The sand lashed out with powerful blows, each strike filled with destructive force. Damien's katana sliced through the air, but each time it connected with the demon, the sand would shield and absorb the attack, making the battle incredibly difficult. Aleric, watching from a distance, knew he was too injured to help directly, but an idea began to form in his mind.
"I have an idea," Aleric said weakly, his voice barely audible over the sounds of battle and the screams of terrified citizens. "I need to produce a ton of electricity to move my body... but I need to get to a high place in Desiaría to gather enough power."
Evelina, her face a mix of determination and fear, nodded. "I'll get you there, Aleric. Just hold on."
Supporting Aleric as best she could, Evelina began to navigate through the panicked crowds. Around them, civilians ran in every direction, their faces masks of horror. The sounds of destruction and chaos echoed through the streets, amplifying the sense of fear and urgency.
Damien continued to battle the demon, his strikes relentless but increasingly desperate. Each clash seemed to shake the ground, and the demon's sinister laughter echoed ominously. "You cannot defeat me, swordsman," the demon taunted. "The sand is my ally, and your efforts are futile."
As Evelina and Aleric made their way toward the highest point in the city, the air around them crackled with tension. "We're almost there," Evelina panted, her strength waning but her resolve unbroken. "Just a little further."
Finally, they reached a vantage point overlooking the city. From this height, Aleric could see the full extent of the chaos below—the swirling sandstorm, the crumbling buildings, and the tiny figures of citizens fleeing in terror. Gathering his remaining strength, Aleric began to focus, calling upon his magic.
"I need you to help me channel the electricity," Aleric instructed Evelina. "Hold onto me and guide the energy."
Evelina placed her hands on Aleric's shoulders, her touch steadying him. Together, they began to draw in the ambient energy of the city, Aleric's body starting to hum with power. The air around them shimmered, and arcs of electricity began to crackle and dance.
Suddenly, a thunderclap echoed through the sky, and a bolt of lightning struck Aleric, engulfing him in a blinding flash of light. His hair levitated, crackling with electricity, and his eyes glowed with an intense, otherworldly light.
Back on the battlefield, Damien's movements grew slower, each attack met with increasing resistance from the demon's sand manipulation. The civilians' screams seemed to fuel the demon's confidence, its malevolent grin widening.
Aleric, feeling the surge of electricity within him, steeled himself. "This is it," he said, determination etched in his voice. "Let's do this."
With Evelina's help, Aleric unleashed a massive burst of electricity, his body jolting with the raw power. The energy coursed through him, forcing his muscles to respond despite the pain. As the electricity enveloped him, Aleric felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Damien, glancing up, saw the brilliant flash of light from the high point in the city. "Aleric..." he murmured, a spark of hope igniting within him. The battle was far from over, but with Aleric's plan in motion, there was a chance to turn the tide against the demon and protect Desiaría from utter devastation.