide of battle shifted dramatically in favour of Team Fire. The arena buzzed with excitement and disbelief, the atmosphere electric with the energy of the moment. The commentators, their voices amplified across the stadium, captured the intensity of the match.
"Unbelievable! Just moments ago, Aerial had a clear advantage with all five members still in play, and now they're down to just two!" Commentator Dong-yul's voice was filled with astonishment. "This is a phenomenal comeback by Team Fire. Hana's aggressive assault was nothing short of spectacular!"
"Absolutely, Dong-yul," agreed Commentator Soo-min, her voice equally charged. "Hana's decision to take on two Assassins at once was a bold move, and it paid off. Her skill and precision in eliminating those targets were incredible. And let's not forget Kang-dae's critical role in covering her and holding off the third Assassin. Team Fire's coordination and trust in each other are shining through."
As the commentators analyzed the situation, the camera feeds focused on the remaining players. Kang-dae and Hana regrouped near the beacon, their expressions resolute. Jin-kyong, still perched in her sniper's nest, kept her aim locked on Chin-hwa, ensuring he couldn't reposition for a clean shot at the beacon.
"The Mage and the Marksman of Aerial are in a tough spot now," Dong-yul continued. "With their Assassins down, their offensive capabilities are significantly reduced. In-su's mana reserves are depleted from maintaining those illusions earlier, so he's not much of a threat right now. Chin-hwa is an excellent marksman, but he's going to have a hard time breaking through Team Fire's defence alone."
"Exactly. This is a critical moment for Team Aerial. They need to come up with a new strategy fast if they want to turn this around. But with the clock ticking down and the beacon still standing, it's looking more and more like Team Fire might just pull off this incredible win," Soo-min nodded, adding.
Back on the battlefield, the remaining time continued to dwindle. Kang-dae took a deep breath, his muscles aching from the relentless defence. He glanced at Hana, who was equally worn but still ready to fight.
"Hana, we've got this," Kang-dae said, his voice firm. "Let's hold strong."
"We're not letting them through," Hana nodded, her grip on her blades tightening.
"Chin-hwa's still trying to find a new angle. I've got him pinned, but stay alert," Jin-kyong's voice crackled over the comms.
"Good work, Jin-kyong. Keep him occupied," Kang-dae acknowledged her with a nod.
Chin-hwa, aware of the precariousness of their situation, conferred with In-su.
"We need to make a move. We can't just sit here and let the clock run out."
"I know, just a couple more times and I be back at the ready. We need to distract them somehow and go for a coordinated strike," In-su, sweat dripping from his brow, nodded.
"I'll try to draw their fire. Maybe if I can get them to focus on me, you can find a weak spot," Chin-hwa's eyes scanned the battlefield, looking for any potential opening.
"Be careful," In-su cautioned. "We're running out of time."
Chin-hwa took a deep breath and made his move, darting from cover and firing a rapid series of shots toward the beacon. Jin-kyong immediately responded, her aim true as she fired back, forcing Chin-hwa to take evasive action. His manoeuvre was a desperate attempt to buy time and create a distraction.
"In-su, now!" Chin-hwa shouted over the comms.
In-su summoned the last of his mana, casting a final illusion to create confusion among Team Fire. The illusions flickered and shifted, making it difficult for the defenders to distinguish between real and fake threats.
"Hana, on your left!" Kang-dae warned his shield up and ready.
"These tricks won't work on us!" Hana swung her blade, cutting through the illusions with practised ease.
The commentators' voices rang out again, capturing the tension of the moment.
"Aerial's trying to create an opening, but Team Fire is holding firm! We're seeing another set of illusions losing their effectiveness as his mana runs out. It's all or nothing now!" Soo-min exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
With the clock ticking down to the final seconds, Team Fire's resolve hardened. They knew that if they could just hold on a little longer, victory would be theirs. Kang-dae and Hana stood side by side, their defensive line impenetrable. Jin-kyong's sniper shots continued to keep Chin-hwa at bay, ensuring he couldn't get a clean shot at the beacon.
"5 minutes left!" Soo-min's voice boomed over the arena. "Can Team Fire hold out?"
The final moments were a blur of action and determination. Team Aerial's last-ditch efforts were met with unwavering resistance.